Jüshirö
I woke sometime in the early morning or possibly breakfast, my head pounding and my muscles tight. I groaned, twisting to my side in hopes of relieving some of the pain in my lower back and decided that nothing less than a horde of Gillian’s would remove me from my bed, Yamamoto be damned. déjà vu
Blinking my eyes slowly open, fighting back the sting, another aftermath affect of overindulging in my private stash. It had to be later than I thought, if the sun were anything to go by, the sky was tinged in dusky hues of peaches and pinks and the air was warmer than it had been earlier. Kyoraku was lounging pleasantly on that disgusting haori of his, basking in the first rays of the day, he reminded me of a mangy dog rolling in the grass at my families estate. The first thing I noticed other than the swath of cheap pink silk was the startling lack of female presence in the room.
I let that information settle into the fog of my mind but jerked up suddenly, the pounding in my head momentarily forgotten as I spluttered out of my sheets and onto the floor.
“Why, it’s Saturday?”
He looked at me confused, “Huh… what?” and I palmed my aching forehead realizing that in this state he was just as daft as I at the moment.
“The meeting?” I deadpanned cocking an amused brow.
“Oh…” He replied stupidly. “Nothing to worry about, just some kind of monthly get together to discuss how they can better their squads through the position of Gotei 13 or something.”
It was my turn to look confused. “Interesting, I never knew they did that.”
Kyoraku smiled ruefully, “That’s because you never had a reason to pay such close attention before.” He stated smugly, stretching with an over-exaggerated yawn.Glaring at him was the best I could do as I could not come up with a response giving the throbbing pain behind my eyes.
“Now, Jyuu, don’t be like that…” he drawled his eyes shining with mirth as he rolled to his side, propping his head in his hand.
“What party?” I asked as my mind finally caught up and interest set in.
He smiled, a huge grin spreading across his face. “Now that,” he said pointedly. “is the real question.”
“Indeed.”
~
It couldn’t have been but five minutes later when a hell butterfly swooped in and landed on Shunshi’s nose, he sputtered and sneezed sending the delicate messenger to the floor. It shook it off before flying back up and landing this time on Shunsui’s finger. He groaned instantly.
“I should of known we wouldn’t get away with this.” he whined, whispering something and sending the butterfly back towards the first.
“What was that about?” I asked, genuinely curious now.
“We have to see the old man about last night.”
It was then that I too, groaned.
~
“I should of known we wouldn’t get away with this.” he whined, whispering something and sending the butterfly back towards the first.
“What was that about?” I asked, genuinely curious now.
“We have to see the old man about last night.”
It was then that I too, groaned.
~
 |
| First Division |
It was a relatively quiet morning in the Seireitei, other than the pounding in my chest. I was a little nervous about this meeting, since it was just Shunsui and I and I already knew it had something to do with the bar fight I started.
Chöjirö, as I expected was waiting for us at the entrance of the Taicho Hall, promptly showing us in with no wait. This rarely happened and only increased the tremor in my hands.
The Captain Commander was already in his seat watching us with wise eyes as we entered, his face gave nothing away, but as I neared I could have sworn I saw him smirk. It was small enough that I thought I possibly imagined it.
 |
| Genryüsai Shigekuni Yamamoto |
Nothing more was said for a moment as his steely eyes raked over us, staring right through us. I gulped nervously, beads of perspiration gathering at my brow. I knew this was one of his tactics to scare us. It was working, I was scared but I held my self upright and with pride. I may not like the consequences of my actions last night, but if the same situation where to arise I’d do it again no different.
“I was surprised at the formal complaint I found on my desk this morning,” he started, flipping through page after page of a document he held in his hand. “An accusation of conduct unbecoming of one of my Taicho’s and property damage.”
I could hear Shunsui chuckle from beside me and more than ever before I wanted to throttle him.
“You find this funny, Shunsui?” Yamamoto asked, cocking a brow in his direction.
“A little, Yama-jii.” He replied honestly.”
“Well I find it disconcerting.” Setting the papers on a table off to the side, he turned to look me dead in the eye. “I expect this kind of foolishness from Shunsui, but you Jüshirö, what were you thinking?”
Taking a deep breath I answered truthfully. “I demand respect for myself and those around me. That boy was being anything but respectful and I upheld the honor of a woman who deserves that respect.”
“Honor?” He chuckled. “You found honor in breaking the nose of a boy that next to you is no more than an infant?”
“I did, Sir.” I replied instantly.
He sighed, muttering something about children and puppy love. “I have already spoken with both of your fukutaicho’s and also received a statement from Abarai-Taicho as well as Hisagi-Taicho. It was brought to my attention that Shihöin-fukutaicho has something of a rare skin condition and the touching of her bare skin is somewhat uncomfortable for her?”
I was confused but I nodded.
“The boy has not received punishment but his Taicho has spoken with him on this matter and he wishes to drop the assault charges against you. As far as the property damages, I expect the both of you to pay off this debt with your own means.”
“Yes, Sir.” We responded sullenly in unison.
Slumping my shoulders a bit, I sighed in relief.
“Before you go, Jüshirö.” He said halting me again where I stood. “See to it that this does not repeat itself. I would hate to put one of my best Taicho in prison over his love of a woman.”
I bulked. I should have known he’d see right through me. Shunsui sniggered beside me and as much as I wanted to tell him I’d make no promises I simply replied with a, “Yes, Sir.”
“Very well. Dismissed.”
~
The rest of my day was spent nursing myself back to… well, myself. By the time I could move without feeling faint or nauseous rolled around it was well after one. A hell butterfly caught my attention as it fluttered to where Kyoraku was still napping and for a moment I thought to step in to intercept but as Shunsui stuck out a hand I realized it was wholly unnecessary and that he was more awake than I expected him to be.
He smiled warmly as the butterfly relayed its message his smile only getting bigger as his eyes widened in surprise. “Well…” he said stunned. “It seems our little female counterparts have been more than devious as we lay here nursing ourselves…” he trailed off as the butterfly flickered obviously anxious to return to its owner and his eyes regarded mine firmly. “How do you feel about pool parties?” I think I blanched for a moment, quickly discarding the lecherous thoughts of Nozomi in a string bikini… or less. A smile bloomed on my face as I nodded my head knowing right away that he would understand. He whispered his reply and sent the butterfly off in the direction of the North, up past Sökyoku hill and into what I assumed was the SWA’s assembly room.
“A pool party?” I questioned after the messenger had taken flight.
“Yeah,” he answered almost instantly and I took it under advisement that he seemed to be just as shocked as I was. “apparently they had been planning it for a while but they wanna hold it at Ugendö, I hope it’s alright I told them to proceed.”
I nodded then asked. “Who’s coming?”
He thought about it for a moment before smiling. “Mostly just Taicho’s and fukutaicho’s but I think some of our human civilians and our substitute Shinigami will be there as well.”
Great, I thought miserably to myself as the thought of Nozomi in a string bikini became less and less appealing. I had never known myself to be a possessive man but the thought of a certain Taicho of the Sixth seeing the creamy skin of the woman I hoped to make mine had me bristling in my seat. I didn’t like it.
Shunsui being the perceptive man that he was picked up on my spike of jealousy as if he were empathic and regarded me with wary eyes. “Jyuu?” he questioned, honest concern showing through his easy-going, careless façade.
“I’m fine.” I stated defensively although after the words spilled from my mouth I knew I had said it too quickly letting him know in no uncertain terms that I was not in fact, alright.
He continued his search, his eyes never leaving mine and I sighed. There really wasn’t much point to keeping things from him, he’d figure it out eventually. “Kuchiki-Taicho…” I started, refusing to meet his eyes a second time. “I think he…,” I trailed off, not having a way to truly express myself. “I think he likes her.”
“And?” Shunsui asked as if it shouldn’t matter.
“She’s a Shihöin and he is one of the wealthiest and most esteemed nobles in the Seireitei,” I ranted throwing my hands in the air with the building frustration. “Not that any of that would matter. He’s good looking and powerful… what woman wouldn’t want him.”
Kyoraku observed for the most part during my rant, neither objecting nor admitting to anything I said but as I ended his eyes rolled towards the heavens and his face took on the look of exasperation. “Yeah, while all of that is true, think about who Nozomi is as a person… not as a noble.” he paused. “Now, do you really think a man like Byakuya would interest her?”
As I truly thought about it I realized how immature I was acting. While everything I had said about the famous Taicho was true, Nozomi wasn’t the kind of woman to marry for wealth and privileges and that he would probably bore her to tears.
“Your right,” I sighed and was about to explain when he sat up swiftly, his horrible hang-over forgotten as he leapt to his feet.
“Well come on,” He said expecting me to get up with him. I just eyed him with interest as he shook his head. When I said nothing he sighed himself. “It’s a pool party, Jyuu and I doubt you have anything close to resembling the swim wear the others will be sporting… even Kuchiki-Taicho.”
It was all I needed to hear before I rose to my feet just as swiftly. Kuchiki could kiss my immortal ass, I wouldn’t be the one out of place today.
“That’s the spirit!” Shunsui practically chirped as the mischievous glint returned to his eyes. “Now, how well can you swim?”
~
I couldn’t take my eyes off her and I wondered despondently if the girls; meaning Matsumoto had had a hand in picking out her swimsuit. The deep red of my squad colors continued to taunt and tease me as she splashed around during her sparing game of chicken as she held the Taicho of the Second on her shoulders with ease. She had been quickly banned from taking the top fighters position and I wondered if it was her strength as a demon that was actually the case. My silent question was answered when she was finally set on Matsumoto’s shoulders as she squared off against Nemu, a woman as I understood could equal the strength of ten of her womanly counterparts.
The summertime party of the girls design went off without a hitch, and everyone seemed to be in agreement that it was exactly what we had all be needing; something to forget the upcoming war, if only for a few hours, giving us all a chance to relax and simply frolic in the warm temperatures of the spring filled pool of my families estate.
Even our human friends were given the chance to unload their burdens and just be the human teenager they were, because if I was willing to admit it to myself we all were guilty of forgetting that that was what they simply were. Without their unique powers they were all just High school student asked to do the impossible… to save their human world from the likes of a soul so evil it was easy to call him the Devil.
Shunsui in all his meddling had shoved a whistle at me upon arrival and claimed me lifeguard before I could even open my mouth to protest and as I had to sit and watch my friends splash and play around me as the certain friend in question lounged nearby a bottle of sake in hand and Fijimaru at his side. I thought I might kill him. “I think it’s kinda sexy.” A seductively female voice called to my attention. “For an old man anyways.” She giggled.
I turned my head, my mind whirling at the sound of that voice. “What? I responded lamely. She smirked at me and it was with everything that I had in me that I didn’t blush when I saw what she was wearing. I almost cursed both Nanao and Rangiku, this had their signature all over it. The deep red of the color, perfectly matching my squad colors, the cut, demure and all the more seductive. I nearly licked my lips as I drowned in her creamy white skin.
“Is that so?” I hummed, leaning down to whisper in her ear. “You must tell me then, where did you get that most sinful,” I breathed, bathing her ear in my scent. “outfit.” She shuttered.
Her eyes rose to meet mine as I straightened back out and took a step back, her face was flushed now and her eyes glazed over in embarrassment as her pale pink tongue peaked between her parted lips to moisten them, my own lips mirroring her movements. I knew above all else that I would taste those lips tonight and claim them for my own.
Closing my eyes for just a moment while a dopy grin slid across my lips and when I opened them she was gone. I jerked my head in one direction and then another when I spotted her being drug back to the pool area by Matsumoto to introduce her to the Squad Taicho of the Third. I watched humorously as she fought against Matsumoto and Nemu until she ended up nearly on top of Kurosaki Ichigo in the water. His face flushed brighter red than Nomi’s suit and I thought for a moment that he might pass out.
Just as I suspected his hand reached out tentatively and I was too far away to do anything about it. “Whoa, what are these?” he asked.
Her eyes widened as she started to swim backwards when suddenly an unfamiliar clawed hand encased his wrist and growled. “Those are not for touching.” He said his baritone voice was silky and aged. I gasped as I took in his appearance, he was exceptionally striking as I guessed all demons were in their humanoid form. His brilliant silver hair hung in a single braided plat coiling on the ground where he squatted, still holding the substitute Shinigami in a death grip. His skin was nearly as pale as Nomi’s and was also littered with strangely colored marks, his being what I would consider claw marks in the color of deepest sea. They covered the surface of each wrist in two inch lengths and one of them in three inch lengths covered each cheekbone starting at his strange, elfin like ears and ending at the apple of each cheek. His eyes which seemed to burn holes through our human friend were the same color of ocher as Nomi’s and I think my heart stuttered.
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| Inu no Tashio Sora-Taicho of the Third |
Everything clicked into place as the man clothed in all white entered the pool just in time for Nomi to whisper out a name and faint but it was the name that had my heart lurching.
As I took a glance around everyone seemed to be wearing the same expression, except one. Yoruichi, who I hadn’t even noticed was there, but while everyone else looked on with wide eyes at the man who couldn’t tear his gaze from the woman I coveted, like she would disappear should he look away, she stood there with a knowing smile. I’ve never in my life wanted to hit a woman as much as I did in this moment. Not only for reintroducing the woman I wanted to the only man I knew without a doubt she would run to given the chance, but for all the pain she had cause Nomi in the process. He was supposed to be dead or still in the World of the Living, but from the insignia on his white Taicho’s haori, he was the new Taicho of Division Three, set in place after the short reign and death of Amagai-Taicho. I also knew that the new Taicho of Squad Three was formally of Squad Zero and had been living in the Soul Society for at least five hundred years.
That in itself led me to more questions regarding Nomi and her past that she couldn't remember.
That in itself led me to more questions regarding Nomi and her past that she couldn't remember.
I scowled in her direction just about the time a hairy calloused hand extended in front of my face. Shunsui with a look of understanding in his eyes simply nodded. “Jyuu, you gonna be alright?”
“I don’t know.” I replied honestly.
“Who is that guy?” He asked suspiciously as he watched the demon make his way inside my estate, Fujimaru nipping at his heels in a playful manor, his eyes shifting and darting under the cover of his hat.
I did nothing to hide the look of pure loathing from my face as I watched Nomi's pet scamper to the demons side like it was looking upon its long lost master, and I knew within the depths of my heart a man like that wouldn't have hidden sweets tucked within the folds of his haori, but all I could do was scowl.
“Jyuu?” Shunsui called again when I failed to answer him.
“Sora.” I replied, lowering my eyes to see his.
The reaction was just as I suspected.
Pity.
I did nothing to hide the look of pure loathing from my face as I watched Nomi's pet scamper to the demons side like it was looking upon its long lost master, and I knew within the depths of my heart a man like that wouldn't have hidden sweets tucked within the folds of his haori, but all I could do was scowl.
“Jyuu?” Shunsui called again when I failed to answer him.
“Sora.” I replied, lowering my eyes to see his.
The reaction was just as I suspected.
Pity.
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