Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ For The Love of a Friend ❯ Love's Folly ( Chapter 28 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

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

Love's Folly

Anger throbbed through her body and she was shaking from its intensity. Her lieutenant had dared to ask her to marry him and made it sound like he was conveying a very great honour on her. The man had to be out of his freaking mind. Marry him? She'd sooner marry Izuru for all his angst and depression. She'd prefer to have an affair with that boy Quincy, who at least showed some signs of intelligence or go on a date with the 12th Division Cap…..What was she thinking? The last idea was insane and disgusting.

Marry Omaeda? Never!

Then it struck her; the problem of her pregnancy. Before he'd made the offer she was considering an arranged marriage, or some method of making the parentage of the child she was carrying problematic. She could accept Omaeda's proposal. The match would please her family, it wouldn't shame anyone. Her child would have a name, a father and a heritage and she would not be disgraced. On the wedding night she could make certain he drank too much to remember what happened and then insist on sleeping apart from that night onward for some unspecified reason. If she alluded to a ambiguous problem she knew her lieutenant knew so little about women he wouldn't ask or guess he had been duped. There was one sticking point.

She would prefer to die than marry the man.

Putting aside the fact that he was her lieutenant and, technically anyway, marrying him would be marrying beneath her and she didn't believe in mixing work and pleasure, not after Yoruichi. Besides, marrying the man would not bring her any pleasure. There were other issues that needed to be considered. His personal habits for a start. To take one case, his fingers. They were rarely still, either delving in packets and bags to remove food to please his ever increasing stomach, or they could be seen exploring his nose, his ears, extracting substances from between his teeth, or the back of him mouth and that was in public. Even a cursory thought of what he might do with his fingers in private brought a very bitter taste to her mouth as the contents of her stomach tried to return. Marriage meant some physical contact and even if it was kept to a minimum, that is when they held hands for the marriage ceremony; that would be too much touching for her. Even if he wore gloves she would not be assured that the gloves were clean or that they provided enough distance between the two of them. It would be wrong and against custom if she insisted he wore gauntlets during the ceremony and she didn't think he'd agree to a proxy service. Plus she would have to sit next to him. Sit next to him! Their thighs might touch and she would be trapped next to him for hours. Her flesh crawled at the thought.

From the look on his face he would want more than to hold her hand briefly. He would wish to exercise the full responsibilities of a husband.

Rushing to the nearby bathroom, Soi was violently reminded of how long it had been since she'd eaten. Desperately, while shuddering with revulsion, she tried to think of an image that would block the horrors that were crowding her mind. The only thing that happened was that the clarity of the pictures improved, increasing her nausea, until, in abject misery, she pictured Toshiro. Naked Toshiro, his face looking up at her from between her legs as he brought her pleasure. His lust had been badly disguised and she remembered how avidly she would watch him dress in the early days of their relationship, through eyelids that were mostly closed. She's noticed as his cock strained after he'd satisfied her. She could picture him lying underneath her as she mounted him, sating her hungry flesh on him while his eyes seemed to smoulder with lust and humiliation. An image of Toshiro pushing her against the wall as he tried to undress her made her cheeks flame.

Damn it, she was getting turned on. From the total disgust of thinking about Omaeda touching her and assorted other things, to an overwhelming desire to find Toshiro, knock him unconscious and have sex with him while convincing him that he was sleeping and having another wet dream.

Yawning, she shut her eyes, wondering if she should give into her lurid fantasies for a few minutes. Anything was better than thinking about Omaeda and an impossible marriage. Only a few minutes and then she'd do some more work, finish reading some of the tortuous papers that littered her desk and she would seek that equilibrium that seemed to evade her.

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Her back hurt and she shifted in her bed trying to stretch out the knot she felt in her right shoulder, but she wasn't in her bed. The chair creaked under her as she moved. That was sad, falling asleep at her desk like a middle-aged manager who'd eaten too much lunch. This pregnancy was changing too much of her, affecting her sleep patterns, eating and emotions. At least her lieutenant was not here to comment or interrupt.

Vulnerable to her fears her mind shifted and shifted, picking up the one thing that had been beating at the edge of her consciousness and causing her concern. Her thoughts stilled again and cold anxiety coursed through her veins. She was pregnant and she wanted to keep the child but had no means or method by which she it could stay a secret. One possible suitor was not acceptable. The need to talk to someone grew within her; a sensible person who might have some suggestions that were not unpalatable. There was only one person she felt she could trust with this conversation and the need to make this decision. Retsu had now returned and hopefully as Matsumoto was now recovering, she might have some time. It might be the middle of the night, but Retsu kept odd hours, she knew that. It wouldn't hurt to try.

Before considering the matter any further she found she was standing outside 4th Division, pleading with Hanatoro Yamada for admission. Never had she felt so humiliated. Appealing to someone like him for a chance to talk to his Captain was demeaning, but what choice did she have?

“Captain Unohana is very busy and cannot be disturbed. We are recovering from healing the members of 11th Division who were sent here earlier,” he said very quietly as he quailed under her gaze. He rubbed an eye with a knuckle and then dropped his hand to his side.

“I demand to see your captain,” Soi said once again, trying to smile. Did he quiver and was his face even whiter than before?

`She's busy,” he tried to explain once more, rubbing the other eye. He glanced around frantically and backed away. “She's sleeping, or trying to.”

“As a Captain I exert my right to over rule you and see your Captain,” Soi wheedled. Without meaning to her hand hovered over the hilt of her blade.

“I'll tell her, tomorrow morning, once she's rested. She needs her sleep,” Hanatoro squeaked and ran to the door, shutting and locking it behind him.

Angered, Soi's hand slapped on the wood, feeling it shake under her gentle tap. It shook again as she `tapped' it once more.

“Captain Fong. Please. We are trying to maintain a sense of calm here for our recovering patients who are sleeping,” the calm tone of Retsu came from her left.

As Soi span around, Retsu looked directly at her face and the expression of her face changed from one of reprimand to deep sympathy. “Oh, Soi. Come with me. I will listen and perhaps I may be able to help you. Come, my dear. It cannot be that bad.”

Her hair was not plaited and she wore a comfortable sleeping robe that was covered with a padded coat. Retsu's eyes were tired, but kind, and she smelt of antiseptic and toothpaste. Permitting the older woman to lead her to a quiet room, Soi automatically wiped her face with the warm damp cloth the physician handed her. The warmth of the towel was soothing and her face felt much fresher and less damp once she'd wiped it a few times. For some reason Retsu handed her a cloth and Soi found she was blowing her nose. She wondered if she was getting a cold, or if her sinuses had been blocked. When she tired to speak, she found she had to clear her throat a few times before it was possible for her to talk.

“I think I'm getting a cold,” she said to Retsu and noticed her voice was croaky.

“You may wish to call it that. I've heard it called many different names, each of them interesting,” Retsu said calmly as she retied the robe once more and smoothed her hair with her hands. “Why did you wish to see me?”

Now it was time to ask, Soi suddenly felt shy. It might sound like she was prying into to older woman's business, but confirmation of an earlier conversation was necessary. “You won't be telling the Lieutenant that you're pregnant with his child?” She asked quietly, trying not to make the statement sound like an accusation.

Instead of answering her, Retsu sighed and looked at the wall, solemnly. “I've desired to have a child for some years. Should I sacrifice that desire?”

Confused, Soi frowned. What did Retsu mean? She thought she remembered, but the many intervening events blurred the memory.

“If the father doesn't wish me to have his child, then would I listen to his reasons? Would I comply and forfeit the chance to have a baby I could love and raise without a man's influence? Should I do so? Once again, should I place another person's wish ahead of my own?” The trace of sorrow in the words was not lost on Soi, but how could she respond? A misplaced word would sound stupid and childish, yet in a few word Retsu had outlined part of Soi's dilemma. Once before they had touched on this subject, but Soi had been too angry and eager to think about it closely at that time.

“What about your reputation? Having a child outside marriage is……” Soi faltered as she tried to frame her worries. The many problems she could see seemed to increase as she gathered them together until her mouth dried.

“It's not a crime. You will not be taken out at dawn and executed,” Retsu chucked slightly. “I'm simply having a baby. So are you. Women do. Men can't.”

She was silent as if allowing time for her words to filter through Soi's consciousness. The longer the silence lasted, the more her words made sense. Why was she worried about appearances? She was a captain of the Seireitei and the majority of her peers were a bunch of self interested men and not all of them had admirable qualities. Did she value their opinion?

“What about your family,” Soi said and felt the words die as she recalled she knew nothing about Retsu's family, or even much about her background.

“Family are meant to support and advice, but they can't live your life for you. If they reject you for this, then you would have found disfavour in their eyes at some point as it would be impossible to conform to their morals.” The words were what she wanted to hear, but she feared that her family would disown her and she didn't have a large group of friends on which to rely.

“Soi, your family would only disown you if you failed in your responsibilities as a Captain and a Shinigami. You have upheld the tradition at no little cost to yourself and we know that you would die rather than bring shame on your family by acting in any manner that could be considered irregular. They would welcome a new addition to the family, especially as so many of your siblings died before they had a chance to reproduce,” Retsu said.

Her head snapped up and with eyes open wide she looked at the 4th Division Captain in disbelief. What was she saying? How could she speak with such authority about her Soi's parents and siblings?

Retsu laughed gently. “You forget how long I've been a Captain and how many of your family I've treated and talked to,” she paused and slowly added, “and watched die. If the child is yours it will be treasured and probably spoilt by everyone, regardless of who is the father. And if anyone censures me for having a child out of marriage, I can only see that as their problem, not mine. And with all the other events happening within the Seireitei it won't an isolated incident.” Retsu then shut her mouth and Soi could hear her teeth click together as a look of shock covered the 4th Division Captain's face. “I meant nothing by that,” was a hurried addition to her earlier comments.

And then she realised that both Retsu and she would not face as much censure as Momo, who even now didn't know she was carrying that traitor, Aizen's, child. She would be touched lightly compared to how the 5th Division lieutenant would fare. Soi blinked as she began to grasp the truth. She didn't have to rush into marriage, because of the child. The problem was the way she'd been thinking, but all the same, she was worried that Toshiro would draw the correct conclusion and then wish to be involved in her child's life. She would never be free of him, even if she wished to be free.

If her parents were upset by her pregnancy she would work it out with them. If the rest of the Seireitei wanted to make an issue of it, she had methods and means of reminding them that their ideas and words were not welcome. The Captain-General might not like it, but after her recent interaction with the man she didn't care. He'd lost the way and was rapidly losing her respect and admiration.

“Soi, one day you will grasp the simple truth that you have to live your life for yourself. It is only natural to wish to please your relatives, but if by doing so you are overlooking your own needs, then it harms all of you. Unconscious resentment is built up and will only bring grief and pain. Eventually you will have to accept responsibility for your happiness and it's not always to be found by only pleasing others, or by only pleasing yourself,” was the quiet advice.

No one had spoken to Soi like this since Yoruichi left and then Yoruichi had been talking about herself and her needs. It hadn't occurred to her that she could apply the same strategy to her own life. While she had admired the woman she had seen her as a separate being, who didn't need to live by the rules that haunted her own life. Even as she had been encouraged to do, while under the captaincy of her adored Yoruichi, she had only done so at her behest. It had been difficult to break the rigid training of her formative years.

A muted knock alerted them that someone was at the door. Retsu rose from her knees and opened the door. Her exclamation of surprise drew Soi's attention and as she turned from the door, she could see she was holding a basket that had a large bow tied around it. Bells hung from it as did ribbon and other assorted decorations, some of them looked like blobs from a distance. It might be interesting to find out what they were, but she wasn't that curious. The colours of decoration were purple and yellow, a strange combination she thought. Purple and yellow didn't combine very well, but other people might appreciate the contrast. It was one of the most overdecorated presents she'd ever seen and wondered who had the ludicrous bad taste to send it to Retsu. The Captain had located the card and was reading it as her eyes opened wide. Was the basket from Hisagi? Was he trying to ingratiate himself back into his lover's arms?

“This is for you, Captain Fong” the 4th Division Captain said in a strangled voice as she tried not to laugh.

Presents after midnight? A strange time to deliver tokens, whether of hate or love. Slowly getting to her feet, Soi took the basket from her hands and quickly assessed the contents. An exclamation of disgust broke from her mouth and she almost flung the gaudily decorated container on the floor. A toy black cat lay curled around an assortment of bananas, pomegranates, lychees and for some strange reason, tomatoes. There was a card, but she didn't bother reading it. Only one person would have the unmitigated gall to send this to her. She had imagined that he had better taste but obviously not. Close up, the blobs proved to be different objects, like toys in wedding kimonos, cradles and other sickeningly sentimental crap.

“Bananas, pomegranates and lychees! The cost of those items at the market make it almost prohibitive to purchase even one, but here are all three in quantities,” the astonishment in Retsu's voice was lost on Soi. “Does someone owe you a debt of honour? Who sent them?”

With fingers that didn't wish to work correctly Soi opened the card. It read: “Be Captain of my Heart,” and was signed, A Secret Admirer. The card made her pause but she dismissed any notion that Omaeda had sent it before it formed. After the way she treated him he would be wise to send her his resignation and nothing else. From their conversations it had to be from Toshiro, especially as it contained bananas. Perhaps it was his strange way of apologising, but she found it insulting. And the message was trite, almost comical in its stupidity. Was it meant to amuse, or was it a subtle dig at the fact she was a Captain more by default than anything. Did the sender mean to imply that she was a poor replacement for the glory that was Yoruichi?

Cold fury warred with burning shame. The man was mocking her and she now did not allow anyone to mock her. All her life she had taken her training seriously, the words people spoke to her had been treated as important and she had sought and followed any guidance. It was true that Yoruichi had often mocked her, tried to make her take life a little less seriously, but that was her golden skinned goddess. She had that right and Soi did not judge her for it, or blame her for the hot tears with which she often soaked her pillow at night when the teasing had been more extreme. Yoruichi was teaching her how to survive mockery.

She never teased anyone, preferring to be blunt and honest in her dealings with others. In response she expected others to treat her in a similar manner. Toshiro had gone too far. Bananas! Reminding her about Yoruichi with the inclusion of the black cat. The pomegranates, lychees and tomatoes might have an obscure meaning which she didn't understand, but they too, she was certain, would only increase the insult. An impulse to send an assassination squad to remove him from her life rose within her, but then she would need to destroy Retsu, as a witness. She liked Retsu and it wouldn't be fair. Toshiro would pay. He would know her anger.

Feverishly she imagined fucking him, pleasuring herself over and over again while keeping him prisoner; but people would notice his disappearance. Or she could spread rumours ab……. She always hated rumours, even while she listened to them. Why did she have to love the bastard?

Revenge. She would have her revenge, but a well thought out revenge. Not something that would be empty of meaning. Given the opportunity she would think of something fitting, but that foolish side she hadn't known she possessed was urging her to doubt her instinctive belief. Evidence was needed to prove that the 10th Division Captain had sent the basket. The writing on the card proved nothing as she didn't recognise it and was probably written by someone other than her `Secret Admirer'. The person who constructed the present, perhaps.

Lifting the basket, she almost threw it against the wall, but a movement from Retsu caught her eye and she stopped, thinking quickly. “I think this should go to Momo,” Soi said suddenly. Toshiro was always visiting her and if he saw the basket in the girl's room he might get the message. She didn't want him; he could go to his pet Hinamori if that was his choice and so could his unwanted gifts. She wanted nothing more to do with the man and the sooner he learnt of that, the happier she would be.

Retsu raised an eyebrow expressively but simply took the basket from her and went outside, returning a few minutes later, her hands empty and the serene look back on her face. “A Secret Admirer, Soi,” she said gently. “I have noticed that it is never the person you believe it to be. Sometimes it's a relief when you find out who it is, but then more often it's a bitter disappointment when the identity is revealed.”

Soi curled her lip and gave a tight little smile. “I don't care who it is. I don't want or need an admirer, secret or otherwise. As you pointed out, I can raise this child by myself, without assistance and that is exactly what I plan to do.” While she spoke she felt brave. It sounded good, the strong words issuing from her mouth, indicating to Retsu that she was independent and not even slightly curious about the person who sent the present. If she didn't accept it, then it proved she wasn't curious and by giving it to someone she despised she was proving her kindness, or at least concealing her bitterness.

“I wonder if Momo will mind it I take some of her bananas,” Retsu said thoughtfully and smiled at the look on Soi's face. “The potassium and vitamins are good for pregnancy and as it's sometimes difficult to eat, I thought bananas might tempt me.”

“Not the pomegranates?” Soi asked almost reluctantly. Could she never escape from the accursed yellow fruit?

“Too many seeds. I prefer them as juice,” Retsu smiled as she replied.

Soi decided that as a thank you present she would send Retsu some of the fruit, maybe with some apples. It was a small price to pay in return for the many kindnesses she'd been shown and might aid her in overcoming her morbid fear of bananas.

Before she could ask anything further a messenger arrived with a summons to a Captain's meeting.

“Why would the Captain-General have a meeting now? It's the middle of the night. We're supposed to be sleeping,” Soi wondered aloud as they walked to headquarters.

Retsu pursed her lips and said quietly. “He didn't call the meeting, but he will be there. Captain Fong, Soi, this will have repercussions and I cannot predict what will happen, but may I count on your support for Captain Zaraki?”

The breath hissed out of her mouth as she began to comprehend that whatever was happening might challenge the Old Man's authority. There was no doubt in her mind of what action she should take. “The middle of the night? I should have guessed! That man has no appreciation of time. As long as I am not called upon to go to Las Noches…” she began.

“You're needed here,” Retsu agreed with a firmness that indicated she had discussed the matter with Kenpachi already. “We trust you to keep a clear head in what might follow.”

This meeting. It was about the mission to Las Noches to assist Ichigo. “I thought Renji and Rukia…”

“They've already gone,” Retsu said.

Remembering her earlier conversation with Kira, Soi nodded. She'd known that but recent events had made her forget, or at least jumbled facts in her mind so she wasn't certain what was important. “Yes, that's right,” Soi said slowly. “Why do you want to go?”

A strange and secretive smile crossed her friend's face. “Only recently have I discovered that I owe a debt to the traitors for something they did, long ago. I believe in repaying all my outstanding debts.” The tone of her voice did not persuade Soi that the traitors would welcome the repayment. “As you know, Captain Zaraki wishes to take issue with them over the way they've treated his wife.”

That would be two captains leading the mission. Soi wondered who else would be eager to join and move so far into such a foreign place, swarming with enemies and danger and if Kenpachi was angry would they even get a chance to fight? Would it attract Toshiro? Toshiro had been eager, or at least not completely opposed to the idea of going to the human world. The arrangements he'd put into place to protect Hinamori, and the cost he was prepared to pay.

But now she was paying. Pleasure had a price. The pleasure was fleeting, even though she remembered it so well, but it was over and the thing growing inside her was the price.

They entered the room and Soi went to her normal position. It was impossible not to look at Toshiro but after the first glance the image of basket with the stuffed toy cat and bananas rose before her eyes. Love, hatred, anger and forgiveness warred within her. It was easier to pretend he wasn't there and she stared at the empty space where Captain Ichimaru had once stood. From the strange hour, the air of impatience and discontent, it seemed the meeting was going to prove a different experience to those she had previously attended.

Yamamoto tried to take control. “So, Captain Zaraki. I am at your beck and call, am I?” he started.

“That's not what we're here to talk about,” Zaraki was almost off hand with his reply and was looking at the ceiling impatiently. For some irrational reason she wanted to laugh and quickly covered her mouth with her hand. She knew Yamamoto was going to be angry and the old man in a rage was no longer frightening to her.

He stuffily told Zaraki: “Remember who you are.”

She could hear the air hiss between Zaraki's teeth as he tried to reign in his anger. “Before you begin that rant let's sort out who's going on this rescue mission. We've got limited time and the sooner we get it moving the better.” Zaraki said.

“While that is true…”

Retsu didn't allow the Commander General to continue. “I wish to go. There are people there I can assist. It may be possible to heal the natures of some of the people as well as their bodies.”

She couldn't be positive but she was almost certain that Kenpachi winked at Retsu, but it was too fast.

A sharp bark, possibly an exclamation of anger preceded the next comment from Yamamoto. “I don't think it's appropriate that you…”

“I need her and you agreed before. Any other objections?”

Soi now had her eyes fixed on the Captain-General. Any normal person would have their eyes opened wide in disbelief at having their authority challenged in this manner, but only a glimmer of white showed at the edge of the lids. Once more she recalled that a good tactician knew when to bluff and when to hide any anger or other emotion which gave the opponent an opening. The man had played this game for too many years to allow anyone to penetrate his defences.

The silence was heavy and pointed.

You can take it out of my hide later,” Zaraki was unaffected by the atmosphere. “Who else? Do you want to go, Captain Fon?”

Even though she was expecting the invitation it still came as a surprise but she quickly answered with as much authority as she could muster. “No. My forces are needed here to guard the perimeters and continue surveillance.”

Before the silence could return and become unwieldy another Captain spoke. “I will go.”

A strange expression of regret crossed Kenpachi's face and Soi wondered why. “No you won't, Komamura. You might think Tosen doesn't know what he's doing, but he has less excuse than Ichimaru. The man you imagined was your friend no longer exists, even if he did exist once. You'd be vulnerable to him and we don't need that.”

“But…” the protest was cut short.

Sounding like gravel being shaken in a tin, Yamamoto spoke. “The 11th Division Captain is correct.”

Even though she was watching the man, she had trouble believing he had agreed with Kenpachi. There were underlying currents here that had not been in play in previous meetings. A struggle for dominance was underway and it was uncertain who would be the victor, or if the contest would be decided now, or very far in the future.

As the strident tones of the 12th Division Captain scattered over the shattered surface, Soi was once more pleased she would not be joining the party. “I will go,” he demanded. “I wish to examine these Arrancar and Espada. As no one has procured one for me to experiment upon I will go an obtain one for myself. That way I can identify the best specimens.”

A subtle move in his shoulders made Soi wonder why the Captain-General was shrugging. Then he shifted gently in his chair as if to hide the movement. Was he pleased the man would take part in this mission?

“As you are in charge of communications, I though you'd want to stay,” the slight slur to the words was proof that the 8th Division Captain had been drinking again. He blinked and stepped back at the crazed response.

“Others can be trusted with that simple task. After my wishes were ignored by the last mission it became clear that only I can undertake the task. All the Hollows that have been collected for me have been weak, poor examples at best. A scientist of my stature should be provided with the best materials and if no one else will see to…”

“Shut the fuck up, you frenzied windbag. You can come, provided you stop your noise, now,” Kenpachi said and the man stopped, anger and defiance warring on his face.

“I will allow one more Captain to join this group, Kenpachi. And I will point out….”

“Later. After Aizen is defeated. This is more important than whatever problems you have with me.”

Before Kenpachi made the contest tangible, Captain Kuchiki intervened. “I will go. Both my sister and lieutenant have journeyed, without permission, to Las Noches. I will retrieve them.”

The movement of the Captain-General getting to his feet indicated that the meeting was over without blows or wasted time. “Are you satisfied now, Kenpachi? You will leave tomorrow. I'm sure you want to get back to your wife now. You are all dismissed, but this is not over. After Aizen is defeated we will have a reckoning.”

“Whatever,” said Zaraki and ran out of the room, and Soi imagined he was eager to return to his wife.

She watched Retsu follow and the Old Man try to stalk out of the room with the remains of his dignity intact. Toshiro's reiatsu warned her he was near and she tried to mentally order him not to talk to her. It didn't work.

“You didn't want to go?”

Hadn't he been listening? Why was he talking to her? Did he expect thanks for the insult that his `present' had afforded her? “No.”

She began to follow Ukitake and Kyoraku out of the room as they talked about something. Whatever it was she wasn't listening, consumed as she was with anger at Toshiro. She'd leave and go somewhere where he wouldn't follow but he caught her by her sleeve. “It won't go away,” he said.

What was he talking about? Did he know? He couldn't know about her pregnancy; that was impossible. Or was he talking about the basket? A fine layer of perspiration began to form on her body as she struggled to answer. “It is none of your business,” she said and pulled away from him.

“It is my business. I want to be involved…”

He knew. The bastard, the basket, the words, and the conversation he must have had with her lieutenant. Otherwise how had he known about the dream and the words they'd exchanged? Had he told everyone that they were lovers? That she'd had sex with him while he slept? Was he blackmailing her into involving him in bringing up the child? Did everyone know that she'd lost her virginity to him; that she'd sought him out and despoiled Yoruichi's memory with him? The situation was intolerable and she reacted instinctively. She had to get away so she could work out what was happening. Retsu! She could talk to Retsu! Now!

Using the minimum of moves she disabled Toshiro without actually killing him as she felt obliged to do. Escaping while he was lying, panting on the floor she ran to 4th Division, not even realising how much her relationship with Captain Unohana had changed. The woman provided her with advice she could follow and didn't seem to judge her. She had missed so much in remaining isolated.

But meeting with the woman, she could see the frown that furrowed her brows. Pushing aside her own concerns, she stopped and composed her features.

“An interesting meeting,” she ventured.

“Yes. I am making preparations for our departure. I will, of course, be taking Isane.”

Soi nodded, feeling as if she was intruding but wanting to have an excuse for following her friend she asked quickly buy shyly, “How is the lieutenant? Kenpachi's wife?”

A small smile crossed Retsu's face and a look of relief flashed in her eyes. “She's sleeping, recovering. Her husband is with her, refusing to leave her side again. The last I saw he was holding her hand and gazing at her intently. It has come as no small surprise to me that he hasn't tried to wake her as yet.”

As if on cue Soi heard Captain Zaraki's voice echoing through the hallways. “Retsu; Retsu, get your butt in here. Now! She doesn't know who I am. She's asking for that bastard Ichimaru.”

Retsu rose to her feet and ran in the direction of the voice a very troubled look on her face. After starting to her feet Soi decided not to follow. After having married the woman, been unable to prevent her abduction and then regaining her only to nearly lose her to death, the Captain would be exceedingly unhappy if his wife then forgot him. Idly she wondered if she would need to goad Toshiro into fighting him once more to distract him. The reiatsu was flaring, but it gradually settled down into the normal uncontrolled expansion and contraction she was accustomed to feeling. There was no point in remaining here. Retsu was busy and her comforting presence would soon desert the Seireitei and Soi would once more be thrown back to her own resources. Another friend would be welcome, but who was as sensible or suitable as Retsu? Sadly she returned to her lonely bed missing her friend before her absence.

A.N.

The fruit meaning? *sigh* Pomegranates are a sigh of fertility, tomatoes are also known as love apples and lychees have a prickly exterior but are very sweet inside. Now, work out the rest for yourself.

Soundtrack

`Spirit of the Turning Table' Paradise Soul

March from `For the Love of Three Oranges, Op.33' Prokofiev

`Can't Get You Out of My Head' Kylie Minogue

Thank you to Mors', Bastion and ldymoon for reviewing. At the risk of sounding sentimental, I appreciate it.

Review. I like reviews.