Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ For The Love of a Friend ❯ No Love, New Friend ( Chapter 9 )

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

 

No Love, New Friend

 

Soi's behaviour at the Captains' meeting had shocked him. Her accusations, blatant disregard for the feelings of other people and total selfishness amazed him. She seemed to hate his lieutenant and he had no idea why. As far as he knew there had been little to no contact between them. When she had viciously uttered her accusations, he had been watching Zaraki, wondering if blood would be shed. When Zaraki had picked her up, he felt impelled to intervene, to protect Soi, but resisted. Not only would she reject any offer of assistance, it would indicate a regard for her that he did not feel. Strangely, he felt a pang of compassion for Captain Zaraki and a recognition that he cared deeply about Matsumoto.

 

That had been bad enough, but the day increasingly became worse. The Arrancar attack had not surprised him. Having fought against them, listened to their boastful words, he'd unwittingly expected the alarm, anticipated the attack on the Seireitei. He would have mentioned it to Matsumoto before it happened, but didn't have a chance. During the battle, he hadn't noticed anything unusual except the number of Hollows and Arrancar who seemed to have a personal interest in rending him limb from limb. Not for the first time he appreciated the strength of his bankai. Every so often, he would see the other members of his Division fighting valiantly, but he had been caught up in attempting to redeem as many souls as possible and protect those already present in Soul Society. Only after the Arrancar had withdrawn did he notice that both Zaraki and Matsumoto had disappeared.

 

As he walked back with his Division to their quarters, they swapped their hero stories, comparing the number of Hollows killed, the wounds inflicted and the near misses. Toshiro spoke to a few members, indicating his approval, or giving sharp reprimands to those who had been less than diligent. Even as he was doing this he continued to feel gratitude that the 2nd Division had not been assisting. Seeing Soi would cause that rush of mixed feelings he didn't want to examine.

 

His Division urged him to eat with them, to continue the discussion. Some of them seemed very stimulated as they had finally fought the enemy instead of hearing about their abilities or seeing images on the screen. Fighting was more interesting than watching. For once he accepted the invitation. He was hungry and the only thing awaiting him was more work without the regular Matsumoto distractions.

 

Once they were seated, the food served and drink flowing freely, the conversation became more general.

 

“I thought I saw Captain Ichimaru, I mean ex Captain Ichimaru during the fight,” the man sitting next to him spoke quietly.

 

Toshiro looked at him sharply. “Are you sure?” The information made him feel a deep level of concern.

 

“No. I thought it was him, but he disappeared fast. It might have been him, or maybe I expected to see him because of the Arrancar and Hollows,” the man tapped the end of the chopsticks against his chin, appearing Last in thought.

 

“I didn't see him, and no one else has mentioned him. Don't tell anyone. If he was here, he's gone now,” Toshiro instructed. This news made him feel very uneasy and he immediately wanted to leave. “I remember something I have to do,” he said rising to his feet.

 

“Hey Captain, we're having fun. Don't go yet, I want to see that move you made when the Hollow tried to slice you when you were wrestling with that Arrancar,” one voice requested.

 

“No, there's an urgent matter I have to investigate,” he said.

 

“Okay, you can go but don't forget to pay,” one wag called.

 

“For the food, yes. You can pay for your own drink,” Toshiro said. What did it matter? He had little on which he wished to spend money.

 

As he left he heard the sound of cheers as his Division toasted him. They were easily pleased.

 

Hurrying in the direction of 4th Division he wondered if the attack had been a diversion. It was possible that Aizen had heard of Momo's pregnancy and had arranged for her to be taken to Las Noches. It seemed unlikely, but he did not like to think of Momo being within the traitor's grasp, especially as she had still not recovered. If only he could find the way to tell her of her pregnancy, but he still hesitated.

 

“Toshiro! You came to visit me. I know you've been here before, but I was asleep most of the time. Kira was here. He left a few minutes ago,” Momo seemed pleased to see him.

 

“Hi, Momo. How are you?” He had wished to see her awake, but suddenly he did not know what to say to her. Being in this room brought back memories of Soi.

 

“I feel strange. Kira kept telling me that my Captain tried to kill me. I know he's mistaken. It was Captain Ichimaru who hurt me. Captain Aizen would never hurt me; he's always been so protective of me. I'm sure it's a mistake and he'll return soon. The Seireitei seems empty without him; don't you think so, Toshiro?” Momo looked at him brightly.

 

He sat down, feeling uneasy. Soi had mentioned that Momo was delusional and that there seemed to be something wrong with her. Now he understood that while Soi may have been exaggerating, she was partially correct. His friend had trouble accepting reality. Finally he understood the concerns that Captain Unohana had mentioned to him about Momo's fragile state of mind. What could he say to her that would not upset her, or confuse her further?

 

A messenger appeared before him. “Captains' meeting in 10 minutes, Sir. Attend without fail,” he said forcefully before leaving as rapidly as he arrived,

 

“But you only arrived. Do you really have to go so soon? I wanted to talk to you about what happened while you were away.” It was evident that Momo was not happy about the summons.

 

“Yes, Momo. I do have to attend the meeting. Captain Aizen always obeyed his summons, didn't he,” was his gentle reminder, hoping at least this argument might persuade her.

 

“Come back soon, Toshiro. I want you to tell me what's been happening. Tell me everything that's been happening to Captain Aizen.” Momo said as he left.

 

He felt in need of a wash before the tedium of the meeting. Entering his quarters he removed the stains of battle. Another meeting so soon after the enmity of the last meeting and the cold interaction with Soi was less than appealing.

 

All too soon he found himself at 1st Division, preparing to explain about the Arrancar attack. Again the Captain's were assembled with one notable exception. He kept his eyes either on the wall or the floor, not wishing to be tempted to look at Soi.

 

“Where is Captain Zaraki? He should be here as he was not mentioned amongst the casualties,” Yamamoto voiced his disapproval.

 

“I don't know,” Toshiro said. Was he his brother Captain's keeper? Why did he feel the need to explain? Why did everyone expect him to provide all the answers?

 

“I am not pleased. I require a full update on the attack and it is the responsibility of each Captain to provide a report. There will be...” the Captain-General's tirade was interrupted by a knock at the door.

 

Ikkaku was ushered in and he provided the report for Captain Zaraki, including an explanation of the attack. He was panting heavily and had obviously run for some distance to deliver the account. He mopped his head continually; trying to remove the perspiration while attempting to be subtle and surreptitious. Toshiro noticed Captain Kuchiki's face became frozen with disdain each time Ikkaku tried to remove the sweat. The reaction to the news was mirrored in the faces of those Captains' Toshiro dared to look at. No one quite wanted to believe that their security had been breached so easily and the traitor's could return.

 

“Ichimaru was here? To abduct Lieutenant Rangiku?” The shock in Yamamoto's voice was mixed with another emotion. To Toshiro it sounded like satisfaction. “Where are the Captain and Lieutenant now? Did they return to the Seireitei?”

 

“One of my men told me he thought he'd seen Ichimaru. I told him to keep it quiet, Toshiro said, ignoring the second part of the Captain's questions.

 

Looking increasingly ill at ease, Ikkaku grudgingly mentioned that his Captain had decided to spend the night in Soul Society to be alone with his wife.

 

This news shocked Toshiro and from the expression on their faces many of the other Captains were concerned. First Ichimaru had returned to seize his former lover and then departed without achieving his object was alarming. The fact that Zaraki had been so short sighted as to stay in Soul Society with his wife was outrageous.

 

“Get them back here, now. Ichimaru wants the woman and they're unprotected.” A few suppressed laughs burst out, but Yamamoto ignored them. “You, Hitsugaya, Madarame and Ukitake get some strong fighters and `influence' them to return. Use force or kido if necessary. I want them here in half an hour.”

 

After the preparation it was an anti-climax to find the Captain with his bride clutched firmly to his chest returning at full speed. The following meeting caused more discomfort for Toshiro than he wanted.

 

Again Zaraki demanded that his wife be moved to his Division, even if only temporarily. In doing so, Zaraki insulted him, indicating that he didn't trust Toshiro to be able to protect Matsumoto and intimated that he was weak. The man was obnoxious and the situation deteriorated even further. Insults and accusation began to fly between Zaraki and Matsumoto. The marriage that he'd witnessed only that morning was in acute trouble.

 

Every time he had to intervene he felt the situation unravel further. Zaraki was too angry to listen to reason and Matsumoto's temper was showing also. The Captain-General seemed loath to intervene.

 

Then, the unexpected. Until now he had managed to ignore Soi. It had been tough keeping his eyes firmly fixed elsewhere, but she had been quiet and that had made it easier.

 

Why Soi made the unexpected offer to allocate some of her special squad to watch and protect Matsumoto, Toshiro didn't know, nor would he ask her. Her voice sounded calm and reasoned, at odds with the virago who had spoken that morning. Despite his resolve he looked at her and felt a flicker of something. Was it a sense of loss, or relief? She was staring at Zaraki, her face sincere.

 

He had hoped the offer would dispel some of the tension in the room but the situation disintegrated further. He felt his anger begin to rise as Kurotsuchi began to speak, but could not intervene. The man was a weasel, waiting to attack when the victim was weakest. He insinuated that Ran was working with the traitors and she was only pretending to care about her husband. Ran was visibly upset by the accusations and Zaraki became more infuriated with each word uttered. It was a relief when he finished planting his poison and the Captain-General announced his decision and Matsumoto was allowed to leave. Toshiro and the other Captains, with the exception of Zaraki were dismissed soon after and Toshiro considered visiting his lieutenant to try to calm her down, but Captain Unohana was waiting to talk to him.

 

“Captain Hitsugaya, with your permission I would like to talk to Lieutenant Rangiku before her husband returns. Would you please try to make Captain Zaraki see sense and try to delay him?” She saw his hesitation. “Sometimes a woman understands better than a man.”

 

He nodded and waited. The waiting was unfortunate as he had left early deliberately to avoid Soi. She emerged soon after Captain Unohana left.

 

“Captain Hitsugaya,” she said curtly as she made to walk past him.

 

“Thank you, Captain Fong. That was a generous offer you made,” he said politely as he tried not to look at her.

 

“It is only fair. Certain facts have come to my attention that encourage me believe I have misjudged Lieutenant Rangiku. Good day, Captain,” her voice cool, her demeanour unyielding, Toshiro found he had to look at her. Their eyes met for a moment, emerald gazed into hazel and for a moment all the animosity he felt toward her disappeared.

 

“Soi, it doesn't have to be like this,” he said quietly, trying to keep the pleading tone from his voice.

 

“Are you still planning on marrying Lieutenant Hinamori, Captain?” The blunt question demanded an honest response.

 

“I haven't asked her yet. I'm not sure…”

 

“Then we have nothing further to say to each other Captain Hitsugaya. Don't speak to me in future unless it is connected to an urgent matter that relates to our duties and responsibilities.” Gazing straight ahead, Soi walked away, her bearing indicating her low tolerance for his company.

 

“Screw this. What was that about?” Toshiro thought feeling his face grow warm as he watched her small figure move further from him. For a moment he wished she was walking toward him, not increasing the distance between them.

 

Finally Zaraki emerged. His eyes were unfocused and he did not look very approachable.

 

“Captain…” Toshiro began.

 

“Get the fuck away from me, short arse. I don't want to bloody talk to you Hitsugaya. I'm going to `talk' to my loving spouse and anything you have to say is irrelevant. Now, shift out of my way or I'll rearrange your intestines.” Zaraki grabbed at Toshiro who swiftly stepped to one side, watching anxiously as the large Captain began to run to his quarters.

 

Not knowing what to do, he started to follow the Captain, wanting to prevent any bloodshed but Ikkaku and Yumichika appeared in front of him.

 

“News travels fast. Don't try to help, you'll only make it worse,” Yumichika said solemnly. His face was very serious and he did not preen or even seem aware of his beauty.

 

“I thought you might try to follow. Ran chose him, he chose her. If you try to intervene, they won't last and our Captain needs her. We'll listen, we'll observe. If she is as in love with him, as I think she is, she'll turn it around,” Ikkaku said, his face was hard.

 

They nodded at him and turned, speeding after their captain. Toshiro stood there, slightly at a loss, dumbfounded and slightly jealous of the regard these men held for their captain and their concern for his wellbeing.

 

“Now there's someone who looks like he needs a friend. Captain, you've had a busy time of it. Want to sit down and talk about it? If Nanao sees me with another Captain, she might not nag me about proper conduct, or the work I should be doing. We don't even have to talk, I'd like some quiet after those meetings.”

 

The unexpected voice and the unanticipated offer made Toshiro's spirit lift a minute amount. “Captain Kyoraku; it's an unexpected offer and I accept.”

 

“Good, then let's leave here quickly. I sense a certain Captain approaching and I don't want his company. Even when he sticks in the walls I feel his loathsome reiatsu proclaiming his presence. Your office? Nanao won't look for me there. You do have sake don't you?” The smile on the face of the 8th Division Captain was furtive but sincere.

 

Arriving at his office he ushered the other Captain in and urged him to sit while pouring him a drink. He watched as his visitor swirled the liquid before sipping it. “Good stuff. I suppose it belongs to Ran? I thought so,” he said as Toshiro nodded in answer to the question.

 

Sitting there in his quiet office watching his brother captain sip sake he recognised the truth in the statement he had made earlier. It was refreshing to experience the quiet after the two meetings and the battle with the Arrancar. Shunsui might wear a woman's kimono and appear to be dominated by his lieutenant, but Toshiro had always believed there was more to the man than that. He was a soothing companion, not babbling with inane conversation but he shortly broke the silence.

 

“A long day, with too many events. I must apologise, Captain. I visited Captain Fong and spoke to her about your Lieutenant. Ran's my friend and I don't like to hear people talk about her the way Captain Fong did. I think Kenpachi scared her when he picked her up because she seemed terrified to be alone in a room with me. The Captain insisted that some of her strongest people waited outside in case I got violent. Hell, I wouldn't want to fight her. I've seen her in action, and she's good, but she has some strange views on your subordinate. She seemed very suspicious and was convinced that Ran was not honest or trustworthy but I managed to convince her of Ran's integrity. Soi's found it hard since Yoruichi left and seems to be lonely. I don't think she has many friends and that's sad. Her offer of protection was by way of an apology to the Captain and Lieutenant. You will let them know, won't you, if the marriage lasts until the end of the day,” sipping the sake, Shunsui smiled broadly, seemingly relaxed about the outcome of events.

 

“Of course.” What other answer could he provide? The information was not what he had expected from this encounter.

 

“You've fought with a number of Arrancar. Are they that different from Hollows? I've seen all the data, but watching is nothing like experiencing. Have a drink with me, I hate to drink alone,” the expectant look required an honest answer and to deny the request seemed rude.

 

After the previous evening, Toshiro was reluctant to drink anything. Temporising, he set out some snacks and poured a very small measure of sake for himself before he spoke. He concentrated more on the food than the drink. “Think of it this way: fighting a Hollow is like fighting an unseated Shinigami and battling an Arrancar is comparable to combating a Captain,” Toshiro tried to explain as best he could.

 

The man whistled appreciatively. “That might be interesting if I ever manage to get away from Nanao. I wonder if Kenpachi enjoyed it; he does like fighting.”

 

They lapsed into silence again. The earlier mention of Soi made Toshiro's thoughts stray in her direction. He knew this Captain's reputation with women and wondered if he would be able to offer some advice.

 

“Are all women impossible to understand?” The words were out of his mouth before he could recall them. That was too damned revealing.

 

The Captain smiled widely. “That depends on whether you are asking about every woman; or one in particular?”

 

The answer didn't make any sense to Toshiro. “What do you mean? I'm asking about women.”

 

“The wording of the question is general, the intensity of the question means you are thinking about one lady in particular. It's a different answer if you're asking in general to one in particular.” Leaning forward, Shunsui replenished both their drinks. “Ah, women,” he said expansively. “Are you having trouble understanding Ran? She's not as complicated as some; she's too damn honest for her own good. But I don't think she's the one you're thinking about.”

 

“No, not her,” Toshiro sipped at his cup, momentarily realising he was drinking more than he had wished. The question had distracted him and made him instinctively raise the cup to his lips. He'd substitute water for sake when the cup was empty.

 

“Aha. It is a specific question, not general. To give a broad answer women are not impossible to understand. It's possible, but to understand all of them, you have to start by appreciating one. That can take a lifetime or minutes. It depends on how much you wish to delve into the character of the lady.” A reminiscent grin crossed the Captain's face as he spoke. “Who is she?”

 

Toshiro thought furiously. He did not wish to express an interest in anyone. “No one. I was just curious after today. I never thought of Zaraki getting married, especially not to my lieutenant.”

 

A light laugh greeted his answer. “An interesting lie, Toshiro. I can call you that, can't I?”

 

He felt his anger quicken at the charge. “I don't lie.”

 

“Maybe it's not a lie, but it's not the truth either. If you are interested in a particular female, be very careful. One woman can destroy your life.”

 

Toshiro decided to turn the tables. “You only say that because of your lieutenant.”

 

“No, I don't let her destroy my life. I cajole her, make her feel special, flirt with her, but, ultimately, I ignore her. She feels important, believes that she orders my life, but she knows nothing.” Shunsui was extraordinarily relaxed as he made the statement. He leant back in his chair, arms behind his head, his whole body indicating his peaceful mood.

 

“But, I thought you and your lieutenant….”

 

“That's exactly what I want everyone to think and I'm glad to hear it's working. It's easy to pretend I care when people are around. Nanao and I? Not in all my lifetimes. If I could select a different lieutenant, I would. At one time I wished to approach you about swapping because Ran is much more relaxed about things, and better company. I'd prefer to plunge my cock into dry ice it than try to insert it into Nanao. The dry ice wouldn't expect anything in return and it wouldn't nag me and the pain would be considerably less. God, fucking her would be like taking a test and she'd tell me how I could improve all the time. I prefer passion rather than logic. Nanao would be better suited to some one like you, Toshiro.”

 

“I don't want her,” the words were out of Toshiro's mouth before he could stop them, “as my lieutenant or anything else.”

 

“Who would? That's what I mean. She's as sexy as a man trap, but at least you can get released from the trap.” Tilting his head back so that the hat fell from his head he sighed loudly. “I keep hoping that something will happen so she's moved. Are you sure you don't want to swap?”

 

“Hell, no. Matsumoto at least has a sense of humour and is as you say honest and a person who you can spend time with. I I like her.”

 

“You're lucky. I don't like Nanao, but I have to pretend I do to keep her sweet. She's a frigid, irritating, nasty bitch. Sometimes I fantasise she'll be offered a Captain's position, but she can't bankai and she'd be crap to work for. No one would want to work with her, either. I could send her to Las Noches. Maybe the Arrancar will like her, or maybe we can get someone to romance her, distract her, and get her off my back.”

 

“So who it your interest, Shunsui?” If he didn't ask he might never find out. He doubted that Shunsui would provide that information.

 

The 8th Division Captain was in the middle of pouring sake and he jerked, spilling some on the table as Toshiro asked the question. “I should have expected that query,” his face broke into a smile. “Tell me who you want to understand and I might tell you.”

 

Shaking his head firmly Toshiro felt his face flush. “I'm not interested in understanding any one woman. I was curious, that's all.”

 

“My interest will remain my secret, but I wouldn't have told you anyway. So, sudden change of subject, can you recommend anyone to sweet talk my lieutenant? You've turned down the suggestion, but there must be someone who could like her.” The question was asked in a serious tone.

 

“You're kidding aren't you?”

 

“If it makes Nanao easier to cope with, no. Zaraki and Renji are not available, you're not interested, I'm not interested and Captain Kurotsuchi is just too abnormal.”

 

Smiling slightly at his idea, Toshiro suggested, “Captain Kuchiki or Captain Yamamoto might be possibilities. I'm not serious, but...”

 

“The Captain-General! Why didn't I think of it earlier? She loves power and powerful men. Byakuya wouldn't favour her, that's for sure, but she'd be very interested in the Captain-General. How do I arrange it? How can I even get him to look at her? Let's think about it tonight and we'll get together tomorrow to talk about it. Nanao's taken to following me when I go to relax, so if I visit you she won't know, and I can have some peace. My drinking buddies are sick of her interruptions and told me I can't join them again until she stops barging in. God, if Ran had been there she would have got rid of Nanao, fast,” Shunsui was already planning. “I told my lieutenant to quit it, but she never fucking listens to me, unless I say what she wants to hear. If she's got something or better, someone else to think about I can get my life back.”

 

For a moment, Toshiro felt like rejecting the offer, but the offer of company was welcome. The silly idea might occupy him and it would mean he had something to look forward to the following day and it might make him focus on something other than Soi and Momo. “Fine, but you bring the sake tomorrow. I wonder if it's possible for Yamamoto to romance anyone.”

 

“There's got to be a way. He must have a weakness,” Shunsui rose to his feet and drained the last of his sake. “See you tomorrow, Toshiro.” He nodded slightly and left.

 

After his departure, Toshiro found he was gazing at the wall, lost in thought about how he could unite the unlikely couple of Nanao and Yamamoto. It wouldn't be possible, would it?

 

A.N.

 

This story takes place around the same time and in the same AU as Different Circumstances. To understand it all you have to read both. Should I apologise? Nah, saying sorry is for wimps and people who pretend they care.

 

To reiterate, Ichigo, if he appears, will not be paired with Yoruichi, Tatsuki or Orihime. There's a list of others, but thinking about it bores me.

 

Review. I like reviews. Thanks to Bastion, anhimals and sheastarr334 for taking the time to review. The answer to the question about Soi will appear later.

 

The adjunct Soi nicks the food from is Oomaeda Marechiyo, her lieutenant.