Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ For The Love of a Friend ❯ Soured Love ( Chapter 14 )

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

 

Soured Love

 

Trying to talk to Yamamoto was proving to be more of a trial than either of them anticipated. For every suggestion they made he required a full explanation of the choice and the reasoning. Each reason he countered with an observation about the character of the nominee which made him or her unsuitable for the position of captain.

 

“Renji Abarai is too undisciplined. I'd hoped that the example of his captain would provide him with a model of behaviour,” was his first comment.

 

“Sir, he is a senior officer and he has proven his worth. He has reached bankai and marriage may settle him,” Soi sounded very certain of her facts.

 

“Kira should be given the opportunity,” Toshiro said. He tried to sound as if he believed his suggestion, but he did not feel the certainty he was trying to project and he knew that Renji was the better alternative. The one major flaw was Renji had fought against his Captain and could be considered insubordinate. “He knows the Division and is the logical choice.”

 

“3rd Division need new blood, a new way. They're scarred by the desertion of their captain and I do not feel that Kira has the character or the charisma to lead. Has he reached bankai?” Soi slid in the last comment adroitly and Toshiro again felt a surge of admiration for the woman.

 

Now that they were completely estranged he found he respected her. It was not possible to forgive her behaviour the last time they had screwed, no man would; yet he almost understood why she did it. Her rejection of him was complete and she had made it clear that there could be nothing between them. Each time she had tried to end it, he had pressed her to continue, despite her obvious need to finish with him. Some nights he couldn't help but imagine how that fuck would have ended if she hadn't interrupted at that moment. It had all gone wrong.

 

If only he could turn the clock back to the time before he'd asked that stupid question. If he could have that naked, horny Soi in his arms and forget about Momo and the rest of the Seireitei, forget about the abduction of his lieutenant and this ill conceived plan to distract the old man while the gateway to Hueco Mundo was created. He still didn't know why he'd opened his stupid mouth.

 

“Unfortunately I cannot ask Lieutenant Abarai his opinion on the matter as he has left, without permission, to assist the deputy Shinigami. I do not believe that marriage will settle him. His future wife accompanied him and she has requested a two year engagement. I had expected a speedier wedding, but the woman feels she needs time,” Captain Yamamoto said. “As you say, Lieutenant Kira Izuru is the logical choice, but I do not favour him.”

 

“I urge you to consider Renji Abarai,” Soi said firmly, “even if the appointment is only temporary. You could choose short-term captains so the Divisions do not feel leaderless. The fact that new captains haven't been appointed makes you look indecisive,” Soi slid the intended barb in cleverly, with a subtle deference.

 

Yamamoto gave Soi a cool look after her comment. She had hit a nerve as she intended, but Toshiro wondered if it would persuade him to make a decision.

 

“We are all suffering because of the traitors,” Toshiro said firmly, trying to provide support for Soi. “New captains might help, even provisional ones.”

 

“I am aware of this,” Captain Yamamoto sounded terse and the disapproval was clear in his expression. “To discuss this properly I should call a Captain's meeting.”

 

“You don't need to do that,” Toshiro broke in urgently. “My idea was to present potential candidates to you for your consideration. You know that most will follow your lead, Sir.”

 

Yamamoto nodded and the discussion continued, painfully. The only redeeming feature was that Soi worked with him, even while appearing vehemently opposed to his suggestions. Yamamoto was becoming obviously tired of the discussion after the first hour and called a halt. “I need to eat. The recent events have exhausted all of us. Come back in an hour, an hour and a half, if you feel the need to continue this debate,” he said, rising from his chair.

 

“Um, Sir, can't we eat with you and continue the conversation?” If Yamamoto left he might enquire about Zaraki's whereabouts. Toshiro needed Zaraki to leave and rescue Matsumoto. If Zaraki could overcome overwhelming obstacles, then maybe it was an indication that Toshiro could turn his life around. There might be a slim possibility that Matsumoto might help him sort out his problems as no one else could. It also meant he could spend more time with Soi and that was attractive to him. Her keen intelligence was refreshing, and he wanted to excuse to look at her.

 

“No. I require a break from this conversation. Come back in an hour.” The Captain -General's tone brooked no argument and he stood and escorted them to the door.

 

Soi and Toshiro looked at each other as soon as they were outside. “Hungry?” he asked.

 

“Yes. I will not dine with you,” Soi replied, dashing his hopes. “That would imply something.”

 

“Come on Soi. Let's be mature about this. It's just company while we eat. You don't have to talk to me.” He didn't know why he was persisting. It was clear that she did not want to spend any time with him, but for some reason he didn't want to be apart from her.

 

Her level gaze seemed to question his motivation, as did he. “We have spent most of today in each other's company. After our last encounter I thought you would be glad to be away from me.”

 

“Maybe,” he said and impulsively leant across and kissed her. Her hands pushed at him as their lips met then instead of pushing him away she held him close and responded. Toshiro refused to think, just wrapped his arms around the woman and continued to kiss her, enjoying the feeling of her form within his arms. She did not relax, but seemed to mould herself against him.

 

Suddenly Soi jerked her mouth from his and gave him a confused look which rapidly turned to rage. She dropped her arms and pulled away from him. “I need to be alone,” she said and moved away rapidly.

 

As tempted as he was to follow her, he recognised it was a bad idea. Once again he'd given into a whim that should have been ignored and Soi was angry with him. This time he had been fortunate that she did not try to kill him and only wished to spend time away from him. He hadn't immediately wanted to screw her while kissing her. Instead he was more interested in holding her close, feeling the warmth and passion that lay under the surface.

 

How many errors could he make with one person? Feeling cursed, he went into the nearest place that sold food, ordered and ate without tasting what he consumed. Once he had thought of again asking Shunsui his advice, but while they were friends he was not sure he could trust his discretion. The man did like to gossip, except about himself. Also, any advice he had given was a little strange. His antipathy to his lieutenant seemed to waver at times and Toshiro had trouble working out how he really felt. So far they had not thought of any ploy to make Yamamoto notice Nanao and recent events made the idea seem unimportant.

 

If he decided to follow Shunsui's earlier advice, which was the only advice he'd had thus far, it still left him with one problem. How did he get to know Soi? Now he knew he wanted to find out more about her, follow through the idea of becoming, if not a friend, at least someone she didn't avoid. If only that bastard Aizen hadn't impregnated Momo, life would be much easier.

 

“Captain? I'm surprised to find you here. I wanted to talk to you,” a low voice speaking behind his left shoulder startled him. The voice was not familiar and he wasn't sure if he knew it.

 

Swivelling around, he recognised Kiyone Koutestu, the 3rd seat from 13th Division. “Did your captain ask you to speak to me?” He was curious as he did not think he had any business with Captain Ukitake but the distraction from his thoughts was welcome.

 

“It's an urgent matter that I need to discuss with you, in private, Captain Hitsugaya,” she said as she gazed earnestly into his eyes.

 

He found the intensity of her gaze unsettling, but as he had finished eating and there was still half an hour before he could talk to Captain Yamamoto again he decided he may as well find out what this female wished to discuss. She gave every appearance of being sincere without the inanity he expected from her. “Private? Why? Where?”

 

“Follow me. I know just the place,” was the quick reply. “It's not far.”

 

Wondering, he paid his bill and escorted Kiyone from the building and she led the way toward 13th Division. She attempted a few conversational overtures but he didn't really reply, caught up as he was with his thoughts about Soi, Zaraki, Ichimaru and Matsumoto. Finally one comment made by Kiyone broke through his thoughts.

 

“I'm sorry your lieutenant was abducted.” She looked at him, concern mirrored in her eyes.

 

“So am I. I don't feel that she will be treated well,” he said slowly. While he spoke he again hoped that Yamamoto had not sent for Zaraki or any of the others who were working on the passageway. Briefly he considered that he demand to join the expedition, but remembered that his role was to divert attention.

 

“But Captain Ichimaru loved her once. Surely he won't hurt her. He must still love her; otherwise why go to all this trouble?” Kiyone said disingenuously.

 

“Love? I know Matsumoto loved him but I've never been certain if the affection was returned. It was hard on her that her love seemed to be ignored and then rejected,” Toshiro commented with only half his attention on what he was saying. He was again thinking of Soi. The last kiss they'd shared confused him.

 

“We're here,” Kiyone said, opening a door and waiting for him to precede her into the room.

 

Looking around the street he wondered if she had mistaken the building. They were in what seemed to be her quarters. There was a fresh sleeping mat laid out on the floor, sweet scented plum blossom were on a small table, and the room was tidy, very tidy. It appeared that someone had cleaned all the surfaces methodically and attempted to make the room as welcoming as possible. Toshiro has a sudden bad feeling about this. “Why here?”

 

The woman moved very close to him, so close that her clothes brushed his. “Because it's time to tell you how I feel about you,” she said. Her voice sounded odd, like she was trying to sound seductive, instead she sounded like she had a bad cold.

 

The gist of the comments dawned on Toshiro and his stomach churned. His hasty lunch was rebelling. “How you…. feel about me? Why should you feel anything for me? I'm a Captain of a different division. Now is not a good time to talk about feelings,” he said quickly moving toward the door but she moved in front of him, blocking the exit.

 

“You have to listen to me. I know about you and that Fong woman,” the emphasis on the 2nd Divisions Captain's name was not lost on Toshiro.

 

He decided to act as if he did not know what she was talking about. “She is a Captain and we have talked in the course of our normal duties.” He began to walk toward the door again, determined to get out of the room before anything more could be said.

 

“You've done more than talk, a lot more. I know. I know you had sex with her. How could you?” She again moved to block his exit and her face was close to his as she spat out the words.

 

For a second he was pleased that she wasn't crying. Then he straightened to be as tall as he could and looked at her firmly. “How could I? How could I what?” He tried to move, but her hands were clutching at his coat. Not wishing to touch her, he nonetheless tried to remove her frantic grasp.

 

“Why her? Why not me?” The voice that asked the questions was fierce.

 

Taken aback he stopped trying to remove her hands from his coat. “You?”

 

“Yes, me. I've been waiting for you to notice me. I was walking past the place when I saw Fong go inside. I wondered why she was in a building that was so far from her Division and then I saw you go inside. It was apparent to me that you'd arranged to meet. I saw you leave. You looked angry but satisfied at the same time. I guessed what you'd been doing and it made me cry. You hurt me,” the accusation was very strong.

 

“Why should it hurt you?” Toshiro was dumbfounded. She was the person sobbing? That couldn't be right, but then he was pretty sure it hadn't been Soi crying. But Kiyone? He'd hardly noticed this woman and now she appeared to be inferring that they had a relationship. Women were becoming more of a problem in his life than he had ever thought possible. Now he began to long for the days when his only problem female had been his lieutenant and occasionally Momo. There had been a pleasant absence of these confusing conversations that seemed to be continually taking place in his life.

 

“Because I love you, Cap… Toshiro. I love you and want to be with you,” she said her hands again gripping his coat. She brought her face close to his and tried to kiss him.

 

He'd only recently kissed Soi and didn't want to tongue tango with this person. Placing his hands on her shoulders he pushed her away. She tried to move closer, but he exerted his strength and released some of his reiatsu to help increase his strength. Kiyone staggered back, releasing his coat. “You don't love me and I have no feelings for you. I'm going. I have a meeting with Captain Yamamoto,” he stuttered, trying to sound confident.

 

“If you don't break with her, I'll tell everyone. Gossip travels fast,” there was no way he could mistake what she meant.

 

“It's over between us,” the words were quickly said and he tried to quell the disappointment he felt as he uttered them.

 

Kiyone smiled and he did not like the expression of approval in her eyes that accompanied the smile.

 

“I'm not free to form any romantic liaison,” he said stiffly, trying to be as formal as possible. “The current situation is very worrying and I wish to remain focused on the problems that need to be addressed. I must go.”

 

“I won't tell anyone about you and Fong,” Kiyone said sweetly. “As long as you don't start anything with her again, or anyone else.”

 

Toshiro turned and looked at her sharply. “You cannot dictate my actions. I will be talking to your Captain later today. My personal life is not open for discussion.”

 

“How would your friend, Lieutenant Hinamori, feel about this secret?” Kiyone said very softly. Her eyes were shadowed as she asked the question and her face was turned from him.

 

Toshiro felt a shock run through him. He had not guessed that she, that anyone, would sink that low. “I don't know you, but I did not think you would be needlessly cruel. Momo is still recovering from shock,” Toshiro found he was protesting and did not like the feeling that this woman could hurt her for no good reason.

 

“I didn't mean it about Momo. I wanted a reaction. I'm not cruel, but I'm in earnest. Captain Yamamoto might be interested,” Kiyone continued.

 

“I'll advise your Captain that you've attempted blackmail,” Toshiro said. He felt the coldness he suppressed begin to grow within him.

 

“You can't unless you tell him what… that is, it's not blackmail. I'm not asking for money,” Kiyone looked startled and distressed. “I only want you to spend time with me.”

 

Looking steadily at her Toshiro spoke slowly and carefully. “I owe you nothing. Your captain is an honourable man. I won't spend time with you. Act as you wish, but prepare for consequences.”

 

He left without giving her a chance to answer. The incident made his already confused mind stagger at yet another matter which it had to think about. Until now he had paid little mind to Kiyone, only as a figure that shadowed her captain and was often found drunk and giggling with the other third seat of 13th Division. She was very unlike her sister who was conscious of her dignity. He supposed she was pretty, but now he found he preferred dark hair, slanted eyes and a cool dignity.

 

Striding back through the streets, he passes a shop selling unusual items. For some reason a small onyx figure of a reclining cat caught his attention. A few minutes later, a little package was in his pocket and he continued his journey to 1st Division. He knew Soi liked black cats and he hoped if he gave her the statue, she might forgive him the kiss.

 

Arriving outside the 1st Division headquarters he saw Soi was already there, seemingly composed and untroubled. She observed him with little interest and then nodded slightly. “The passageway is nearly completed,” the murmured communication made him immediately jerk in unconscious reaction. “We must keep the old man occupied for another 20 minutes at least. We could return to my earlier plan and fight each other to the death. Don't kiss me again.”

 

Toshiro suppressed his urge to protest and knew that giving her the present would be a mistake. Her face was closed and if he gave her anything she might try to force him to eat it. “No. I won't fight you. He'd probably have us imprisoned because of the mood he's in. Zaraki shook him up earlier and I think he's still smarting.”

 

Soi nodded slowly. “Perhaps.”

 

As they waited Toshiro was overcome by a feeling of foreboding. This was a mistake. Yamamoto didn't want to make these decisions or be forced into thinking about it. They both fell silent, waiting for the summons to go inside. Wondering what they could say to the Captain-General to keep him occupied was making him think of ridiculous plans, like kissing Soi in front of Yamamoto, despite her demand that he not do it again. Or he could request permission to lead a rescue mission to Hueco Mundo to save Matsumoto. The ploy of suggesting potential captains was wearing thin.

 

Minutes passed. “I'll suggest his lieutenant next,” Soi said, her eyes fixed on the opposite wall.

 

“For which Division?” Toshiro didn't really care, he was just making conversation to pass the time and stop thinking.

 

“5th.”

 

5th Division. Momo. He'd have to visit her again, though the thought depressed him. He'd tell her nothing of recent events as he was uncertain how she would react to news of the marriage or abduction. Her focus had narrowed so much that he worried if she would be able to cope with reality. Momo's way of looking at life had always been slightly skewed but now it was even more illogical than before. If he mentioned this discussion Yamamoto she would immediately deny that Aizen should be replaced. Despite all the evidence she claimed that he would return, that he was innocent and it was all a misunderstanding. Captain Unohana had mentioned that he should tell Momo about her condition as soon as possible, suggesting it might be the key to breaking the layers of denial Momo had woven. With a surge of guilt he feared Momo was now clinically insane.

 

“I wonder if the old man will even see us. We've been waiting and we know that his lieutenant has told him we're here,” Soi's voice broke the silence.

 

Just as she spoke the lieutenant opened the door and ushered them inside.

 

Captain Yamamoto was standing and observed them fiercely. He paused, waiting for them to pay him their full attention and then spoke quietly, but forcefully. “The passageway is completed and the rescue party has left.”

 

His jaw dropping, Toshiro wondered if he'd misheard. He was telling them that Zaraki and the others had left? That couldn't be correct. Soi and he were here for the sole purpose of distracting him.

 

“I'm not sure I understand you, Sir,” Soi said, her voice much calmer than Toshiro would have managed.

 

“Do you think I'm stupid, or gullible? I showed the man the passageway deliberately. That way it was completed much faster and he can go to retrieve his wife rather than breaking things, or trying to fight me.” Yamamoto's face was creased and Toshiro found it difficult to read his expression. He began to feel a touch of concern that he was in this predicament.

 

“How did you know?” He may as well ask the obvious question.

 

“I've been monitoring the situation. When Zaraki's 3rd seat provided the reason for the attack, I knew this might happen,” was the cool answer. Yamamoto gestured for them to sit. He sat in his chair and they knelt on the mats on the floor.

 

“You knew this might happen?” Soi seemed as confused as Toshiro. “Why did you allow us to be drugged?”

 

“I didn't. My instructions were that all the food and drink should be tested, and they were but not immediately before the party commenced. Ichimaru had time and assistance to add the drug while we were distracted by the celebration,” his tone was dismissive but his stern gaze was assurance enough that someone would be punished for the oversight. “I'm hoping that Captain Zaraki will create enough confusion in Hueco Mundo to severely interfere with Aizen's plans. With luck Zaraki might kill him.” His eyes looked sad for a moment, but he quickly recovered and stared at Toshiro.

 

“So that's why you refused to fight him. You wanted him in a white hot rage because his anger fuels his ability to fight,” Soi said slowly as she reasoned out the Captain-General's reasoning.

 

“Yes. Exactly,” he nodded at Soi. “He will kill anyone who stands in his way.”

 

“But what will happen if Matsumoto is,” Toshiro paused before he said the word, not wanting to admit the possibility, “dead.”

 

“Then nothing will stand of either Hueco Mundo or the Seireitei. But that is a small concern. I don't believe Ichimaru will allow her to die,” Yamamoto seemed very sure of his facts and Toshiro wondered why.

 

“How can you be sure of that?” he demanded, wanting any form of reassurance.

 

“I cannot discuss that with you,” Yamamoto said severely. His brows drew together and Toshiro decided that now was not the time to probe further.

 

Soi appeared to be lost in thought. Her eyes moved rapidly around the room as if she was trying to remember something. “If she's hurt, that will be a problem.”

 

“That's why I didn't prevent Captain Unohana from accompanying Zaraki. I anticipate the lieutenant will be injured,” was the reply.

 

Toshiro felt a stab of fury shoot through him. The man had risked Matsumoto for some damned strategic reason and was now admitting she might get hurt. “You knew this might happen and did nothing to stop it? You allowed my lieutenant to be abducted? Ichimaru won't allow her to be killed, but he will allow her to be hurt? How do you know this?”

 

Yamamoto nodded and his gaze was cool. “He may have no choice. If we had not been drugged the situation would be better. We are soldiers, Captain Hitsugaya and we are fighting a devious enemy.”

 

He heard Soi emit a low hiss. “We might be solders, Sir, but we are not dolls which can be discarded or toyed with. I formally resign my commission as Captain.”

 

“As do I,” Toshiro said rising to his feet. Soi was right. The man was treating them with contempt, even though he was their commander. He'd placed them all in jeopardy and then encouraged Zaraki to head a dangerous mission by the simple method of forbidding him to take that action. He'd manipulated them the way Aizen had and that realisation rankled.

 

Yamamoto stood quickly and spoke, his voice thundering through the room. “You cannot. If you take one step out of this room I will give orders for you to be imprisoned immediately. Give the Captain a chance to rescue his wife. There is more at work here than the simple kidnapping of a former lover. It's a direct insult to my leadership.”

 

His leadership? His honour was more important than the safety of his subordinates? “You cannot force us to remain,” was Toshiro's immediate response. How much power did the man wield?

 

“I can. I will.” The blunt response was unequivocal.

 

Soi stood very straight and very stiff and her words were crisp and cool. “You are directly responsible for the death of some of my people.”

 

“I am directly responsible for that and the near death of Lieutenant Kusajishi. I had asked her to keep watch on your lieutenant, Captain Hitsugaya. I hoped her quick reflexes might give us time to react if Ichimaru reappeared as I expected. She was reluctant. Only her devotion to her Captain swayed her judgement.”

 

The admission amazed Toshiro who believed, just for a moment, that he heard a note of regret in his superior's voice. “If Captain Zaraki finds out, you won't be safe.”

 

“He won't find out,” Yamamoto sounded very sure.

 

Toshiro and Soi exchanged glances and then realised what they were doing and looked away. In that moment he could see she was as confused as he was. “How can you be sure of that?” He tried to cover his small blunder.

 

“Because I order you, as your commanding officer, to keep this conversation confidential. You are both known for your discretion and if these details become common knowledge it will cause widespread disharmony within the Seireitei. I am declaring a state of emergency where I am the law. None may contradict me.”

 

After the Captain-General spoke there was silence.

 

“I can manipulate your memory if necessary,” the words were uttered with consideration and Toshiro had no doubt that this could happen. Did he want to know these facts?

 

“I will remain silent on these matters, Sir. Once the crisis is over we will have a reckoning,” was the slow response given by Soi. “I do not agree with the way you have managed this.”

 

“Realise, both of you, that no one can question my actions once the crisis is over. This is not personal,” was Yamamoto's explanation.

 

Toshiro took a deep breath. The cold that has been increasing through this meeting was now shown by the whiteness of his breath as he exhaled. “Personal or not, Sir, I choose to follow you, for now. Later, may find me of a different mind.”

 

Nodding curtly Yamamoto replied, “Your decision. Return to your Divisions and await further orders. Captain Fong, I direct that your Special Forces be placed at the entrance to the passageway to prevent anyone leaving or any unwelcome visitors arriving.”

 

Dropping her eyes, Soi nodded and left. Toshiro bowed as insultingly as he could and walked toward to door.

 

“Your lieutenant will return alive. When Captain Zaraki returns I think you will be needed,” were the astonishing words. Pausing for a moment, Toshiro shrugged and exited. He wanted to believe the reassurance but found that the former trust he held for the Captain-General was shattered.

 

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