Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Last Hope ❯ Part 2 ( Chapter 2 )

Title: Last Hope Part 2

Author: TheaBlackthorn

Series: Bleach AU

Pairings: Hisagi/Kira, Ukitake/Kyouraku/Staark

Summary: Hurt and empty, will Kira's next Master be kinder than the last?

Notes: Part of my 100 Themes Challenge.

 

Kira approached the little cafe slowly, eyes trailing across the frontage with undisguised interest. He'd walked past here on many occasions heading to his job, but he'd never gone in - though he'd been tempted. The small building was built from rich red brick, one large window exposing the inside of the café to the world outside, which made it quite enticing for Kira as he was an avid people watcher.

There were wrought iron tables and chairs placed outside the wide glass window covered in gold script pronouncing the name of the cafe - La Rouge. A black awning protected any patrons who sat beneath it from the bright morning sun; pot plant's softening the crisp lines of the glass, bright flowers tumbling from hanging baskets at either end of the cafes frontage.

He was early, he knew that but he'd been quite frantic this morning. Not sure what to wear for such a meeting, he knew Ukitake-san but he didn't know who the prospective person was that they were set to meet. This was his first time in this type circumstance; he wasn't really certain how they worked at all. He felt nerves twisting in his belly, apprehension a formidable emotion as his hands fidgeted. He looked away from the cafe to assess himself once more, eyes straying to the window of the store he was hiding beside, feigning interest in the array of alcohols clearly on display, not truly paying any attention to the liquor.

He assessed his choice of clothes again, he had selected some dark blue form fitting jeans held up by a black leather belt; comfortable black loafers adorned his feet, pale blue shirt loosely tucked into his jeans with a deep chocolate brown suede coat to keep off the chill. He'd spent a lot of time making sure he looked perfect. Not a wrinkle or mark on his clothes all neatly pressed and assembled the night, well early morning, before. He wanted to impress whomever Ukitake had decided to let him meet. He couldn't disappoint the kind man; after all he had said and done yesterday.

Kira turned once more, blue eyes looking away from the reflective glass, deeming himself fit for company, he didn't take note of the man behind the glass, a warm smile curling his lips as he watched his lover's friend straighten himself out, expectation lighting blue eyes. He looked back over at the cafe to see that Ukitake had finally arrived, standing just outside the front door into the cafe, though he was alone. Kira's brow furrowed for a moment, but he let it go, perhaps they were meeting them inside?

He walked out from where he had been waiting, slipping around the corner naturally, his hands tucked into the pockets of his coat to stop the nervous fidgeting that he knew he was doing. As he drew closer his frown returned, Ukitake-san looked a little on edge himself and Kira felt trepidation flair inside him. He drew closer and the pale haired man turned, those warm eyes widening before Kira's own dropped to look at the ground before he bowed formally. “Good morning Ma.. Ahh, Ukitake-san.”

Kira's face heated, he hadn't even meant to say that and yet instinct had the words coming out before he could think, though he was glad that he had managed to halt them.

“Good morning, Kira-kun.”

Kira slowly rose from his bow, eyes only lifting to the other mans chin, never meeting his gaze, something else he just couldn't stop himself from doing and in some way he had resigned himself to that. He heard Ukitake-san sigh, the shift of his chest under his thick cream coloured jumper easily visible from where his gaze was directed.

Ukitake chuckled warmly, gaze taking in the pale blond before him, admiring the cut of the clothes' that made up his outfit and the warm colours that complimented such creamy coloured skin and pale hair. He had noticed the direction of Kira's gaze and paid it no mind, very few sub's were permitted to look into their masters faces without permission, his own were an exception unless he was displeased with them. But he would try to get Kira to do as most normal people did outside of a scene. “Kira-kun?”

He watched as the blond's gaze almost flicked up and he responded a little warily. “Hai, Ukitake-san.”

Ukitake leant down far enough that he could look into Kira's eyes without drawing to close, he could see the tension in Kira's body and he didn't want to startle the other man, “You may look at me, Kira-kun.”

Kira's eyes settled on the pale haired man before him, admiring how the fine filaments caught in the sunlight when the man moved to look him in the eyes. He dragged his gaze upwards, nerves clenching in his belly as he replied, “My apologies, Ukitake-san. It is - habit.”

He watched as the other man nodded as he straightened once more, a soft smile tilting his lips, “I know, Kira-kun. “ Ukitake sighed softly, regret filling him at what he had to convey next but he was certain that the pair would get on, and that he could trust the man inside to take care of Kira. He wasn't the kind of person to harm another, especially this one.

“Now, Kira-kun, I must make an apology of my own. I'm afraid I have managed to double-book myself for this lunch time. I do not wish to reschedule your meeting and I am fairly certain that who we have come to see is here already. So, I propose that I introduce you and you may decide if you wish to continue, though I regret that I will not be able to stay with you for the meeting. Would it be agreeable to you if I returned once my other meeting has been dealt with?” Ukitake could feel Kira's apprehension, his arms had drawn up from his pockets to curl around his slender waist, eyes shifting away from his own once more as his brows dipped in a frown. The blond haired man probably wasn't even aware just how easy he was to read, not to mention he was nibbling on his lower lip absently. “Kira-kun?”

Kira's looked back at the pale haired man, not certain what he wished to do. He understood that Ukitake-san had other, more important things that he needed to do. But Kira was anxious, he had never done this before, he didn't know how these things worked and he had hoped, with Ukitake-san being there, that it would go more smoothly because of his experience and his calming presence. But he wanted to try this too, and Ukitake had said that if he wasn't comfortable he could leave. “Ukitake-san, I would like to meet this person you have recommended. Though, I do not know how these meetings are supposed to go. Am I to ask questions? Make arrangements?” Kira's mouth dried as he put suggestions on the table, not wanting to say anymore, feeling slightly embarrassed for his lack of knowledge.

Ukitake nodded absently in response to Kira's words. “I am sorry that I haven't really gone through this with you. But here is what we will do. Today is just a meeting; there will be no negotiations, no contracts of any kind. What you are here to see is if you feel comfortable with this person. First meetings are important; trust is the most important part of this lifestyle, Kira-kun. Without it, there is nothing. So, we will see what you think of this person. I have recommended him to you, but you should talk to a few others about him too before you go any further than that. If you do not feel comfortable at any time, you may leave or you may call me or Kyouraku. We both know where you are, alright?”

Kira nodded in response to each of Ukitake's points, absorbing the information that the other man imparted like a sponge. “Hai, Ukitake-san. Thank you.”

“You are in charge of this part Kira. You must understand that. It is your body, your psyche that is involved in this decision. Trust yourself, your instincts and feelings, and you will make the right choice. If this man doesn't fit what you want, we can always look for others. In all fairness, I believe he would be a good person for you to talk to as a source of information about the scene in general. The more you know the better. Plus he doesn't embarrass easily.” Ukitake chuckled at this last, remembering some of the scenes he had seen the other man in and just how much it had taken to get the brunet to flush in anything but arousal.

Kira felt the first stirrings of hope since yesterday, the nerves were still there but so was a tiny fluttering of excitement. He had known he couldn't live without this part of himself, and under Ukitake-sans guidance he had already learnt a lot more than he had known before. He had a good feeling about this meeting, he wasn't sure why but even if this man wasn't the right one, he may be able to give him more knowledge of the lifestyle he craved with every fibre of his being. And maybe, just maybe, he could find someone to replace the pain and longing that had been left by his Master's hand. Kira's gaze came up, a small smile curling his lips, “I'm ready, Ukitake-san.”

“Good, first step forward Kira-kun.”

“Hai.”

They entered the cafe together, Kira's gaze wandering the clientele that were seated around the room, wondering who they were there to meet when his gaze snagged on someone in the corner. He watched as the man's gaze wandered across the words on the page of the newspaper he was reading, one hand lightly curled around a steaming cup of coffee. But those observations hadn't stopped Kira in his footsteps, what had was the dark spikes of brown hair covering his head, the lightly tanned skin covering sharp cheekbones, three scars traversing the side of the face he could see clearly.

And he remembered.

He knew this man, had known him what felt like eons ago. His nerves danced inside his stomach, making him feel vaguely nauseous. But it was Ukitake's light tug on his coat that made him flinch and realise he had stopped in his tracks. He couldn't say anything, gaze riveted to a face he remembered with avid interest and yet didn't fully recognise, “Hisagi-sempai?”

When dark, almost black eyes looked up at him from their fixed attention on the newspaper and just seemed to stare into him he felt heat, longing and fear shiver and race through his body. He felt slightly dizzy from the rush of feelings and yet he didn't move, mouth slightly open, breath quickening. He barely registered Ukitake reaching for him as his body moved, not wanting to be touched as he almost hyperventilated in front of his old sempai and his new mentor. He watched, detached, as Hisagi moved, rising to his feet, approaching slowly but smoothly, hands kept down, face now fully exposed to Kira's gaze though the blond couldn't take it in.

Hisagi took in the sight of the blond haired man stood at the front of the little café and felt warmth fill him. It had been too long since he'd seen Kira. He would have to thank Ukitake-san for giving him this opportunity, something he had longed for since before he'd been part of the scene. But he noted quickly how Kira's gaze was fixed on him, but hazy, his body seemed stiff, locked in place and his breathing was making his chest rise and fall rapidly.

A panic attack?

He saw Ukitake try and reach out to Kira, but the blond flinched away from his pale hands. Hisagi didn't consider, he stood slowly, easily and approached with measured steps. He stopped a foot away from Kira and looked down into hazy blue eyes that followed him from his seat. His words were slow and clear, a measure of his dominance thrown in, it was a calculated risk given Kira's history that he was, only now, slowly becoming aware of that allowed him to try this, “Kira - stop.”

And he did.

Kira gasped at the command, heat suffusing him at the simple show of dominance and how it made his body hum with something familiar, and strangely comforting. His breathing eased and he watched as both men relaxed around him. His gaze dropped from Hisagi's piercing eyes, feeling heat seep into his cheeks. He'd gone and embarrassed himself again. His voice came out quiet but deeply apologetic, eyes never leaving the black and white tiles beneath his feet, “My apologies, Ukitake-san, Hisagi-sempai.”

It was Hisagi's deep, velvety smooth voice that stroked his senses in reply, “There is nothing to apologise for, Kira.” Kira did his best to restrain the shiver at the way his sempai said his name so easily, so informally. It had been a long time since anyone had treated him that way and he had missed it. He felt his embarrassment flee in the wake of Hisagi's words, something like hope flickering tentatively inside him. His hands clenched once then eased, his head coming up but his gaze remaining focused lower than Hisagi's eyes.

“Thank you.”

Ukitake watched the two, repressing the smile that wanted to tilt his lips. These two, he could see it clearly. They would be a good match. Just this short interlude between them spoke volumes. He had hoped that reacquainting the pair would lead to something for both of them.

Hisagi had been trying to find a partner for some time and Kira becoming available at the time was fate in his mind. Ukitake knew Hisagi quite well and had been trying to find someone to help ease the loneliness that had settled inside him after Kensei. He had known of the brunet's interest in the blond from his pre-scene years and was pleased to be able to reunite them after so long.

Ukitake looked between the two and spoke softly, allowing Kira to finish pulling himself together, “Hisagi it is good to see you. I'm afraid I won't be staying for the meeting but, I shall be back in a few hours. Please treat Kira-kun to lunch for me as I haven't been able to fulfil my promise of lunch. I shall repay you later, ne.” He gave the brunet a warm smile, never trying to reach for him to shake his hand. They'd known each other long enough to understand personal boundaries. Hisagi wasn't a toucher, unless he was with a partner, which Ukitake understood to some degree.

Hisagi nodded in response, gaze occasionally flicking back to Kira as he listened to Ukitake. “It's fine as long as Kira is comfortable being here with me, Ukitake. I shall be happy to buy him lunch. It will be nice to catch up.” He watched the blond as he said this, aware that Kira's gaze remained fixed around chest height, the instincts of a sub ran deep in him.

The very idea made Hisagi's blood warm with pleasure and need. He'd never known Kira as a sub and the desire he'd harboured for the blond but had quashed for so long trickled slowly and steadily into his veins once more.

He turned his full attention to the blond, “Kira?”

Kira looked up for a moment, eyes quickly assessing the dark gaze focused so acutely on him and felt that heat fill his cheeks again. “Hai, sempai. It would be - nice - to catch up.” He turned to look at Ukitake-san, his gaze lifting to actually see warm umber orbs looking back at him in concern.

“I would like to stay Ukitake-san, though I will be paying for my own lunch. Please have a good meeting and we shall see you in a few hours.” He felt warmth flow through him at the care and concern on Ukitake-sans face. It had been a long time since anyone had tried to help Kira with anything, shown any deal of care for him. He didn't feel for Ukitake in that regard, but it felt good to have someone to talk to again.

He gave the pale haired man a soft smile and bowed formally, “Thank you, Ukitake-san.”

Ukitake smiled softly, at Kira's formality, seeing that it was something that was ingrained in him as much as his submissiveness was. “It is my pleasure, Kira-kun. I am on the other end of the phone if you wish to ask anything, as is Kyoraku. He may actually be more able to answer your questions than I.” He watched Kira's brow furrow as he stood up, blue gaze settling on him for a moment.

“You don't know Kira-kun?” When Kira shook his head in response, Ukitake couldn't help but clarify the situation, smiling cheekily, “Shunsui is my sub.” Kira's surprise was clear as day, the way his eyes widened, lips parting; it made the older man chuckle warmly. “I'm sure you shall have time to talk about that later. Now have fun.” He waved his hand and turned, exiting the café with a tinkle of bells.

Hisagi watched the pair with interest and amusement, although he never smiled openly. When Ukitake exited he looked down at the blond, staring at the door, “Kira, come and sit down. You really didn't know about those two?”

Kira turned to stare at the brunet, not evening thinking to lower his gaze and seeing Hisagi's curious umber orbs looking at him. “Hai and no, Hisagi-sempai.” He felt a little foolish for his lack of knowledge and he realised then that there was a lot he truly didn't know, so he resigned himself to feeling that way for some time.

“Ah.” Hisagi turned to guide the blond back to his table. Looking over at the young woman behind the counter and speaking quietly, “Coffee, black two sugars.”

Kira looked up at Hisagi's retreating back, shocked that the brunet remembered the way he drank his coffee after all the time that had passed. They hadn't seen each other in years. And yet, that he'd remembered, stirred the warmth that seemed to be burgeoning in his chest all the more. A soft smile curled his lips, “Thank you, sempai.”

Hisagi turned to look back at Kira as he settled himself back in his seat, waving Kira into the one opposite him. At the sight of that soft smile curling Kira's lips he felt something unwind inside him, a feeling of comfort and familiarity he hadn't felt since Kensei and before that since this man left his life. He let his lip curl at one corner, not really a smile but close to one, “Your welcome, Kira.”