Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ For The Love of a Friend ❯ Friendship Under Siege ( Chapter 16 )

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

 

Friendship Under Siege

 

Arriving back at 10th Division, after the disturbing interview with the Captain-General, Toshiro went to his quarters, planning to spend the rest of the day trying to think of anything unrelated to the recent events. Then he remembered that he had told Kiyone that he would visit her Captain. It was late and he didn't feel like walking to 13th Division. He wanted to sleep.

 

Now he had time to think about it, it seemed bizarre that Kiyone had approached him. Even when she was trying to kiss him, it seemed off balance, that she wasn't serious and she hadn't tried very hard. In spite of her protestations of love, he didn't believe her; the words sounded like a bad script but he hadn't been paying too much attention. That was one of the reasons he rejected her so quickly, plus the fact she didn't attract him. Once she might have, but the way she treated him made him feel like she was trying to take charge. He'd already been in one relationship where the balance was strongly skewed, and not in his favour. Next time, if he ever decided that he wanted another sexual relationship, he wanted to at least be on equal terms. The way he felt now, that was very far into the future. Women were irrational and difficult, changing their minds and being too quick to react without listening.

 

Momo was bubbly and often scatty, but she was his friend and he made allowances for her flaws. The thought of being permanently tied to her in marriage was less than appealing, but he had made a commitment. One day, the day he told her of her pregnancy, he would offer her his hand, but not his heart. That she had only touched briefly, years ago. Now, she was a friend, a dear and loved friend but his experience with Soi had taught him that he didn't love Momo. He no longer even desired her.

 

Kiyone was bubbly and always appeared not to have a serious thought in her head and while that could be appealing, he wanted someone a little more serious. When Kiyone told him not to form a liaison with anyone else it sounded like she was saying something she'd overheard, not something she believed and it rang false. Now he had the distance and time to think about it her words had seemed strained and even though she was talking to him, he felt that she really wanted to say those words to someone else, but someone who held the power in the relationship. That probably explained her hesitation and insincerity. It only served to reinforce his lack of knowledge about women and people in general. How could he know what motivated her?

 

If he'd shown even the slightest inclination, he wondered if Kiyone would have screwed him, and while that might have been pleasant, she would expect something from him, some sort of commitment and that would never happen. But would she have gone that far? On the surface it appeared that she might, but he hadn't felt that she was interested in him sexually. Oh, hell, why was he even thinking about it? It hadn't happened, it wouldn't happen and he didn't want it to happen. Not while he hadn't solved the Momo problem which seemed to loom large in his life every day. There was the additional problem about his failed liaison. He had finished with Soi, hadn't he? But the reason they'd finished was because he was considering marrying Momo. If Kiyone was this possessive before he'd shown any interest in her, he didn't want to think what she'd be like if they'd had sex.

 

If he was honest he didn't want to hold another woman so soon after holding and kissing Soi. Finally he admitted the truth. He loved Soi, admired her, and didn't want anyone else. It didn't matter that she didn't want him and probably hated him. The only way to deal with this situation was to stay as far from both Kiyone and Soi as possible. Maybe he could go and join Zaraki's unofficial rescue party and stay in Las Noches, away from all the troublesome females. The Arrancar wouldn't cause him this amount of inconvenience. Or, more likely, he would immerse himself in work and hope it provided enough of a distraction so he didn't have to think anymore. He'd think about visiting Captain Ukitake, later.

 

The sound of tapping drew him back to the present. “Go away,” he called, louder than he anticipated. The thought of talking to another woman today made him feel uncomfortable and he was sure it was a female tapping at his door. Who else would be seeking him at this time of night? Maybe it was Nanao ready to declare her love for him, or Nemu, or Isane. He buried his face in his hands at the thought of more complications. Why couldn't people leave him alone?

 

“Hey, Toshiro. What's up?” Shunsui asked, the unmistakable mocking note in his voice as he poked his head around the door.

 

Stifling an exclamation, he nodded at his friend who took this as an invitation and entered the room. Before the thought of asking this person for advice had begun to cross his mind, he dismissed it immediately. He'd talk about something that was bothering him.

 

“I'm worried about Matsumoto,” Toshiro said slowly, voicing one of the fears that had plagued him. Uttering the words made him recognise how much he feared for his Lieutenants' safety, especially after his discussion with the Old Man.

 

“Kenpachi will save her, you know that. You've got to believe. Ichimaru and Aizen wouldn't abduct her just to kill her. They've got some weird plan for her,” Shunsui said. While he was obviously trying to sound assured the tang of fear tainted his words. “Nothing will stop Kenpachi when he's in a killing rage. He'll save her. I'm worried about her too.” The honesty behind his words comforted Toshiro in some peculiar way.

 

Nodding, Toshiro offered sake to his uninvited guest. The mention of the potential plan for Matsumoto made him feel even more uncomfortable. The callous way the traitors had disposed of the Council did indicate minds that did not function according to normal social rules. It might not be death that they planned for her, but something much worse.

 

“Thanks. I need a drink after today,” Shunsui said as he stretched. Toshiro could hear the cracking of some of the bones in his spine as the man leant backwards. “Man, I'm tired.”

 

“Yeah,” Toshiro agreed before yawning widely as he poured a drink for each of them. The sake wasn't heated but it didn't seem important to observe the social niceties. Shunsui hadn't been invited and though he enjoyed his company, tonight Toshiro would have preferred solitude

 

“How did distracting the Old Guy go?” was the next question.

 

For a brief time, Toshiro considered answering the question honestly. It couldn't be that unexpected that Captain Yamamoto had been influencing events, but then he remembered the threat that had been made. It was possible the man was losing it, but he didn't want to chance angering him. Telling any secrets to Shunsui was not wise as the rumour would make the rounds of the Seireitei within hours. “Fine,” was his selected response. What else could he say?

 

“Kenpachi and the others left a few hours ago. I don't know how the Yamamoto will react,” the man continued.

 

“I think he already knows,” Toshiro offered. Knowing the truth was a heavy burden.

 

“Yeah, probably. Do you think he'll punish the group who went? Or us because we helped?” The concern in the Captain's voice was genuine. It was a surprise to see his laid back attitude so quickly discarded.

 

Instead of answering, Toshiro shrugged. Who knew what the Captain-General would do? He didn't and he didn't want to be drawn into speculation. He sipped the sake and made a face. It tasted better when it was warm.

 

“I had a lot of people visit me today when I finally got back to my office, asking questions,” Shunsui offered.

 

“Oh,” why was he telling him, unless Soi had visited, but that didn't seem likely. Had Kiyone talked to him? He looked at his friend closely.

 

“Nemu came to see me,” Shunsui continued. “The 12th Division Captain wanted me to assure the Old Man that he knew nothing, just in case I was asked. Covering his backside as normal. The guy is a worm.”

 

“Hmm,” Toshiro answered. This conversation had taken an odd turn.

 

“Did Nemu visit you too?”

 

“No.” Toshiro began to feel a sneaking sensation about Shunsui's interest in his visitors. “I was with the Captain-General until only recently.”

 

“I see. Pour me another cup. I'm parched,” was the careless response. Toshiro poured and they sipped in silence.

 

“How's Nanao?” It seemed a good idea to change the topic of conversation.

 

“For some reason she's still hanging around me all the time. I had trouble getting away from her just now,” was the admission. Shunsui almost looked relieved.

 

“Still?” That was the reason for the plan to get Yamamoto interested in her, so why was the man relieved? Everyone knew how tenacious Nanao could be, but there seemed to be a note of pride in the difficulty he had in escaping from his lieutenant's attention. He'd thought women were difficult to understand. Talking to this person made him realise men were just as bad.

 

“It's sort of flattering how much she wants to follow me around. I'm not complaining; not really,” Shunsui said not very convincingly. “So, no visitors,” he said, returning to the previous topic.

 

Could the man decide if he wanted Nanao distracted, or still focused on him? But the continuing questions about possible visits alerted Toshiro. Obviously the man had some hand in the encounter with Kiyone which was why he kept asking about company. Why he had anything to do with it he didn't know, but now might be the time to find out. “Kiyone Koutestu requested an opportunity to talk to me,” he said, watching for a reaction.

 

A gleam of satisfaction passed over Shunsui's eyes and confirmed Toshiro's conclusion. He had something to do with it, but what? Sick of playing games he decided to confront him.

 

“How did you convince her to do it?” As he asked the question, Toshiro felt the cold within his gut grow. He hated being used.

 

Shunsui tried to keep his expression unchanged, but couldn't. “Why do you think I had anything to do with it? And do what exactly?”

 

“Come on Shunsui. The woman told me she loved me. She acted like she expected me to declare my feelings for her. What the hell did you do?” His lips began to feel frigid as the cold, that was normal for him, began to spread further. Anger was a bad emotion to rouse in him.

 

Looking shifty, Shunsui sipped his drink and refilled his cup twice before he answered. “I didn't do anything. Kiyone's been crying off and on for days, longer even. Jushiro didn't know what to do with her. Her sister's worried and I thought if she had a bit of encouragement she might talk to you.”

 

“Why me? I don't know the woman. What did you do?” Each word was an admission and each admission made the fury rise further. How dare this man, even though he was a friend, act in this manner?

 

“I dropped a letter in her pocket saying that you liked her,” Shunsui said standing and moving away from the table.

 

The increased chill in the room didn't affect Toshiro, but he noticed the other Captain shiver. The cold amplified as Toshiro's anger increased.

 

Shunsui tried to explain. “I didn't mean anything by it. It was a joke. I wanted to find out who you'd fallen for. I've guessed you're involved with someone but you won't admit it or tell me who it is,” was the weak explanation. His breath was visible as he spoke and he shivered again. “I thought if you were pressed you'd go to talk to whoever she was and I had someone following you. I didn't know Kiyone would try to seduce you.”

 

The temperature fell even lower. Toshiro could not believe the set of events had been set in motion for such a foolish reason. There had to be more and how did Shunsui know Kiyone had tried to bed him? “Sit down,” he commanded and the man obeyed.

 

“If you stopped me from freezing, it would make this easier,” Shunsui said, his teeth chattering. “Come on, Toshiro. I made a mistake. I apologise.”

 

The words made him see that he was responsible for the temperature change. Inhaling a deep shuddering breath, he sat opposite the 8th Division Captain and spoke low and clearly. “What did you do and what were your reasons?” With an effort he controlled his reiatsu and the temperature.

 

Shunsui was gulping the sake from his cup and rapidly refilling it. “Get another bottle of this and I'll tell you,” he said quietly as he still shivered from the cold. “The drink will warm me faster than anything.”

 

Toshiro retrieved another bottle from Matsumoto's stash. Why she stored sake in his quarters he didn't know and he didn't want to think about it, or her. Since she had married he had found no empty bottles, but then he had only seen her for short periods. If she returned he would replace the sake. Catching himself he recognised that he had used the `if' instead of the `when'. He had to believe that she would be rescued soon and start complicating his life once more. At least her complications didn't create the type of problems he was facing now. Pouring them both another cup, he placed the bottle in easy reach of Shunsui. The temperature was slowly returning to normal, but it was still very cold.

 

“It's a bit complicated. I was trying to help Jushiro because he's such a softie when it comes to crying women. When she started crying, days ago, he tried to talk to Kiyone, but she'd either tell him nothing was wrong, or run off crying even harder. He didn't know what to do and came to me for help.” Sipping the sake he looked into the distance as if remembering the events. He made a small face. “The other 13th Division 3rd seat was no help at all, mocking her and calling her a cry baby. Poor Jushiro. He couldn't concentrate, all his reports got wet or smudged and he felt helpless. Isane worried that it would bring on one of his attacks and tried talking to Kiyone, but the girl began to hide every time she saw her sister and that really hurt Isane. I don't like seeing her hurt,” after gulping more sake Shunsui quickly added, “I don't like to see any of the female flowers of the Seireitei distressed. When they smile, they blossom. When they cry, they droop.”

 

Toshiro nodded, storing away the observation his friend had made about the 4th Division Lieutenant. He'd tried to cover it but not well enough but that wasn't important at this time and the caressing tone in his voice when he mentioned Isane's name was more telling than anything else. “So why the note? Why the lies? Why me?”

 

“Because Kiyone doesn't see you as being as hostile as the other captains, or so Isane told me,” Shunsui explained.

 

That didn't sound right. Why did she have to talk to a captain? Why create a fictitious romance in the first place? And the 8th Division Captain had mentioned Isane again. “How stupid do you think I am? None of your explanations make sense or even begin to excuse what you did.”

 

Clearing his throat Shunsui poured them both another cup of sake. By now it was becoming increasingly difficult for Toshiro to remember how many cups either of them had consumed. He resolved to only sip this cup, very slowly and it would be his last. There was the possibility that Shunsui was attempting to get him drunk, to make it difficult for him to remember this conversation, or to stop him asking difficult questions. From past experience and rumours he knew that Shunsui had a very large capacity for alcohol and could appear sober when he had taken enough that would cause normal people to black out.

 

“I don't think you're stupid, Toshiro. Anyone who thought that would prove that they were stupid. Okay, it was a dumb idea, concocted when we were celebrating the wedding. I'd been talking to Jushiro before the party and we'd decided to write a note and slip it into Kiyone's pocket. Isane got worried and scared when her sister kept hiding from her. She almost cried. When I tried to comfort her, she shrugged me off,” were the rather alarming words.

 

“You're telling me that Captain Ukitake was involved?” He was aghast that the 13th Division Captain had taken part in this. He didn't seem the type to play these types of pranks on fellow Captains, or his subordinates. But this went much further than a prank.

 

“Remember, we were drugged? We weren't thinking straight. You were talking to Matsumoto and Jushiro was feeling helpless, so we wrote a quick note, telling Kiyone that you liked her and that you were partial to domineering women,” was the very slow and unwilling response.

 

The comment about domineering women made sense of the way Kiyone had been acting. Her demands had been extreme. “She has a funny idea about domination,” he said, a smile reluctantly quirking his lips. It hadn't seemed funny at the time, but in retrospect he recognised that Kiyone was about as dominating as Momo. In other words, a person used to being led, rather than leading.

 

“I think it might have something to do with all the romance manga and novels she's borrowed from Rukia. Rukia had some weird stuff sent to her from the human world, I mean peculiar. Have you read any of them? Isane told me about them. Nearly all the women in the Shinigami's Women's Association have gone crazy over them, except Ran,” the sudden pause made Toshiro realise how much pain hearing the name of his lieutenant caused him. Shunsui shook his head and continued. “The strong characters are completely over the top, demanding that the person they've chosen be completely faithful, using blackmail, making threats, seducing their victim with skill and generally being evil. The males are even worse. Melodramatic is a mild word to describe them. Kiyone is a little naïve with an overactive imagination and she's read nearly all of them. I don't know if she's even kissed anyone,” was the grudging continuation.

 

“She tried to kiss me,” Toshiro revealed, noticing that the alcohol was affecting him more than he'd expected.

 

Shunsui laughed. “And you rejected her, didn't you? I can imagine you weren't gentle.” Lowering his voice, the expected question emerged: “Who is she, Toshiro? The woman you're interested in?”

 

Grimly, Toshiro nodded as his expectation was fulfilled. Shunsui had already expressed his interest in finding out his interest and maybe he thought he might now receive an answer. “I thought we were talking about Kiyone. You seem particularly interested in Kiyone, and her sister; especially her sister,” was his quick response. If he started speculating about Shunsui's relationship with the Koutestu sisters, it might distract his friend from his sloppy interrogation.

 

“They're both lovely girls. Lovely, lovely girls. Isane reminds me of a giraffe, so awkward and yet so graceful at the same time, unaware of her true beauty. Kiyone is a bumbling puppy, cute and trusting,” Shunsui had poured more sake.

 

“And all little bitches have teeth,” Toshiro mumbled. He stopped, jolted almost sober by his words. They were cruel and thoughtless, but why should it matter? Kiyone was not his problem.

 

Shunsui laughed at his observation. “Careful, Toshiro. That sounded very cynical.”

 

Waving his hand dismissively didn't help as it felt like it might become detached from his arm, very soon. “I don't care if you're sleeping with one or both of them. Just leave me out of it in future.”

 

“I have no interest in Kiyone except as Isane's sister and Jushiro's 3rd seat. Jushiro sent Kiyone to Soi Fong to get her to talk sense into the girl. Kiyone asked him to, don't know why. She won't get much sympathy from her I'd imagine,” were the words that made Toshiro feel a stab of fear.

 

“What?” This was unexpected and unwanted.

 

Shunsui looked at Toshiro, and it seemed like his eyes were having trouble focusing. “After lunch today, Kiyone was worse. She was on the verge of hysteria and wouldn't talk to anyone, but said she might talk to Captain Fong, so Jushiro sent her, with a note. I hope Soi can sort her out.”

 

Toshiro felt his blood pool in his feet. This was one complication he hadn't even thought about as it seemed too unlikely. What would Kiyone say to Soi? Groaning in despair, he buried his face in his hands, unwanted ideas flowing through his mind. Any chance he might have had in trying to re-establish anything with Soi seemed to vanish as more and more possibilities unfolded. She'd already been furious with him when he'd kissed her and while they had worked well together, she had expressed her preference not to spend time with him. He wondered if he should go and see Soi immediately to try to explain, but what could he say?

 

“Why did you have to get her to talk to me? Why not Captain Kuchiki, or Lieutenant Kira?”

 

“I told you. She doesn't see you as a threat,” Shunsui sounded offended at being asked the question again.

 

“Today, when everything else happens, you add something else to the mix. Damn it, I won't help you get Nanao off your back. How would you feel if I sent her a note saying that you wanted her to seduce you? How would Isane feel about that, huh?”

 

Shunsui recoiled at the brutality in his voice. His eyes widened and he looked at Toshiro with a mixture of fear and respect. “N..N… Nanao? You wouldn't! Isane would be hurt and break with me. She's already looking for an excuse, I know she is. I can't make out why she's been acting so strangely recently and she's already suspicious of Nanao and me, not that there's anything there.” Glaring at the protesting man, Toshiro saw understanding dawn in his eyes. “So, there is someone. And if she finds out that Kiyone tried to seduce you, she won't be happy. Come on Toshiro, tell me who she is.”

 

“It's over. If it wasn't already over, this would kill it. Don't ask again,” the steel in his voice, the underlying anger and resentment overflowed, making his words echo through the room.

 

The silence after the explosion of sound was nearly as deafening and Shunsui had stiffened in shock at the vehemence with which Toshiro had spoken. “Hell, I'm sorry. I didn't understand. You really care about this woman, don't you?”

 

Hearing the words spoken aloud made Toshiro laugh, bitterly. It was ridiculous. He didn't care; it wasn't important that Soi wouldn't talk to him anymore. Their affair had commenced because of an arrangement that had reached its natural conclusion. Now he was free of her and the bargain. His thoughts of love had been naïve and the result of too much introspection. He didn't love anyone. The alcohol had helped him break through all the stupid ideas and fantasies, to reality. There would be no future with Soi. He could marry Momo, or anyone else, or not. His recent experiences with women made him feel that forming any relationship was a mistake. A throbbing pain in his head helped him decide he didn't want to talk anymore. Soi was lost to him, and he didn't care. Women were too bloody difficult and took up far too much time and energy. In 20, 30 or 40 years he might be interested, but now he wished that the whole female population of the Seireitei would disappear. That would make life pleasant.

 

“I'm going to bed. Stay and drink, go home, doesn't matter what. I don't want to talk anymore, or think or feel. I'm drunk and if I had my way I'd stay drunk until I find out how Matsumoto is,” Toshiro staggered to his feet and stumbling over the even floor, went into his bedroom. He fell on the bed and lost consciousness, glad to be removed from the reality that offered no consolation.

 

Waking halfway through the night, he heard a loud, continuing noise. Unwillingly opening his eyes he felt a stabbing in his brain. “Water, I need water,” he thought. Trying to rise from the bed proved more difficult than he thought, but realised he'd become tangled in his clothes. Biting his lip, he managed to sort out the material from the limbs and got up. Going into the next room he saw Shunsui, sprawled over the table. The noise was his heavy breathing. He was hugging the empty sake bottle and the man looked uncomfortable. Toshiro shook him, which caused Shunsui to fall backwards, knocking over the other bottles and table. Expecting the noise to wake the man, Toshiro waited, but he rolled onto his side and began snoring loudly.

 

Giving it up as a bad job, Toshiro went and drank cup after cup of water, pouring some over his head. He'd have a hangover tomorrow, but it might provide the kind of distraction from his thoughts that he needed. Briefly his mind touched on Soi and he shied away from even a simple thought. From now on he would devote himself to the welfare of his division, keeping them safe from any of the Captain-General's selfish plans. He would care for Momo and if Matsumoto ever returned he would make certain that no one had the chance to abduct her or hurt her. He didn't give a stuff that Kenpachi was married to her, she was his friend and lieutenant and that mattered more than any misguided marriage.

 

“I'm still drunk,” he reasoned. “If only I could have that moment of clarity when I knew what I should do, when everything suddenly becomes clear, because at the moment, nothing seems easy. Not Momo, Soi, Yamamoto or Shunsui.”

 

Drinking another glass of water one more idea presented itself. He would have to go to see Soi about Kiyone, at least to explain. Not that he gave a thought to how she would react. That wasn't important. It would be bad, but he was already experiencing her anger and disdain. Situation normal.

 

Wandering back to bed he tripped over Shunsui's hat, but even this didn't wake the 8th Division Captain. Tomorrow, there would be a reckoning with the man, but tonight it just seemed like hard work. Collapsing on his bed he slept again, nightmares flooding his mind but he remembered none of them come morning.

 

A.N.

 

Soundtrack

 

`Up to our necks in it' Skunkhour

`Everybody Knows That You're Insane' Queens of the Stone Age

`I Hope I Never' Split Endz

“Hole in the Head' Sugarbabes

 

The problems caused by drugs and alcohol. Shunsui's romantic interest is now revealed, but more problems seem to be looming. Not all decisions or realisations made under the influence are sensible.

 

Review. I like reviews. Thanks to anhimals and Bastion for reviewing the last chapter.