Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ For The Love of a Friend ❯ Love's Substitute ( Chapter 29 )

Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo. I am not Tite Kubo. I do not own Bleach or the characters. I do not own the Seireitei.

 

Love's Substitute

 

Taking the folded paper from the 5th Division messenger, Toshiro unfolded it slowly and scanned the contents. Recent events had made any new message suspect; each day was full of worrying developments that either confounded or confused him. Hope that the complications would become fewer with the passing of time faded as more problems arose, forcing him once again to reassess his situation and try to plan for the best method of dealing with each new set of circumstances. Previously he'd had Matsumoto to talk to, even if her advice was often facile or unhelpful. Yet, frequently, it pointed him in the right direction. When she changed the subject to some silly observation or piece of gossip he would become distracted and when, finally, he had the chance to return to the original problem, he might have a new slant due to the mental break she had provided. More than once he wondered if she provided the distraction on purpose to give that relief from the intimate connection he formed with a problem which made solutions more difficult to recognise. For the past few days, no, longer than that, she had been absent. While in the human world he hadn't really dared to broach the Soi issue with her because it hadn't been an issue. It had been a simple arrangement of sex paying for security for Momo. Enjoyable but unimportant, or so he thought.

 

It wasn't possible to say when he'd begun to fall in love with Soi, or if this was love, or deep lust, infatuation, strong emotions, distinct liking, passion, desire or an undisciplined longing that was way out of control. They were just words, labels that meant nothing and didn't define their relationship. He didn't want to think about that, or her, or Momo, or Matsumoto. It was easier to think about paperwork. Predictable, boring and infuriating. He could dread paperwork, but it was a known quantity. It would recur but could be finished, at least for a time.

 

A discreet cough drew his attention back to the present. Paperwork! He was thinking about paperwork?

 

Re-reading the message he sighed heartily when he recognised the writing and understood the implications. In the excitement of the abduction and return of his lieutenant, the meetings and fights with Soi he had forgotten the undertaking he'd made to help Captain Ukitake. The note was a reminder and a demand, politely disguised as a request, for his attendance at 13th Division, immediately. He hoped it had nothing to do with the potentially disastrous liaison between Kiyone and Captain Kuchiki, but knew that it would be.

 

Still standing near the bathhouse, Toshiro considered returning within the welcoming warmth and hiding for a few more hours. He could get some sake or juice and food delivered and pass his time reading some of the classics he'd neglected due to lack of time. He could read `The Temple of the Golden Pavilion' or the tales of the famous consulting detective who had a drug problem, or even the old fables he'd read as a child. Or he could nap. Or meditate. Due to recent events, the time spent communing with the spirit of his zanpakuto had been limited and he'd been told that it was important for his strength, that he spent time talking to the spirit. Love and other distractions had interfered.

 

Why had he agreed to help Ukitake? He didn't want to see the weeping Kiyone, or feel her arms feverishly embracing him as she pressed her shaking frame against his; not that it would definitely happen, but it might. At least Soi wouldn't be present and Rukia would be there…

 

With a sinking feeling he remembered that Rukia had already left and her influence would not be at work during this difficult meeting. It was going to be difficult. The plummeting feeling in his stomach warned him it was going to be hard. Having worked with Rukia in the human world, he had developed an appreciation of her level headed nature and sly sense of humour, even though she had often been inexplicably absent when she was required. He'd attributed that to the probability that she was becoming reacquainted with old friends, studying or spending time acting like a teenager. Without her presence the meeting might spiral out of control. Or, with any luck, Ukitake might have worked out the whole situation and he was only required to witness the betrothal contract. Who knew how nobles arranged marriages? He didn't and wasn't about to start researching the matter now. Other people's romances didn't concern him, except his lieutenants, and that was because he kept being dragged in through no fault of his own. Who knew that even after marriage, relationships could continue to be complex and uncertain?

 

Squaring his shoulders, he gave himself a mental shake. If he didn't answer the request he would shame his Division and his name. Having worked hard to prove that he was worthy of being a captain and a Shinigami, failing to meet this request would call into question his reliability. As fast as his reluctance would permit him he rushed, slowly, to the precincts of the 13th Division, trying, in vain, to persuade his mind that the sooner he was there, the sooner the meeting would be over and he could go and find forgetfulness in work or physical exercise of some form.

 

The door to Ukitake's office was opened before he tapped on it and an unknown Shinigami bowed low and politely ushered him into the room and chair before he was fully aware of his surrounding. Kiyone was there huddled in a chair facing her captain. Her eyes were red, but she was not crying. Her sister sat on Ukitake's right, her eyes fixed on her sister, her mouth set in a straight line. There were two more vacant chairs and Toshiro found he was sitting on Ukitake's left, wondering who the chairs were meant to seat. The Captain was pouring a pleasantly scented herbal tea into delicate porcelain cups, the curls of steam escaping over the lip. His hand moved involuntarily and Toshiro found he was sipping the rich blend of chamomile, lily root and honeysuckle tea before he realised what he was doing. The soothing taste and aroma eased some of his worries, and for the time it took to swallow the first cup he forgot why he was there and the potential issues that might be faced before he was free of this obligation.

 

Placing the cup back on the table and nodding enthusiastically when Ukitake offered him another cup, he didn't notice the door open and only the rustling of clothes and the slight angry and dismayed gasp drew his attention to the new arrival.

 

Soi, her face a careful but beautiful mask gazed back at him. Her dark eye burned with what he thought was anger in a face which seemed whiter than usual. There was no trace of colour on her cheekbones, no frown furrowed her brow. He could not see the wrinkle in the side of her nose that indicated her disdain. Wondering if she even saw him, a momentary desire to wave at her made his raise his hand, but he resisted the impulse. She was ushered to sit next to him and he noted how she moved her seat further from his in a pointed manner. The point was made. After the initial look, she studiously avoided his eyes, concentrating on the tea that Captain Ukitake poured.

 

Clearing his throat, Ukitake replaced the teapot on the brazier after replenishing the water. “Before Captain Kuchiki arrives, I think we need some agreement. He is, at present, I believe, unaware that he is fortunate to be gaining an heir.”

 

A firm knock at the door interrupted. `Enter,” Captain Ukitake called.

 

The tall 6th Division Captain entered the room, almost eagerly for him, and then abruptly stopped as he noticed that the 13th Division Captain was not alone. “I am here is answer to your note that you have a message from my sister,” the voice was less severe than normal. It sounded like the man was almost eager to obtain some news concerning Rukia.

 

“You ignored my previous requests to visit me,” Captain Ukitake said as he pushed his hair back over his shoulders.

 

“Until this last time you did not mention a message from Rukia. I am extremely busy making preparations for tomorrow, as I am sure you understand, but I had hoped for some communication from my sister,” Captain Kuchiki said briefly. “Was it a fabrication to draw me here?” His attitude had changed since his arrival and he was once again the noble who followed all the correct forms.

 

Captain Ukitake flinched and colour rose in his pale cheeks. “No, I do have a note for you.” He removed a folded paper from his desk and handed it over to the Captain who carefully stored it before turning to leave. “Our business is not finished,” the 13th Division Captain said hurriedly. “A few more minutes of your time, if you would be so kind.”

 

“Oh, Captain. Please sit down and let me explain everything,” Kiyone leapt to her feet and her hands reached out imploringly to the man who regarded her with a cool and dismissive expression.

 

Quickly he turned from her to the 13th Division Captain and spoke evenly. “You summoned me here, saying an urgent matter needed resolution, Ukitake and that you had a note from my sister. I now have the note. As I am sure you understand I have a number of issues to settle before I leave my Division in uncertain hands. Time is short and valuable. Explain, quickly.”

 

Toshiro watched Kiyone sink back into her sat, her face white while her cheeks flamed a painful red. Her eyes were fixed on the man who had ignored her as if trying to will him to notice her, or at least acknowledge her existence. After glancing at Soi, Toshiro hoped that he did not show his emotions so blatantly. For that brief moment he felt some compassion for the girl, loving so hopelessly; but she made her feelings so obvious. A man who was as contained as the 6th Division Captain would not appreciate any public demonstration or declaration. He must find this situation galling.

 

“Please sit down, Captain Kuchiki. Let's act in a manner befitting Captains of the Seireitei.”

 

“I do not need to be cautioned regarding my behaviour. I see no point in wasting time,” the dark haired man cut in. He gave a quick and disinterested glance at Toshiro and Soi. “I see. You have convened a panel of witnesses.”

 

Witnesses? What were they witnessing? All Toshiro could discern were the bad manners of a man who prided himself on the honour and behaviour of the noble clans. If so, he was providing a very bad example. Toshiro raised his eyebrow as he assessed the man who remained standing. For all his lack of movement and fixed expression, Toshiro sensed the man was very tense. He was furious, but determined not to show it.

 

“As is permitted,” Ukitake's voice was carefully non-committal.

 

“Permitted or not. I will not be questioned like a child or called to account for my actions. I do not answer to you,” the cold in the word cut through the room and Kiyone yipped gently before covering her mouth with her hand. Toshiro saw her teeth begin to chew on the glove as she raised her fearful eyes to gaze again with heartbreaking longing at the man she loved.

 

Soi stood abruptly. “Sit down, Captain Kuchiki. You have behaved in a manner which is unbecoming to one of your rank and background, or so I believe. You have this chance to present your case.”

 

Such was the force of her words and the authority of her manner, the Captain quickly took his seat. With dignity, Soi resumed her seat while Captain Kuchiki turned his penetrating gaze on Soi's face as if he were assessing her. “I imagine that the girl has spoken of my misguided and foolish intercourse with her. It was unwise to hope that she would practice any discretion.”

 

The blunt words ripped through the room, laying everything bare. Tears began to leak from Kiyone's eyes as her sister sat shocked at the lack of nobility displayed by the captain beside her. Toshiro felt a shudder of anger rip through him. The man was under stress, obviously, but he could have broached the subject with more delicacy, or made the admission with more finesse.

 

“You admit to having sexual relations with my third seat,” Captain Ukitake was quickly regaining control of the situation.

 

“As it is clearly known to all of you, there is little point in denial. What of it? It was consensual; we are adults. It was on one night only and I did not seek to repeat the experience. I do not explain my actions to anyone,” was the hard answer.

 

“My sister. You impregnated my sister,” Isane said, her voice quiet but firm. “She is carrying the Kuchiki heir.”

 

The object of the accusation folded his arms and looked sternly at the other Captains. “And you have proof that the child is mine? I was not her first sexual partner.”

 

“It's yours, Byakuya. I couldn't let anyone touch me after I fell in love with you. Our baby is growing within me,” Kiyone said shakily, but sincerely.

 

“We can prove it, once the baby is born,” Isane said with conviction.

 

“But I know she was seen coming from your quarters,” Captain Kuchiki said to Toshiro, pointedly ignoring the sisters. “How do I know it's not your child?”

 

Toshiro felt his mouth gape open. What the hell was going on here? He only came as a courtesy because Kiyone had got him involved and he'd been accused of fathering her child once already. “I didn't even kiss the girl,” he responded angrily. “How did you know she visited me? Did you have her followed? Why?”

 

“You don't need to kiss a woman to beget a child,” Captain Kuchiki said dismissively. “She was alone with you, in your quarters for some time. She states the child is mine. I argue that the child may be yours.”

 

How many times was he going to be forced into this denial? He set his teeth ready to face this new accusation, thinking that each new disclosure of pregnancy only brought trouble. The faint pinch of guilt for not telling Momo of her condition made him resolve to do so at the earliest possible opportunity, though he knew that it would complicate matter even more.

 

“The child is not his,” Soi said adamantly with a hesitation in her voice. “I discovered the identity of the father in discussions with the 3rd seat. She did not name you, but once I guessed correctly she agreed, with much hesitation and fear. I can understand her reaction now as you are proving to be as compassionate as any noble.”

 

While it was pleasant to be given this support, Toshiro wondered why Soi was doing so and in such a forceful manner. And he felt an inclination to exclaim at her use of the word `compassion'. Did she know the meaning of the word and how to apply it to her own life and make allowances for the weaknesses of others? He could almost hear a slightly protective note in her voice, but considering their last few encounters he knew that his mind was planting these foolish hopes within his heart. Soi hated him passionately and wanted to see him dead, almost as passionately as he wanted to see her naked and in his bed once more. Or looking at him with something other than loathing in her eyes.

 

“She might not be telling the truth,” was the response.

 

The force in Captain Kuchiki's tone and the situation reminded Toshiro that he had happily accepted that another Captain was the father so he didn't have to experience the weight of suspicion or the expectation that he would marry Kiyone. He didn't want to have that suspicion or expectation return.

 

“Kiyone and I have not been intimate,” Toshiro said, trying to infuse his words with integrity. He did not want anyone to even slightly doubt that he had anything to do with the parentage of her child. “I am here only by invitation to witness the events.”

 

The dark haired captain raised his eyebrow and looked around the room. “I am already judged to be the father though no proof is offered and thus I am convicted without fair trial.” He turned and gave Kiyone a measuring glance. “After our `encounter' I half expected this and planned for it, but wished it would not happen. I married once, for selfish purposes. I am reluctant to marry again, but it will secure the succession. Anything more than marriage is out of the question: I want that understood.”

 

Kiyone coughed, and then choked. “I know,” she admitted quietly. “The baby is yours and I….”

 

“If you are preparing to admit to your emotions regarding me, don't. They are not my concern and they are not returned.”

 

The silence following the hard words seemed to stretch as Captain Kuchiki sat straight in his chair and showed his dissatisfaction in his attitude.

 

Instead of submitting to the tears as expected, Kiyone copied the Captain and sat straight in her chair, her teeth gnawing at her bottom lip, which had a distressing tendency to wobble, her unswerving and pained gaze on his face. It was obvious that whatever she felt for the man, love, lust, adoration or something else was strong and she was using all her resources to act in a manner she believed he required. It was both inspiring and pitiful to watch.

 

“We cannot ascertain now if the child is mine?” The question was directed at Isane who answered directly.

 

“No. There is not enough time before we leave.” It was clear that she resented the question.

 

“I see.”

 

Again the silence lengthened and Toshiro felt obliged to say something, anything to dispel the growing tension. “How do you know she came to visit me?”

 

The look he received reminded him of how chilled Shunsui had looked when he'd lost his temper with him. Captain Kuchiki did not like answering questions. “To safeguard my honour. As I had slept with the woman and there was the possibility, slim though I thought it was, I could beget a child, I wanted to be certain of the parentage. Minor nobility, such as the family from which she is descended are not so careful of maintaining the purity of the line.”

 

The audible gasp from both Kiyone and Isane proved that Captain Kuchiki's deliberate insult had proved effective. “I've never claimed we were nobility; even minor nobility,” Isane said.

 

Captain Kuchiki looked like he would sniff with disinterest, but appeared to catch himself. “During our brief conversation I remember that your sister alluded to some claim of being related to one of the four noble families. As it did not interest me I let the matter rest. It seems that I was correct not to trust all her words.”

 

“I wasn't lying. Not exactly. A long time ago I was told we had some claim,” Kiyone said, trying to sound certain, but her voice wavered on the last few words.

 

Continuing without acknowledgement of the interruption, the Captain said, “As I have been summoned here I imagine I will be censured if I leave without making some sort of arrangement,” Captain Kuchiki sighed as if the matter was of no account and bored him with its interference.

 

“We did hope that we could find a solution that would be agreeable to all parties,” Captain Ukitake agreed gravely, his face set and his back rigid.

 

For the first time during this meeting, the dark haired captain looked directly at Kiyone. He ran his eyes over her face and figure with more calculation than desire and he nodded slightly.

 

“We can find agreement, but none of us will find satisfaction with the solution. There is not enough time to arrange a marriage, but I will agree to engage in an informal betrothal with the woman,” he said in an assessing manner.

 

“That's rubbish. Captain Zaraki married….,” Soi began.

 

This time the lip did curl in disdain but the Captain interrupted firmly. “Precisely. Captain Zaraki is common. His wife is also common, very common, and neither have a family or heritage to consider. I, however, must abide by the rules laid down by precedent. There are certain processes that must be observed.”

 

Kiyone looked confused for a few minutes and then as she began to understand a tremulous smile visited her lips and the look of adoration she turned on the 6th Division Captain sickened Toshiro. Didn't she realise what he was saying? “You'll marry me? You'll really marry me?”

 

“Due to the nature of the mission, it is uncertain if I will return. Thus, an heir is necessary. I would have preferred a different mother, but I no longer have a choice in the matter. Ukitake, as you were preparing for this, I wish for you to draw up an informal betrothal document which can be witnessed by the Captains gathered here,” the words came out, stilted and unwilling.

 

“I recommend a formal engagement. It will not be open to dispute,” Isane said, her voice carrying through the room. The slight tremor was unmistakable, but Captain Ukitake nodded in agreement.

 

A deep and petulant sigh escaped Byakuya. “Very well. Do it now and I will affix my seal. It need only cover the pertinent facts.”

 

Captain Ukitake wrote quickly, the strokes of his brush both strong and deliberate as he worded the document according to the prescribed formula. Glancing at the characters, Toshiro admired the fine calligraphy and the clever wording. The document was binding and unambiguous, plainly stating that both parties were entering the engagement freely and had no prior ties that would prevent a marriage. Handing the document to the 6th Division Captain, he stated, “It provides the basic outline. A marriage contract will require more detail.”

 

The room was silent as the document was read, once, twice. Pulling his seal from his sash, Captain Kuchiki with no show of eagerness pressed it onto the document. Almost as soon as his seal left the document, Kiyone was pressing her seal firmly on the paper, confirming her consent.

 

Minutes later the document was witnessed and Captain Ukitake smiled benevolently at the engaged couple. “You are now officially engaged. You may kiss your betrothed.”

 

“That will not be necessary. I would request that news of this transaction does not leave this room until either I return, the child is born, or news of my demise is received,” was the demand presented to all present by Captain Kuchiki.

 

“Anything you request I will do, Byakuya. Aren't you going to kiss me?” Kiyone asked imploringly.

 

“No. As I stated before, there is no need. This marriage may as well have been arranged between two people who have never met. I will now go and resume preparations for my departure.” The words echoed through the room, as did the slam of the door.

 

Isane stood and then hesitated. She looked at the door and then her sister. “I have to go too. Kiyone, it will work out. You're short and cute, not a tall, gawky stork like me. Once he gets to know you, I'm sure that he'll…,” Isane paused and coughed. Her confusion and discomfort were noticeable. “It will work out, somehow.”

 

Even though she was trying hard to provide assurance, Isane was uncertain and it would have been better if she had said nothing. Kiyone was sitting very still. The two refusals to kiss her had obviously hit hard.

 

“Does anyone want some more tea?” Captain Ukitake asked smoothly.

 

“Thank you,” Soi said. “A pleasant blend.”

 

Tea? Soi and Captain Ukitake were talking about tea as Kiyone continued to stare where her betrothed had sat a few minutes previously, clearly having difficulty accepting that she was engaged and that Captain Kuchiki had rejected her lips twice. Toshiro wondered which was the more difficult to accept.

 

“Your child will have a father, Kiyone,” Isane said gently. “It will be loved and given every advantage as the Kuchiki heir. If the Captain does not return, you will be treated as if you had married him.”

 

“May I have some tea?” Kiyone requested. Her voice sounded like it had to pass some large obstacle to emerge from her throat. “My throat is very dry.”

 

Captain Ukitake poured her a cup and passing it to her observed, “Tea can be soothing and relax the nerves. It may not always be what you want, but on occasions can offer part of what you need.”

 

The comment seemed rather out of place. The woman was now engaged to a reluctant bridegroom who had barely acknowledged her presence and had told her, in front of witnesses that he didn't care for her and didn't wish to hear about her feelings. Tea was a weak restorative, but now she was pregnant Kiyone wouldn't be drinking anything stronger, would she?

 

“Tea isn't always a panacea,” Isane said very quietly. “I know that talking to a person who cares for you, despite the mistakes you've made, can help too. Kiyone, I have to go tomorrow and my Captain was reluctant to let me come here, but all the time I have free, I will share with you,” she said and then seemed to be struck by an idea. “Captain Ukitake, would you permit my sister to assist me with my planning?”

 

Kiyone didn't seem enthusiastic, but Captain Ukitake smiled, clearly relieved. “I think that's a splendid idea. Kiyone, I will see you once the mission has departed.”

 

It took some urging and a great amount of pleading, but Isane managed to get her sister on her feet and out the door leaving Soi and Toshiro alone with the Captain. It struck Toshiro how quiet Soi had been and looking at her, he noticed that she was staring into space, as if she were thinking deeply about something. Rather than spend any more time in this situation, and before the woman could again say anything or inflict physical damage on him, he decided to leave. All their recent encounters confirmed that while he might experience strong feelings for Soi, the only feelings that she displayed appeared to be an irrational anger and hatred. What was causing these reactions he didn't know, but finding out would prove difficult, he was sure.

 

At a loose end, he decided to visit Momo. Tomorrow, once Zaraki left he would gain Matsumoto's assistance and finally break the news to his friend. Would the news of her pregnancy shock her enough that she would regain her commonsense? Her unrelenting insistence that he fetch Captain Aizen for her was proving very irritating and made him concerned for her sanity.

 

“Not exactly the result I had wished for,” Captain Ukitake mused aloud, making Toshiro stare at the man. Lost in his thoughts the sound of the voice was a shock but he answered instinctively.

 

“We don't always get what we wish for.” The words were dragged from him as he thought about Soi.

 

“Nor everything we need,” Soi said distantly and then started and looked at both the men as if wondering why they were there. “I have fulfilled my duty here, Captain Ukitake. In future I trust you will deal with your personnel problems internally and not seek to involve me.” Without waiting for an answer, Soi bowed sketchily and left.

 

“Oh, dear. I seem to have upset Captain Fong,” Captain Ukitake said easily, not appearing very concerned by the situation.

 

“You and me both,” Toshiro said moodily. Then before the other Captain could ask the questions that Toshiro could see were forming in his mind he added quickly, “I must go too. We'll all find extra work results with this mission and filling in the gaps left by other Captains. I hope everything works out for Kiyone,” he said and left.

 

“But it won't,” were his internal thoughts having reviewed the conversation. He was certain that this was another relationship doomed to end even before it began.

 

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A.N.

 

`The Last Time' The Thrillseekers

`Grace Kelly' Mika

`You Can't Always Get What You Want' The Rolling Stones

 

All the guesses about who sent the basket to Soi cracked me up. Next chapter might provide some answers.

 

Review. I like reviews.

 

Thanks to ldymoon, Mors', Bastion and Darkwolf22 for the reviews. Bastion, sever spine bad. Reviews good.