Just a casual writer doing the writing thing. Mainly fanfiction of many different fandoms. Mostly K and Ace Attorney but also Bleach, Free, Tsubasa, Saiyuki...Currently importing works from ff.net
Sticking a landing will royally fuck up your joints and possibly shatter your ankles, depending on how high you’re jumping/falling from. There’s a very good reason free-runners dive and roll.
Hand-to-hand fights usually only last a matter of seconds, sometimes a few minutes. It’s exhausting work and unless you have a lot of training and history with hand-to-hand combat, you’re going to tire out really fast.
Arrows are very effective and you can’t just yank them out without doing a lot of damage. Most of the time the head of the arrow will break off inside the body if you try pulling it out, and arrows are built to pierce deep. An arrow wound demands medical attention.
Throwing your opponent across the room is really not all that smart. You’re giving them the chance to get up and run away. Unless you’re trying to put distance between you so you can shoot them or something, don’t throw them.
Everyone has something called a “flinch response” when they fight. This is pretty much the brain’s way of telling you “get the fuck out of here or we’re gonna die.” Experienced fighters have trained to suppress this. Think about how long your character has been fighting. A character in a fist fight for the first time is going to take a few hits before their survival instinct kicks in and they start hitting back. A character in a fist fight for the eighth time that week is going to respond a little differently.
ADRENALINE WORKS AGAINST YOU WHEN YOU FIGHT. THIS IS IMPORTANT. A lot of times people think that adrenaline will kick in and give you some badass fighting skills, but it’s actually the opposite. Adrenaline is what tires you out in a battle and it also affects the fighter’s efficacy - meaning it makes them shaky and inaccurate, and overall they lose about 60% of their fighting skill because their brain is focusing on not dying. Adrenaline keeps you alive, it doesn’t give you the skill to pull off a perfect roundhouse kick to the opponent’s face.
Swords WILL bend or break if you hit something hard enough. They also dull easily and take a lot of maintenance. In reality, someone who fights with a sword would have to have to repair or replace it constantly.
Fights get messy. There’s blood and sweat everywhere, and that will make it hard to hold your weapon or get a good grip on someone.
A serious battle also smells horrible. There’s lots of sweat, but also the smell of urine and feces. After someone dies, their bowels and bladder empty. There might also be some questionable things on the ground which can be very psychologically traumatizing. Remember to think about all of the character’s senses when they’re in a fight. Everything WILL affect them in some way.
If your sword is sharpened down to a fine edge, the rest of the blade can’t go through the cut you make. You’ll just end up putting a tiny, shallow scratch in the surface of whatever you strike, and you could probably break your sword.
ARCHERS ARE STRONG TOO. Have you ever drawn a bow? It takes a lot of strength, especially when you’re shooting a bow with a higher draw weight. Draw weight basically means “the amount of force you have to use to pull this sucker back enough to fire it.” To give you an idea of how that works, here’s a helpful link to tell you about finding bow sizes and draw weights for your characters. (CLICK ME)
If an archer has to use a bow they’re not used to, it will probably throw them off a little until they’ve done a few practice shots with it and figured out its draw weight and stability.
People bleed. If they get punched in the face, they’ll probably get a bloody nose. If they get stabbed or cut somehow, they’ll bleed accordingly. And if they’ve been fighting for a while, they’ve got a LOT of blood rushing around to provide them with oxygen. They’re going to bleed a lot.
Here’s a link to a chart to show you how much blood a person can lose without dying. (CLICK ME)
If you want a more in-depth medical chart, try this one. (CLICK ME)
Hopefully this helps someone out there. If you reblog, feel free to add more tips for writers or correct anything I’ve gotten wrong here.
I got pretty fed up with looking for words to replace said because they weren’t sorted in a way I could easily use/find them for the right time. So I did some myself.
Considering how much fanfiction gets written set in Japan. I thought I might just share some daily life details that may or may not be useful.
This comes from my own experiences of living in a bicultural household and living in the country for about a month every year of my life. Admittedly, I’ve only lived in a deep rural area and visited cities, but some of the pointers will still be relevant.
The first thing that come to mind when you’re trying to describe another place is to get to grips with the food culture.You know the saying, ‘To know a people, know the food that they’d willingly consume’? So, for this post, I’m going to talk about food details.
1. Food that you might have in the fridge: Old rice if you made rice in bulk + various rice toppings. Think of rice as the bread, and the fridge being full of the spreads you could put on it.
Pickles: Might not be so popular with the younger generation, but if they live with their parents, there will bound to be at least one kind of pickle in the fridge, because there are speciality pickles for almost every prefecture and you cannot escape them. In the same way as spreads, they usually taste very strong and its rare to eat them as they are, unless they’re just that tasty and you like pickles that much (think of somebody eating peanut butter with a spoon straight out of the jar). You would eat pickles with white rice. Here are three examples: Umeboshi - pickled plum, and it is sour and very salty! You can suck on stone for minutes afterwards, just savouring the salt taste. Usually one plum is sufficient for one bowl of rice. Takuwan - a smelly, giant horseradish pickle, which might look a bit yellow with age. When you see giant horseradishes drying in the sun around the back of the house, this is probably what they’re going to be made into. Rakkyo - little pickled onions.
Other toppings: Shirasu - tiny little white fish, each fish is about two centimetres long, and you sprinkle (or heap them, if you really like them) over rice. Delicious. Again, may not be popular with the younger generations who have grown up accustomed to more Western flavours. Gohandesuyo - seaweed paste in a jar. It’s salty like Marmite and like Marmite the name of the food is the name of the brand. You put a tablespoon or so on one bowl of rice.
Spring onions. We are never out of spring onions. Ever. Chopped up fine.
Sauces: Soy sauce, mirin, su (rice wine vinegar), yakiniku sauce (sauce specifically for yakiniku), mayonnaise, yakisoba sauce, ketchup, mustard in a tube, wasabi in a tube.
A tub of miso: of which there are red and white variants, and there is constant family clash over which tastes better!
If the household eats bread, you’re more likely to get a vegetable oil spread than butter. I think a few years ago there was a butter shortage. It was just too expensive to buy or not on the shelves, but there were so many different brands of vegetable spread made from different flower seeds!
Egg is a fridge staple. If you’re in doubt and you need a quick breakfast or lunch, you could crack an egg raw over hot rice, spritz a dash of soy sauce on top, shovel it down and go.
Natto - fermented beans, its sticky and when you pull it apart it stretches with sticky web-like strands just like melted cheese. It’s famously an acquired taste but I love it on rice, in curry and in miso soup. Sold in wee cups, with sachets of sauce and mustard.
Also in the pantry: Katsuobushi - tuna flakes, often used to make tuna stock; Stick dashi - powdered stock, usually seaweed or tuna; wakame - seaweed; ginger; taka no tsume - dried hot chilli peppers, prettily named ‘hawk talons’; sesame seeds; sesame oil. Furikake - literally, ‘sprinkles’ for rice, when you have no other option. Maybe tofu. Panko for frying things. Golden curry roux blocks. Cream stew insta-kits.
Instant foods: Cup ramen, cup noodles, instant ramen, instant yakisoba, freeze-dried instant soups, instant corn soup.
The primary oil used for cooking is so-called ‘salad oil’: I don’t actually know what it’s made of, but it’s a vegetable oil of some kind.
2. Where I might buy food: Supermarkets for the fruit, veg, meat and fish, but for the best read-made fare, drinks and snack foods (kashi pan, onigiri, yoghurt, and depending on where you go there might be salads and bentos), you would head to a 24/7 open convenience store (e.g. Seven-Eleven, Lawsons’), where they also might do hot steamed pork buns and, lately, really good coffee to go. If you want to buy somebody a nice cake or box of tea-time sweets as an omiyage you might go to the basement floor of a department store.
Vending machines - there is a vending machine everywhere. I am not kidding. Even in the deep countryside, I found a couple of vending machines up a mountain which smelled as if they had been scent-marked by raccoon dogs and bears. And at these vending machines, you can not only buy cold juice, but several different kinds of hot and cold Japanese teas, a very sweet milk tea, several different brands of hot and cold coffees, corn soup, potato chowder, hot shiruko (a sweet azuki drink), hot chocolate, hot and cold lemon…You’d honestly never go thirsty.
For sushi, we’d call up a sushi restaurant. The same goes for ramen. Unless you’re using an instant ramen kit, making ramen broth is hard. The tonkotsu variant is pretty much impossible at home. Likewise, you just can’t make good sushi at home. It’s not really a family meal or something that can be casually made. Typically sushi is brought out for celebrations or special occasions as it can be quite pricey but conveyor belt sushi places are more accessible.
3. Bread: You will find white bread (fluffy, gorgeous, pillowy white bread, that’s basically like cake) but it’s really difficult to find brown bread. In the rural supermarket, it was non-existent and for bread with a crust, you’d have to go to the little street-corner artisan bakeries.
On the topic of bread and kashipan, I’ve often seen references in fanfiction of characters baking kashipan for each other, or kashipan just like their grandmother made it (e.g. anpan, melonpan, creampan). As much I like the sentiment behind these scenes, I’m not saying they’re impossible, but in most cases they are a little jarring.
Our grandmother’s generation were not bakers. Most of the houses that our grandmothers grew up in did not have ovens, since Japan doesn’t have a tradition of domestic baking, and even now, a lot of houses still don’t have ovens aside from a nifty little oven toaster, Cakes and kashipan were seen as Western and trendy luxuries to be eaten at cafes (a Western import in itself) or bought from specialist shops which had the equipment to make them. They weren’t ‘casual home-cooking’ so to speak, even if the history of the anpan and the castella date pretty far back into the past now.
Even now, unless you are a massive kashipan fanatic and dessert-making enthusiast, you probably wouldn’t bake a tray of kashipan at home when you could buy them perfectly made from a nearby convenience store.
Having said that, I have tried making anpan in an oven toaster. I made six, since that was all that could fit on the little toaster tray. They were each about 6cm in diameters, and my grandmother complained that it was a waste of perfectly good azuki.
You can, if you’re really into dessert making, make lots of things in an oven toaster, but if you’re looking to make something sentimental just like your grandmother made them, mochi might be a better option (e.g. warabimochi or ohagi), or maybe since sweet things historically tended to be more often bought from a specialist than made at home, quote a favourite wagashi that grandmother might have enjoyed from a particular shop e.g. the anko dama and imo youkan from Funawa; the chestnut manju from the shop by the station.
4. Omiyage: If you go away on a trip and you’re inconveniencing work colleagues with your absence (which you are), this is the souvenir that you buy to take back and share at your work place, often a food item, so boxes of sweets are often packaged in such a way that the sweets inside are individually wrapped for ease of splitting distribution.
This is also the word used for the gifts you bring back for family, either when you’re visiting relatives and you know that you will be encroaching upon their hospitality, potentially inconveniencing them, or if you’re coming back to the family and, in a way, again, it’s to make up for any inconveniences that might have been caused by absence -although largely for family, it’s also about the joy of giving to those you care about!
Likewise, students who go away on holiday on a trip might bring back omiyage for fellow members of their club, if they’re involved in club activities. If you think of club activities as training children up for work place social structure and customs, it makes some sense.
Not omiyage but an example of gift-giving, but if you move into a new neighbourhood, it’s usually expected that you visit your neighbours and take round gifts, as a gesture of courtesy and goodwill. There is, again, an element of asking forgiveness for inconvenience, because moving into the new home would have made a lot of noise and possibly caused a disturbance.
With omiyage in mind, each prefecture tends to advertise certain foods/sweets that are ‘unique’ to it that would make suitable omiyage. A famous example would be ‘Tokyo Banana’ and anything matcha from the Uji area in Kyoto.
5. Food is seasonal: Japan is hyperconscious of its seasons, so the fridge will likely contain seasonal fruits and veg. In a lot of Japanese poems, it was traditional to include a ‘kigo’, a word that encodes a season to set the poem in without explicitly saying ‘It is winter’, and some fruits are kigo. The persimmon is a kigo for autumn, peaches and cherries and plums for spring, and more recently the watermelon is a definite kigo for summer! Seasonal fruits also make good gifts for visiting friends’ houses, especially if you’re bringing them back from the countryside after visiting relatives.
Autumn’s a great time for food. Now is the time when all of the mushrooms are coming out - shiitake, matsutake, enoki, shimeji - and they’re dried and preserved for the year. People who cook might have dried shiitake in the pantry for rehydrating and eating or using in stock.
Foreign brands, aware of the seasonal sensitivity of their Japanese, often produce Japan only seasonal limited products. My favourite example of this is the Haagen-Daaz flavours. One autumn there was a pumpkin and cinnamon, and I’m pretty sure I saw a cherry blossom latte at Starbucks.
6. Food you might see at festival stalls: Taiyaki - fish-shaped pastries made with a pancake-like batter and filled with custard or azuki. Yakisoba - fried noodles. Yakitori - chicken skewers. Takoyaki - octopus batter balls. Hot dogs…With a shout-out to very rare diversity my local festival had a Turkish kebab stall last year. Kakikoori for the summer festivals - sweet ice, with typical syrups being red, green and yellow (strawberry, melon and lemon flavours respectively).
Series: Saiyuki
Pairing: heavily implied GojyoHakkai
Rating: T (language)
Summary: Written before I knew the identity of Hakuryuu. Just a cute little idea wherein Hakuryuu takes a human form for a day. Also, Sanzo tells Goku a bedtime story.
Demons charged left and right at them. Sanzo, Goku, Hakkai, and Gojyo stood back to back, killing the current swarm of demons. They had just jumped out of the Jeep a moment for a bathroom break. The next town was still a way's over and with all these damned interruptions, according to Goku, they'd never get there.
Ten demons came at Hakkai at once and he blasted them away with ease. The numbers dwindled and it finally seemed like they would have a stroke of luck. Fate was ever so cruel though, and the party would be sure that the Merciful Goddess herself was chuckling above. A gray blast came from nowhere, headed straight for Gojyo. "Gojyo!" Hakkai shouted, punching a youkai in his path out of the way. Before he could fully move, there was a loud "Kyuuuu" as Hakuryu transformed and flew in front of them.
There was a large flash of light and the smokey haze cleared. Sitting on the ground was a small girl, looking younger than Goku. She appeared only to be about eight years old. She was small, her pale legs were out to the side, her spikey white hair with a long back reminded Sanzo of Goku many years before. She had large red eyes and wore a huge smile, despite being completely nude. "Kyuuu~" she sang and Hakkai's emerald eyes widened, causing his monocle to fall askew.
"The fuck!" Gojyo shouted, staring down at the petite girl.
"How do we plan to get to the next town with this?" Sanzo asked, pointing down at her.
Hakkai was still in shock as he untied the white cloth he wore across his shoulder and draped it around her tiny body. "Uhm...my guess is wherever that blast came from...did something to Hakuryu..."
"No shit, dumbass," Sanzo growled.
"Hakuryu's a girl!" Goku shouted, finally allowing words to form in his mouth.
"Didn't I tell you she was?" Hakkai asked, helping her up from the ground. "We'll have to walk as far as we can. The youkai that did this couldn't have gone far, right?"
Goku groaned and picked up his and Sanzo's bags, "I'm hungry..."
"Shut up, Goddamn Ape!" Gojyo growled, throwing his own bag at Goku.
"Hey! Watch it, Cockroach! I ain't carrying your shit!" Goku spat but Gojyo simply ignored him.
"If Hakkai says we walk, we had better walk. The more you argue, the longer it will be until we get her back to normal," Gojyo explained very carefully to Goku, as though talking to a small child.
Gojyo lifted Hakuryu up from her armpits and placed her on his shoulders. He looked almost happy, the way he was being seemed foreign to everyone. Even Sanzo stared in disbelief as Gojyo placed his hand's on her legs and began walking. "Come on, guys."
"Actually, " Hakkai began as he was walking, "Anytime Hakuryu's hit with a large amount of youkai magic she absorbs it and is able to go into her real, human form. She just keeps it suppressed most of the times. She does work harder than most of us, I mean." He hadn't been able to get a word in edgewise with all of the bickering.
"What?" Goku exclaimed, staring in wonder at the small child.
"That's great and all, Hakkai but make her turn back," Sanzo ordered.
"I can't make her do anything she doesn't want to," Hakkai sang airily, getting a low grumble from the immoral priest.
Hakuryu crossed her arms across Gojyo's head. "Kyuuu~" she sang along with Hakkai as she laid her head on her arms. She fell asleep a moment later. "Hey! Why's she sleepin' on me?" Gojyo complained and Hakkai laughed, shifting his bag from one shoulder to the other.
"She must really like you, Gojyo," Goku laughed, teasing Gojyo. "You're like her daddy, and Hakkai is like a Mama!"
"How would you know?" Gojyo growled, blushing.
"None of us would, really. But it is fun to think of this as a family, right?" Hakkai asked. Blushing at Goku's comment, nudged Sanzo with his elbow who only grunted in response.
"Wh-whatever, 'Kai," Gojyo grumbled, walking a little bit faster, being careful not to disturb the passenger on his shoulders.
At last, they arrived at a small bed and breakfast in a near deserted town. It wasn't much but it was better than nothing. While Goku whined over how hungry and tired he was, Hakkai chuckled softly as Sanzo paid for two double rooms and Gojyo shifted uncomfortably as his back hurt from the long walk.
The desk attendant handed Goku a key and then Sanzo with matching numbers. She then handed two matching keys to Hakkai and Gojyo. "Be sure that you don't let your daughter out by herself." She smiled brightly, chuckling, "Its great to see two men like you adopting these days."
Hakkai blushed and laughed awkwardly as he turned away towards the rooms. "Hey, Hakkai, what did she mean back there?" Goku asked, prodding Hakkai's side.
"Goku," Sanzo ordered, "Lets go get food."
"Foood!" Goku laughed, throwing his bags in their room before following Sanzo down the hall. He was easily distracted and at times, it was a blessing.
Hakkai unlocked and opened the door. It was small but most definitely accommodating, there were two beds, full size, made up nicely. The wood floors were scrubbed to a perfect shine and the pale lavender wall paper accompanied by a vase of lavender on the nightstand was relaxing. Gojyo sighed, carefully laying Hakuryu on one of the beds and tucking her in.
"Hakkai...are you sure we can leave her here while we go eat? Won't she be hungry or lonely when she wakes up?"
"You certainly are worried, 'Papa Gojyo'" Hakkai sang, teasingly, causing his lover and friend to blush this time.
"I just...nevermind," Gojyo stood, pushing his red hair from his face and opening the door for Hakkai. As Gojyo followed his lover out, he glanced back once again. Hakuryu was curled under the blanket, her tiny fist pressed against her lips. He smiled softly and locked the door, following Hakkai down to the dining room. They got their food and sat across from Sanzo, who was picking at his noodles, and Goku, who was scarfing down every last bit of his food.
"Hey, Hakkai! Come to think of it when we first met you didn't have Hakuryu, right?" Goku asked between bites of his food. Hakkai nodded, "No, I found her."
"Oh! I bet its an awesome story," Goku exclaimed, throwing his childish hands into the air.
"Don't get your hopes up," Sanzo muttered.
"I found her while I was living with Gojyo. I was sitting in the back room reading and..."
"And?" Goku encouraged him, his umber eyes wide and eager.
"She was laying in the woods, in the same place he had found me," Hakkai pointed his thumb towards Gojyo who scoffed. "She was very weak and so I took her in. I only got to see her human-like form once or twice but since I saved her she has always protected me and vice versa!"
Goku placed his index finger to his lip, humming softly as he thought about how strange yet nice Hakkai was. "Whelp! I'm tired now!" he pushed back his chair and stood.
Hakkai chuckled as he ate the rest of his food. "Guess tonight I ain't getting' any, huh?" Gojyo teased under his breath. He knew full well it had only been two days, too long for him but too soon for Hakkai. He also knew Hakkai had far too many morals to do such things in the vicinity of people, sleeping or other wise.
Hakkai smiled, "You're awful. Come one, let's go to bed. I am rather tired, and I am sure you are too."
--
"Hey, hey, Sanzo, tell me a story. Pleeeease," Goku begged, laying in his bed.
"You're 18, can't you act your age?" Sanzo growled but looked at Goku who was pouting, his eyes watery and large. Sanzo growled, sitting on the edge of Goku's bed.
"Once upon a time, the land was inhabited by demons and men. Both cultures lived together in harmony. Two secret rules were set amongst the two – humans and demons must never mate and neither species can slay the others without reas..." Sanzo glanced at Goku who was fast asleep, hugging onto the priest's arm.
"Stupid Monkey," Sanzo mumbled, patting the brunet's head with affection.
--
Gojyo flopped onto the bed, sighing as the mattress sank under his sore back. "What's on your mind?" Hakkai asked, sitting beside his friend and moving a strand of red hair from his face.
"Don't...take this wrong, okay?" It was never good for Gojyo to start out like that. He knew Hakkai wasn't so emotional as to outwardly take anything wrong but despite how he seemed, he was fragile. "Sometimes, I wish you were a girl. And that all this traveling was over so we could...uhm..." the redhead blushed, hiding his face. "H-have kids."
Hakkai's eyes widened and he blinked in disbelief. Gojyo, want kids? That was almost as insane as Sanzo smiling or Goku not being hungry. Hakkai snickered softly, he knew exactly how Gojyo felt though. "I getcha. You can just be Haku-chan's daddy~!" Hakkai laughed, tickling Gojyo. Gojyo laughed, trying to grab Hakkai but he slipped out of his arms and ran across the room, laughing harder.
Gojyo sat up, chasing Hakkai and snaking his arms around the smaller's waist. He smiled, pulling Hakkai into the bed and wrapping his arms around him. "Night..." he whispered in Hakkai's ear as he reached over him to turn off the light before rolling so his back was against Hakkai's. He smiled softly at the faint outline of Hakuryu before falling into a deep sleep. He was so tired he didn't even feel it when a small dragon demon snuck into bed and cuddled against his chest... Hakkai didn't say a word, just went to sleep with a smile on his face.
Series: Saiyuki
Pairing: Gojyo/Hakkai
Rating: Explicit
Summary: Hakkai seems to be in a very bad mood and the gang can't figure out why. It seems everyone has forgotten an important factor until Gojyo remembers and tries to cheer his secret lover up. (6-26-12)
http://archiveofourown.org/works/7560046
Another hotel. Another dusty town. Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai sat around the tiny card table in the room Sanzo and Goku shared. Sanzo pulled a pack of cigarettes from his kimono. He growled, violet eyes burning with anger as he smashed empty pack in his hand. Presumably his last pack.
"Gojyo, smokes?"
"I'm out too," Gojyo complained.
Hakkai sighed, taking Sanzo's gold card from the bag on the bed. "Make a list, I'll go get the things needed."
…
In quick chicken scratch Sanzo wrote 'Smokes. Food.' on the list and Gojyo took the list adding 'Babes. Beer. Menthols.' Hakkai groaned, knowing his friend was messing when he wrote the first part.
"HEY, HEY Hakkai. Can I come with you please? Please, please?" Goku begged in a childish tone.
'Oh why not!' Hakkai smiled, eyes closed. Gojyo glanced at his friend but said nothing. Hakkai was in a mood. A very very dangerous mood. And no one had seemed to notices
The two brunets stumbled along to the market. Hakkai dragged his feet and Goku bounced and begged for everything and anything edible in his line of sight. "Oh! Hakkai, look apples! Aaah~theres meat. And bread. And! And! And! Beeeef~" Goku exclaimed, practically drooling. Hakkai tried to tune the monkey out, being patient as possible as he selected foods that would keep for the next few days. It was his birthday, had anyone even noticed? Maybe he had never told them it but...couldn't he just have one peaceful day to read?
"HEY, LOOK, HAKKAI!" Goku gasped, running towards a stand with steamed buns.
"No." Hakkai said coldly, staring at a cigarette stand.
He selected two cartons of cigarettes as Goku rummaged throw the paper sacks he had already purchased. "EWWW. I hate leeks. So much," he grumbled, puffing out his cheeks.
'You've never complained before when I cooked them into soup." Hakkai said happily, his voice aggravated and tense. Naturally, Goku didn't pick up the strained tone in Hakkai's generally quiet voice.
"Oh! Yay! You already got pork buns? Can I eat them now, huh? Huh?" Goku reached excitedly into a bag of hot buns. Hakkai's good eye gave an annoyed twitch from behind his monocle.
"GOKU! ENOUGH!' Hakkai growled, slapping a bun from Goku's hand. Luckily, it fell back into the bag.
He gripped Goku's wrist tightly, enough to leave marks and shifted the shopping bags on his arm. He dragged the kid back to the hotel. He was at his whits end and the sound of Goku whimpering made him even more angry.
"Shut. Up. Goku." Goku's brown eyes grew large in shock, he had never seen the Qi user so angry. Hakkai kicked the door open and released Goku, none too gently sitting the groceries on the table. Sanzo and Gojyo looked shocked, Hakkai's emerald eyes looked dangerous.
"I am going to read," he began coldly, "If anyone so much as disturbs me I will take my power limiter off and rip your intestines out your nose." He grinned, icy and dark, "Understood?"
"Y-yes..." the other three men said in scared unison.
"Hey, Gojyo? Whats with Hakkai? Its like someone took his birthday away..." Goku looked down, his large brown eyes full of concern.
"B-...birthday! Goku! You're brilliant." Gojyo placed both palms on the table and stood, knocking the chair to the floor. He mussed Goku's hair, grinning widely. Goku put both hands on his head, looking at Sanzo with sheer confusion.
"Is everyone sick today? Is it a youkai?" Goku asked Sanzo, who gave a shrug in return.
–
Gojyo ran into the room he was sharing with Hakkai. Hakkai was wearing his reading glasses and held a book about surgical procedures in his hand. He looked up, forest green eyes cool, calculating, and still angry.
"What do you want, Gojyo? Don't you have some tail to chase?"
Gojyo sat on the bed beside Hakkai, blowing softly in the other's ear. "And why would I do that when I have you?" Gojyo wrapped both arms around Hakkai's waist and licked up his neck. Hakkai didn't so much as flinch, just reached up and pinched Gojyo's tongue between his thumb and forefinger.
"Not in the mood," Hakkai growled. Hakkai was rarely in 'the mood' but usually Gojyo's charms brought him into it. Not tonight apparently, the younger was pissed.
Gojyo sighed, if he wanted to get laid he knew it wouldn't happen tonight. He wrapped his arms tighter around his friend and secret lover, burying his face in Hakkai's shoulder.
" 'Kai..."
"What is it?" Hakkai asked quietly.
"Nothin'," Gojyo muttered, running his tanned hand from the crook of Hakkai's neck down to the dip in his lower back.
"You're really tense. Let me give you a massage." Gojyo's voice was honest, holding no lust, just concern as slid up the back of Hakkai's shirt, kneading his fingers into the soft, pale skin beneath them. Hakkai sighed with relief as Gojyo rolled his thumbs over all the painful places in his thin back.
"You've lost weight...I'll be sure to give that damn monkey a lecture tomorrow. But for now I'll do anything to make your birthday special..." Hakkai gasped softly, looking over his shoulder, blushing up to his ears.
"You remembered?"
"Of course I did..." Gojyo whispered pressing his lips to Hakkai's cheek.
Hakkai smiled softly, a real smile, not the fake mask he usually wore. "I...Gojyo...I don't know if I can do this much longer..."
"Do what, 'Kai?"
"Have the one I love hold me second best..."
Gojyo's crimson eyes widened as he saw small tears slip down Hakkai's ivory cheeks. "Hakkai...you know you're my number one...all those other women are...nothing." Hakkai's eyes shone with disbelief, not disbelief in Gojyo's words but disbelief in why someone could ever love him. Gojyo, releasing Hakkai's hands, removed the glasses from atop Hakkai's nose and set them on the nightstand. He lifted Hakkai's chin in his thumb and forefinger, making Hakkai look into his crimson eyes.
"Hakkai...don't lookit me like that. I mean it. Let me show you..."
Gojyo slipped his hand up Hakkai's shirt, brushing his thumb across a small pink nipple, causing it to harden. A small, sweet sound escaped his lover's lips. Gojyo smirked softly, unfastening Hakkai's shirt, revealing a pale chest, scarred stomach, and two very hard nipples. "You're beautiful, 'Kai..." Gojyo whispered into Hakkai's ear as his thumb and forefinger rolled a perfect pink buds.
"Aanh..." Hakkai moaned softly, shivering under Gojyo's power. "Gojyo...please...You're just saying that to get laid..."
Gojyo growled, "I am not. I really mean it," he insisted, bringing his head up to suck hard on Hakkai's neck, causing a helpless moan.
Gojyo kissed Hakkai all over, his other hand slipping into the back of the other's pants and under the underwear, rubbing his finger teasingly between his cheeks. "Hakkai...I'll prove to you...I wont flirt with women anymore," he insisted, looking straight into Hakkai's green eyes.
Hakkai pulled away, holding his shirt closed. "If I meant so much...then you wouldn't need anyone else, Gojyo. Just me." Gojyo was fuming, Hakkai was being so difficult lately. He opened his mouth to say something but nothing he could say would be justified. Was Hakkai right? Maybe Gojyo was only using his friend as a sexual outlet. No...Hakkai meant more to him than that, though he would never want to admit it.
Hakkai stood, "I'm taking a shower, please don't disturb me."
Gojyo growled, pulling Hakkai by the sleeve to face him where Gojyo had stood. He grabbed Hakkai's wrists in one hand and snaked his free arm around Hakkai, pulling him into a tight embrace.
"Gojyo...sto-" Gojyo cut Hakkai off by capturing his lips in a deep kiss. Hakkai moaned softly and Gojyo took the opportunity to invade Hakkai's mouth. He moved, shifting to push his lover against the wall. His hand ran up and down Hakkai's back and finally rested on Hakkai's firm ass. He squeezed hard, causing his lover to moan loudly but the sound was lost in Gojyo's kiss. He held Hakkai's wrists tight in his hand as his tongue tangled with Hakkai's, fighting for dominance. He needed air so he slowly, reluctantly broke the kiss.
"Hakkai..from the time i saw you...I loved you. I wanted to make you mine. I just never wanted to admit to myself that I enjoyed being inside you the most. I enjoyed your company..."
Red met green, green stared back at red and the Hakkai closed his eyes, sighing in defeat. Gojyo smiled softly, planting a small kiss on Hakkai's lips as his middle finger traced and prodded Hakkai's entrance. Hakkai gasped, his entrance puckering, his knees were shaking as he put one hand on the wall to steady himself. Gojyo trailed his finger away and along the inside of the brunet's waistband until he found the button. He kissed down Hakkai's chest causing soft mewls and quickened breaths until his tongue found the button and he unbuttoned Hakkai's pants. He pulled the zipper down with his teeth and teasingly licked the outside of Hakkai's boxers.
Hakkai moaned, nibbling his own index finger to silence himself, "Ah...Go...Gojyo..."
Gojyo slid down Hakkai's pants and underwear, admiring the sight he saw. He gripped Hakkai in his hand and licked just the tip. Hakkai gasped, thrusting his hips toward the other's touch. Gojyo took him into his mouth slowly, swirling his tongue over Hakkai's member as he engulfed him. Hakkai shuddered and moaned, his legs shook, barely holding him up. Gojyo placed one hand on his lover's hips, helping him steady.
He slid his tongue up and down, firm across the vein on the bottom of the brunet's manhood. "AH~!" sang Hakkai's voice, helpless yet lustful. Gojyo flicked his tongue roughly across the slit, his other hand moving from Hakkai's member to Hakkai's mouth. Hakkai leaned down some, taking the digits into his mouth. He swirled his tongue along them and sucked hard. After releasing them with a soft popping noise, Gojyo's hand moved to his backside again. Their most recent escapades made it easier on them both. Gojyo wasted little time in teasing Hakkai with one finger to start.
Hakkai moaned softly as Gojyo slipped two fingers inside and scissored them. He wanted Hakkai to come, not once but multiple times tonight. God, his pants were too tight, his own member was raging, wanting badly to be inside that tight ass he was now thrusting his fingers into. His middle finger caressed a tight bundle of nerves, causing Hakkai to go into a frenzy of short, sharp moans. He was so close already, Gojyo could taste it, slowly he slid his mouth away and stood, keeping his fingers inside his partner. He placed his knee in between Hakkai's legs, massaging the smaller's sack with his knee and the younger male's prostate with his fingertips. He loosened his own pants and Hakkai used his foot to help them to the floor.
The half-demon wasted very little time when slipping into his lover. He grunted, pressing his forehead to Hakkai's and panting as he began to thrust deep inside him, abusing his prostate. Gojyo was in a hurry, knowing Hakkai wouldn't last very long at this rate. Hell, he wasn't going to either - not with the shrill moans and rare cursing coming from his lover's mouth. Hakkai gasped and shuddered, practically screaming as he released hard, nearly collapsing onto Gojyo. Gojyo released inside him not a second later, hard and quick.
Gojyo grinned, lifting Hakkai and and carrying him to the bed. Hakkai laid back on the bed, staring up at Gojyo greedily as he climbed atop Hakkai. Gojyo took Hakkai's legs in his arms and lifted them so they wrapped around his waist. He stared down at him for a long while, making the other feel self-conscious.
"What is it?" Hakkai asked, panting quietly.
"I just...wish you could see how beautiful you look right now," Gojyo purred. He ran his hand gently along Hakkai's stomach scar.
"Don't..." Hakkai pleaded.
"It's part of who you are...who you were. And I think it's incredible. Like you," Gojyo whispered. He planted soft kissed along Hakkai's stomach, shoulders, neck, and finally his lips. A chaste kiss turned into a slow, open-mouth kissed that burned with passion. He licked and nipped at Hakkai's bottom lip as they kissed, causing the other to whimper sweetly.
This position also allowed him to truly look at Hakkai; the other always felt self-conscious when they did it like this. But Gojyo liked it; he could sufficiently worship his lover this way. Once he had decided they had rested enough, he carefully slid into Hakkai again.
"Gods...Gojyo..." Hakkai sighed with pleasure, lashes fluttering over half-lidded eyes as Gojyo thrust slowly into him. Gojyo wanted to plough him, hard and fast but he wanted it to last this time. Gojyo slid nearly all the way out to where just his tip massaged Hakkai's tight entrance.
"Harder..."Hakkai's voice begged Gojyo, as did his small, writhing body. Gojyo began to thrust harder and deeper, hitting Hakkai's sweet spot each time he slipped inside. Hakkai's fists gripped the bed sheets and he arched his back. Gojyo groaned, sliding one hand under Hakkai's back, the other hand found its way to Hakkai hand. He smiled, entwining his tanned fingers with Hakkai's pale digits.
"You're amazing...Hakkai," he whispered into Hakkai's ear, pressing his body closer to Hakkai's, allowing him to slip in deeper than before. "I want...to come together this time." Gojyo told him in a sultry voice. Hakkai smiled softly and genuinely, Gojyo captured Hakkai's lips into a heated yet romantic kiss, thrusting deeper and faster into his lover. Hakkai moaned in unison with Gojyo. The room filled with sounds of bodies connected and moans and grunts of pleasure, softly whispered names, and the smell of sweat and sex.
Hakkai's body tightened and he mewled loudly, Gojyo groaned loudly cumming hard inside of Hakkai. The smaller followed in unison. Hakkai moaned sharply as his orgasm came in short sporadic bursts, the feeling inside him was hot, almost comforting. As he finished, he felt spent and comfortable. He smiled, pushing back Gojyo's curtain of hair from his tanned face and pecking him on the lips. "I..love you," He mumbled, curling against Gojyo's side as soon asthe redhead rolled off of him.
"Love you too, 'Kai." he smiled, looking down to see that Hakkai was already asleep. He slipped out from the younger's grasp and wet a cloth from the bathroom, taking extra care in cleaning off his partner then himself. After they were both clean he carefully slid into bed, covering them both and sliding his arms around Hakkai. 'Sleep well.' he whispered, placing his lips against Hakkai's forehead and falling asleep.
The next morning their breakfast was brought to the party by a rather busty young waitress in a very short skirt. Gojyo barely glanced at her, save to tell her what he wanted to eat. Goku's eyes widened in surprise.
"Sanzo, are you sure Gojyo and Hakkai haven't been possessed?" he stage-whispered dramatically. "Gojyo didn't even flirt with that pretty lady."
Sanzo grunted, uncaring until his lighter fell on the floor. He leaned down and picked it up. He smirked around his cigarette, picking up the silver zippo. He had seen tan fingers gripping pale fingers very tightly under the table. Gojyo was grinning and Hakkai seemed to be beaming too.
"Did you have a good birthday, Hakkai?" Sanzo asked, nearly snorting.
"I did," Hakkai grinned.
"It was your birthday?" Goku gasped, pushing his pastry puff towards Hakkai. "You can have this, Hakkai!"
Hakkai laughed, "Thank you, Goku."
Notes: Totally ignoring refractory periods here; this was also written when I didn't know those were a thing. Also - remember kids - saliva is not proper lube.
Series: Bleach
Pairing: IchiRuki, implied KisuYoru
Rating: T
Summary: Ichigo has finished his battle with Ginjou. Thanks to Rukia and the others he is again a soul reaper...Rukia left without saying goodbye. Or did she? Ichigo rolls over to see the face of his beloved small shinigami. Fluffy, fluff. (9/11/12)
Ichigo Kurosaki, age 17, flopped down on his bed, not bothering to change into pajamas. He sighed, thinking of everything that had happened recently. Rukia had saved him, yet again. The whole soul society had saved him. And then...the image of the tiny shinigami's back disappearing into the Senkaimon passed through his mind. She had left without saying goodbye; he mulled it over in his mind.
Deep in his thoughts, it took Ichigo a few minutes to notice her. He rolled over and came face to face with the girl of his dreams (and nightmares, sometimes). Rukia was sound asleep, her pale face bright and pale in the moonlight streaming in from the window. Ichigo stared at her studying her cute bobbed haircut, her thin form, her eyelashes, the way her lips parted as she breathed softly in her slee- He sat straight up, his mind was...was being inappropriate, frankly. Rukia was a friend, nothing more.
"Oi, shorty," he nudged Rukia's arm softly. She groaned softly and opened her eyes, looking rather annoyed.
"What?" she growled, still half asleep, propping herself up on one elbow.
"Get off my bed, go to the girls' room. You shouldn't be in here," he whispered sharply, furrowing his eyebrows.
"Yuzu and Karin's room," she paused, yawning cutely, "is being renovated, remember? Besides, Isshin said I could..."
Right...so much had gone on with that Fullbringer stuff and he had forgotten. Wait!
"Why are you even here? I thought you went back!" Ichigo inquired, getting a little noisier.
"I didn't get to talk to you...Juushirou-taichou said I should come back and catch up with you but...you weren't here. And I got tired," she informed him in a soft, tired voice.
"Sleep in the closet," he commanded her, pointing violently at it.
"The extra futon and your dirty clothes are taking up too much room in there...and Kon misbehaved so...I may have taped him to the wall," she informed Ichigo in a matter-of-fact-duh-stupid way. It was ridiculous how this girl could say the strangest things with the cutest face. It was also strange to Ichigo's poor brain how one second she could make his blood boil but he always needed to see her.
"Whatever!" he exclaimed, defeated. He turned his back to her and flopped back down, trying to fall asleep.
He waited and waited... The clock ticked patiently on the wall. Tick tock, tick tock, tick- he growled, finding himself counting the tocks and ticks. Sleep was not going to come to him, not tonight. Softly snoring behind him, breathing against his back was a certain shinigami. She seemed to have no worries being with him. Most girls wouldn't dare...oh Gods if Byakuya knew about this – he was dead.
He sat up, making an angry sound and scratching at his spikey orange hair. "I can't do this!" he yelled, slamming his feet to his floor and taking two small bounds to the closet. He threw open the door to find Kon, trying to scream for help, taped to the back of the closet. That girl...
The aforementioned girl sat awake, staring blankly at him. "What are you doing?"
"Sleeping on the floor," Ichigo informed her gruffly, pulling a futon from the closet.
"Why?" Rukia tilted her head curiously and he felt his heart leap.
"Because girls shouldn't sleep in the same bed as guys," he told her, repeating what he had always heard his father say to Yuzu and Karin (except Isshin's was followed by "unless its daddy~!").
"Kisuke said it is okay if the girl and guy like each other..." she looked down and then up, confused. "You don't like me?"
Oh dear lords...That sad, dejected look. That damned Hat N' Clogs. "Rukia..." he sighed, sitting on the bed beside her and placing a large hand on her head, messing up her hair. "Idiot," he told her, smiling at her.
"Hey! You're the idiot!" she protested, hitting him in the arm. They both looked at each other and laughed.
Neither of them fell asleep until four in the morning. They stayed up all night, chatting and catching up, swapping stories about Orihime, Chad, Hanataro, Matsumoto, and all the others.
Kisuke Urahara grinned, taking a picture of the two, curled up asleep next to each other, face-to-face, fingers intertwined in a sign of friendship and maybe more (though both were a little slow to realize more). "Byakuya is going to love this..." he laughed evilly. Yoruichi stared at him, sighing with concern over the man's mental health. She glanced in the window, thinking of herself and Kisuke when they were like that. She smiled, wishing the couple the best of luck, before turning and following her lover.
http://archiveofourown.org/works/7559470
Series: Bleach
Pairing: IchiRuki
Rating: Everyone
Summary: Festival of the Dead...Ghost festival...whatever you wanted to call it - Ichigo did not want to go. Not with his family and definitely not with his shinigami girlfriend to hunt down restless spirits. The two get into a fight and Ichigo has to find some way to apologize. IchiRuki fluffy one-shot. Almost continued from It Was Only Chocolate (8/21/12)
"Come on, Strawberry-kun...there'll be babes in kimono," Keigo whined, tugging on Ichigo's uniform sleeve.
"Only you would try to win Ichigo with that...you know he has Kuchiki-san now, Mr. Asano." Mizuiro pointed out bluntly.
"Its not like! Ugh!" Ichigo grumbled, running his hands through his orange spikes. "I just don't like Obon, and I am NOT going." Ichigo shoved his hands in his pockets and walked into the classroom, slumping down in his chair.
"A festival, huh?" Rukia inquired from behind him, talking to Orihime, Michiru, and Tatsuki. "I might go, sure!"
Ichigo groaned, even Rukia was against him, he thought as he laid his head on his desk. He watched half-heartedly as Michiru made some perverted crack about Orihime in a kimono and then Tatsuki threatened to kill her. He really hated the festival of the dead but he knew he'd probably be dragged to it by a certain shinigami. And lo and behold after school Rukia dragged him to the roof to "discuss something..."
--
"We have to go," Rukia argued, her arms crossed, her ring sparkling in the sun. "There are bound to be spirits that need to pass on."
"Then make some other soul reapers do it," Ichigo's hands were at his sides, balled up in fists. Sure, he was acting like a child but he didn't care, he did not and would not go.
"We are the ones stationed in Karakura for the time being its our job to-" Rukia narrowed her eyes, "Are you even listening!?" She stomped her foot, leaning in to yell at him.
"Yes! I hear you! I just hate frigging festivals, dammit!" Ichigo growled, turning on his heel to walk away.
"Do not dare walk away from me! Grrr!" Rukia grumbled and seethed, watching Ichigo disappear from her sight and into his house. They had been fighting about it the whole walk home.
Ichigo stormed into his house, shutting the door in Rukia's face with a slam. She threw it open and stomped in behind him, making a lot of noise despite her size. Yuzu and Karin, clad in their yukata (at their dads request) looked on at the couple in confusion and -in Yuzu's case- concern.
"Must be a lover spat," Karin commented dryly, sipping her juice.
"Ohhh, don't say that..." Yuzu whined.
"We all know Ichigo hates Obon...as do I...so it must be about that," Karin informed her sister before standing and heading for her room to finish her homework.
"I'm going with or without you then!" she heard Rukia shout before flopping down on her bed in the girls' room, obviously sulking. She turned over and looked beside her. There was a beautiful kimono with a blue rabbit print on it as well as a yellow obi decorated in sakura laid out beside her.
"Oh that?" Karin asked, noticing Rukia's curiosity. "Old Goat face got it for you. Said he heard from onii-san you liked rabbits."
Rukia blushed softly, holding it to her chest with a sad smile, upset with herself for being so mean to Ichigo. She looked down at the promise ring he had given her on White Day and fiddled with it, a small smile playing on her lips. She stood and began to dress for the festival, knowing in her heart that Ichigo would probably come to protect his family.
--
Ichigo blushed softly at the sight of Rukia in a kimono, her hair pulled back with a banana clip and decorated with chopsticks and flowers by Yuzu. Isshin was fawning the three girls, taking loads of pictures of them as they wandered the festival grounds past food stalls and game stands.
He allowed the others to walk ahead. He and Rukia would hang back and keep an eye out for spirits. "Do you sense anything, Rukia?" he asked in a bored and told-you-so manner. He turned to look at her and saw she was a few feet back, staring at a game stand. He ran towards her and asked with concern, "Anything wrong?"
She pulled her eyes away from it and he saw what she was staring at as she replied, "No." There, on the back wall of the shooting game was a gigantic pink rabbit that resembled her beloved chappy. It looked damn near impossible to knock down with a little cork gun, it had to be rigged.
"Kuchiki-chan~!" Orihime called from the distance. Rukia smiled and waved before taking off in the direction of her friends.
Ichigo stared up at the rabbit. "Win a prize for your girlfriend, son. You're sure to make her smile!" the carnie boasted to the orange-haired boy. Ichigo grumbled and laid his money on the table, determined to win the damned thing with everything he had. He knew he had to apologize to her somehow.
--
"Where is Ichigo?" Yuzu asked, furrowing her brow with concern when Rukia sat in the grass beside her, awaiting the fireworks. She had just finished sending two lost souls to the Seireitei and had yet to notice that he was missing.
"He's not with you?" she asked arching one thin eyebrow at the Kurosaki clan and Ichigo's friends. They all shook their heads no.
She felt her phone buzz and pulled it out of her kimono top and read the message displayed on her screen.
From: Ichigo
Subject: look at the tree on the hill
Message: Come here.
She looked up from her phone and saw him standing there. He waved at her and smirked slightly, one arm behind his back. She waved back and ran over to him.
"Look, Ichigo...I'm so-unfh!" Ichigo shoved the rabbit against her face, blushing brightly.
"No, I'm sorry," he said in a demanding voice but then smiled softly, his tone softening, "Also, you look b-beautiful..."
She turned held the rabbit in both arms and looked up at him, bright red. "Thank you..." she mumbled shyly, allowing him to embrace her tightly.
Atop the hill they sat, Rukia was holding a large rabbit. From the plain observer, anyone could tell the two were close but no one saw the fireworks reflecting off her ring as pale fingers were intertwined with his.
Series: Bleach
Pairing: IchiRuki
Rating: T (because of language)
Summary: Ichigo hears sneezing from his closet...Why is that idiotic girl sleeping in his closet? She has her room with his sisters...Ichigo's dad makes him stay home with the sick soul reaper. FLUFF (9/13/12)
"A-A-AHHCHUU!" Rukia sneezed again, coughing and rolling on her side, wondering if she was going to die. Her head felt heavy and sore as though her brain had become so big that her head could no longer contain it. She felt that it may turn to mush and ooze out her ears any second. Her nose couldn't make up its mind between running or being stopped up; likewise, she was constantly uncovering herself then covering back up. This was a nightmare...
Ichigo sat up, glaring at his alarm...5:30AM – still an hour until he needed to be awake. He couldn't sleep. He kept hearing a strange noise from his closet while he attempted to sleep. Rukia, ever since moving in, had been staying in his sisters' room so there was no way...He furrowed his eyebrows, throwing back the covers and pulling pajama pants on over his boxers.
He threw open the closet door and stared. Curled in a small ball, her back to him was Rukia. His eye twitched violently as he pulled the blanket off of her (his favorite blanket from childhood that he secretly hid in his closet).
"Oi, chibi shinigami," he said in a commanding tone. He reached for her shoulder but she turned to face him on her own. Her skin held very little color, her eyes were red and twitching slightly – an obvious sign that she was being beaten by a migraine. He had planned to say something mean to her but how could he when she looked so...so helpless? He sighed, kneeling down to her level, running a hand through his orange hair.
"What?" she croaked, trying to look angry. Instead she only looked pained by the hoarse sound of her voice.
"I'll get dad," he assured her, patting her head and standing, turning away. Her hand caught the edge of his shirt and he looked over his shoulder at her. His brown eyes met a pair of pleading violet eyes.
"Don't...you should sleep," she strained to say, sending herself into a coughing fit.
He sighed and picked her up in both arms with ease, supporting her arms and legs with his tanned arms. "If you won't let me go alone, I guess I will just have to carry you."
"Ah! No! Ichigo...dammit...put me down!" she demanded, squirming in his arms. She protested until he tightened his grip, shoving her face against his shoulder to make her shut up. It appeared to have been effective as she knew if she yelled too much she'd wake everyone else on the block and lose her voice in the process. Not only that but...his scent was so warm and inviting. She closed her eyes, taking a moment to drift into comfort's embrace...if only for a moment.
"Gooooood Moooorning, Iiiiiichiiiiiiiigoooooo!" Ishhin Kurosaki screamed, jumping from the top of the stairs down towards his son. Ichigo ducked, moving behind the wall at the bottom to protect the passenger in his arms.
"Damn it, dad! You fucking psycho! What if you'd hit Rukia!?" Ichigo screamed, sounding more frantic and aggravated than usual.
Isshin Kurosaki pulled himself off the floor, wiping blood from his eyebrow. "Rukia? What's wrong with my darling third daughter!?"
Ichigo frowned, "I think she has a cold..."
"I'm fine!" Rukia insisted, only to be shoved harder against Ichigo's chest.
"Shuddit! I'm not the one who was sleeping in someone else's closet for comfort!" Ichigo shook her lightly, readjusting her in his arms before sitting her on one of the clinic beds.
"I-I didn't want Yuzu and Karin to get sick!" she shouted but her voice was cut short by a pain in her throat.
"So it's okay if you get your germs all over my stuff, huh?" he yelled back at her.
"How sweet of you not to want the others to get sick, dear daughter," Isshin cried, throwing himself at Rukia. She didn't have the strength to dodge so she just let Isshin cling to her until his son's foot collided with his chin.
"Can you just give her something please so we can get to school?" Ichigo growled insistently.
"School?" Isshin inquired, running a thermometer across Rukia's forehead and frowning deeply.
"Yes, school? As in, the place where I spend twelve years getting educated in things I may or may not ever use," he retorted.
"Miss Rukia is in no way attending school today. Her fever is 101 degrees and if I let her go, well I'd be a bad doctor," Isshin informed his son, sterilizing the thermometer and then placing it back in his drawer.
"But...I wanna go to school," Rukia protested, knowing she wouldn't be able to spend time with her friends in the human world forever.
"Ichigo, stay with Rukia so she won't be lonely," Isshin told his son sternly, leaving no room for argument.
Ichigo scratched the back of his neck, sighing. "Guess I have no choice, huh, shorty?" He glanced at Rukia and flashed her a rare but genuine smile.
"Mama~ look how sweet our son is~!" Isshin cried, throwing himself at an oversized poster of Ichigo's mother. "Why, Masaki dear, it must be love! That's the only explanation!"
"Oi! D-d-don"t say such strange things!" Ichigo and Rukia shouted in unison. Karin kicked her father in the behind as she stepped into the clinic area.
"Move it, goatface," she demanded before picking up her schoolbag and heading for the door.
"Ah! I'm sorry," Yuzu yelled, following her sister, in a rush, having gotten up late. "I didn't have time to make breakfast! We have club activities!"
"Daddy will drive you!" Isshin threw himself at the girls after grabbing his car keys. Then the house went silent. Rukia sat on the hospital bed, shivering violently. Ichigo looked concerned.
"Don't make that face," she told him in a hoarse whisper as he pat her head.
"Let me make you some soup, small fry."
"Don't call me-!" Rukia was cut off as Ichigo threw her over his shoulder, carrying her to the kitchen – his personal way of making her not strain her voice. He sat her in the kitchen and gave her a look that said "Don't even get up."
She sighed in defeat and laid her head on the table, watching him throw on Yuzu's apron. He stared, perplexed, at a cook book for ten minutes. He looked in the cabinets and drawers, trying to find everything. He didn't want Rukia to know it but he had no idea where half of this shit was or what any of these damned instructions meant.
Rukia stood, smiling sleepily, seeing how he was struggling for her sake. "Ichigo? I think I should just lay down...Don't force yourself to do so much for me."
Ichigo sighed but followed her upstairs. She turned towards his room. He was going to protest but instead all he could say was, "Don't sleep in the closet. Use my bed...besides I'm sure Kon is tired of you sneezing on him."
"Wrong, Ichigo! Onee-san's sneezes are-" Ichigo kicked Kon into the hallway, not wanting to hear the rest of his ignorance. He turned and sighed heavily, smiling as he saw Rukia curl up on his bed. Within moments, she was asleep, snoring softly, her mouth open. How ladylike. She was wheezing softly and he cursed himself for not getting her some cold medicine.
"What do I do in a time like this?" he asked himself quietly, questioning how he could fight arrancar and hollows with no problems but taking care of a sick girl...Did cold medicine even work on shinigami?
He stood from his desk chair and went back downstairs to the clinic area. He went to his father's bookshelf.
"Glaucoma & Cancer, & other diseases..."
No...
:Flu Season for Dummies"
Not quite...
"The Quickest Way to Cure a Cold"
"Ahah!" he shouted and smiled, thanking his lucky stars for finding it among the mess of his father's books. He flipped through the book for an hour before getting bored of reading the same things over and over again. He looked over and saw one of Rukia's strange manga sitting on the bookshelf. He pulled it down and flipped through it. The boy in the story was sick and a witch had told the girl that if she kissed him that he would regain his strength.
Ichigo blushed, slamming the book shut and tossing it back on the shelf. "R-ridiculous," he muttered but he was desperate. And desperate times called for desperate measures. They were just friends, right? And in some countries that was a greeting...a kiss on the lips. But he had never kissed anyone before...and what if she woke up and killed him!?
"AUGH!" he held his head with both hands, telling himself to be a man as he marched up the stairs. He came to his room and sat on the edge of the bed. Best to get this over with quickly, he told himself and leaned down, brushing his lips against Rukia's. He pulled away after a few milliseconds, which had felt like five minutes. Her lips were soft, her breath was warm. An she was...for the first time he really looked at her, she was beautiful. He sighed, heavily, ignoring his own stupidity as his face filled with blood.
He sat in his desk chair and folded his arms across the desk, laying his head on his arms and watching Rukia sleep, hoping that whole kiss thing worked. He smiled softly before drifting off to sleep...
Ichigo sat up hours later, head feeling heavy and full. Rukia was sitting up and bed, not nearly as pale as earlier, a book in her hand.
"Dammit..." he muttered, knowing he was sick now.
"Looks like tomorrow will be another sick day, huh?" Rukia teased.
http://archiveofourown.org/works/7559185
Series: Peacemaker Kurogane
Pairings: implied Hiji/Oki
Rating: T (mentions of blood/killing)
Summary: Inspired by Haiku by ISSA. A set of VERY short drabbles for Peacemaker Kurogane. Mainly HijiOki. This was done as a small writing experiment to try and write something once a day. (4/26/12-5/02/12)
"Moist spring moon -
raise a finger
and it drips. "
The young man's skin was pale as the moon. He stripped down to his underwear, stepping into the moonlit pond, long violet locks spread across the top of the water. Souji Okita raised his hand before his face, blood washed down his ivory skin, replaced by streaks of clear water. He shivered softly, watching the blood wash away just as his humanity once had.
He breathed in the night air, cool and refreshing as it entered his nostrils. He opened his eyes, greeted by the site of the moon rippling on the water's surface. When had such simple pleasures become so...pure? The water was still, calm, collected but the smallest movement could turn it into something more. It reminded him of a certain vice commander.
A soft chuckle escaped his pale lips. The sound was so cold and empty to him; there was no warmth in his soul as there was no warmth in the water or on the moon. To the raven-haired man standing at the pond's edge, this sound was melodic. Souji's laugh was a soft tune, wispy and dark, lonely. This was the monster Hijikata had created. It had been ten years since the Shinsengumi had taken on the lonely little boy and turned him into a demon.
---
"A day of spring -
wherever any water is,
in darkness lingering."
Darkness...darkness had been lingering in his heart. Since the day Toshizou took the young Okita in. He watched as the violet haired man scurried on hands and knees through the tall field, laughing as his piglet was running from him. His smile was bright and happy, a sign of spring. But Toshi knew, he knew that beneath Souji's pure smile there was a fierce monster. A monster he had created.
Souji stood, Saizo in his arms as he waved excitedly at his superior. Toshizou sighed, dumping ash from his long tobacco pipe before standing and heading for the shoji screen door. Carefully, he slid it open and stepped into his sandals and then out the door.
He walked slowly as Souji ran towards him, squeezing the poor piglet to death.
"Ne, Toshi? Are you feeling okay?" Souji pressed the back of his cool hand to Toshizou's forehead.
Hijikata gently pulled Souji's hand away and grunted in assurance that he was healthy.
---
"So many flea bites,
but on her lovely young skin
they are beautiful"
The small bumps on Souji's pale, thin hand caught his eyes. Damn fleas...they had been quite a problem with the spring weather. Even so, to him, the younger male's skin was still quite beautiful. It was pale and clean, stretched softly over small bones. The young man looked so fragile...it was hard to imagine he was such a strong fighter but even his fighting style was...
"Hijikata-san?" Souji's violet eyes were wide with wonder and worry, his head was tilted in curiosity. Toshizou had lost himself in the thoughts of Okita. He had not realized he was gently squeezing Souji's hand, running his thumb lovingly over the soft flesh.
He pulled away quickly, grunting with discontent and turning away. He produced from his gi a small pouch filled with coins and dropped it in Souji's hand. His eyes lingered a moment, studying the curve of the small bones. "Get some of those cakes you like. Bring me the change."
Souji grinned, sitting the piglet down and rushing away towards town, long purple locks flowing as he went. Toshizou watched as he left. "Buki Buki!" Saizo grunted angrily and headbutted his master's friend. Toshizou rolled his eyes, pulled his pipe from his gi and sat on the porch to smoke. He didn't know what had come over him. Souji was a friend and an underling. Just that. No more. It was no secret that Toshizou frequented brothels and, despite his attitude, was popular among the women. So why had he acted so odd with Okita? Sure, Souji resembled a girl but that was no excuse. He sighed, placing his head on his hand, wondering why he was acting so odd as of late.
---
"In my old home
which I forsook, the cherries
are in bloom."
Tetsunosuke walked slowly, dragging his feet along the dirt road. He sighed heavily, probably for the fiftieth time. No one had wanted to spar with him and Okita-san was away buying castella cakes for that damn demon Hijikata. It had been a few years now, how many exactly – he wasn't so sure. He looked up at his old house, or rather, the remains of it.
Standing alone was a large tree, its fingers reaching towards the fiery dusk sky. Every branch was covered in cherry blossoms. "Beautiful," he muttered, reaching up to touch a small petal. So delicate, so pure. The tiny petals reminded him of Saya, the girl he liked. He smiled, not knowing how this old house, filled with ruin and regret could ever make something so beautiful.
He looked up at the purple, blue, orange, and pink sky, grinning as he placed his hands on the back of his head. He turned on his heel and headed away towards the Shinsengumi, forsaking that home once again.
http://archiveofourown.org/works/7558885/chapters/17193592
Series: Bleach
Pairing: implied IchiRuki
Rating: Everyone
Summary: Takes place after Ichigo regains his powers. A short late-night written drabble inspired by a haiku. (written: 9/11/12)
"In spring rain
A pretty girl
yawning. -ISSA"
It was early April and they had just entered the rainy season. The rain spread over Karakura town, slow at first before turning into a heavy shower. It drizzled down from the sky pattering on the pavement. Ichigo Kurosaki scratched his head, looking out the window and yawning.
"Take an umbrella," Yuzu commanded, thrusting a black umbrella into his hand.
"Ichigo," Karin caught his attention by grabbing his sleeve, "Have a good day..."
He nodded, giving a small smile to his two sisters before walking out the door.
--
It was cold. Rukia sat on the telephone pole, her hand turned palm-upward towards the sky as she caught cold rain drops in her small hand. She jumped down, seeing Ichigo at last.
"What're you doing up there?" he asked, furrowing his eyebrows at her.
"Waiting on you," she told him in a matter-of-fact tone.
"You're soaked," he grumbled, holding the umbrella over her head. She laughed, tucking a strand of short black hair behind her ear. It had seemed like ages since they had talked like this. Ichigo looked over her, studying her speech and taking in the site of the raven-haired girl, drenched in the spring rain.
"You look like a drowned rabbit," he snorted.
"Hey!" she growled, blushing and kicking him in the shin.
"Haha! Ouch! What was that for, midget!?" he growled quizzically, mussing her wet hair.
"Did you just call me a-unf!" He dropped his jacket on her head – his personal way of telling her to shut up.
She looked up and smiled at him as he held the umbrella over her. "You'll get wet like that..."
"I'm fine, I'm a guy," he insisted but stood a little closer to her. She smiled and huddled closer under the umbrella as they walked, "It's been a while, huh?" he asked, looking down at her with a shy smirk.
"Wh-what do you mean?"
"Nothing...want ice cream?"
"Ichigo...you dummy. It's too cold for ice cream." she laughed, blushing – happier than she had ever felt in the past sixteen months.
http://archiveofourown.org/works/7558801
Series: Saiyuki
Pairing: Sha Gojyo/Cho Hakkai
Rating: Mature
Summary: Modern AU. based on the time when Hakkai and Gojyo lived together. Cho Hakkai formerly Cho Gonou had lived with Sha Gojyo for two months now...Gojyo never realized until that day how beautiful the brunet companion was. PWP. Dub-con. Shower sex. (9/11/12)
Controlling himself wasn't easy. Laying on Gojyo's bed was his brunet roommate. They hadn't been living together long. But 2 months was enough to know that the composed and cheerful Cho Hakkai, formerly Cho Gonou, did not make the mistake of laying in the wrong bed. But there he was, unguarded. His brown hair was still wet and fragrant from a shower, his shirt was half-open, exposing soft ivory flesh. Gojyo studied his friend's lips...they looked soft and a pale pink - like a woman's. Gojyo shook his head, the other was far too effeminate and it was messing with his brain. He sighed, running a hand through his hair and sitting on the edge of his bed. He covered the other with his coat and trudged into the living room. He flopped onto the couch and drifted away into sleep.
--
It was hot when Gojyo came in from work. He had been working on a construction site all day. He just wanted to go take a piss, grab a beer, then go to bed. The water was running. 'Hakkai's back already?' he thought to himself and headed for the bathroom. He really had to pee, didn't matter if another dude was in the shower. Not like he didn't have the same parts. He opened the door slightly, jaw-dropping at the sight he saw. Hakkai was tall and thin with slender legs and a feminine waist.
Hakkai turned, water running down his neck, "Gojyo? Do you need something?" He inquired completely unaware that the other male had been checking him out.
Gojyo nodded, "just need'ta piss." He walked in, closed the door and unzipped his pants. Hakkai had already turned his back to Gojyo, who finished up and washed his hands.
Gojyo was trying to be patient…he really was. But it was so damn difficult and he had never felt this way about a man before. He couldn't stand it any longer, he reached up and slid open the shower curtain. He wrapped his arms around Hakkai, water falling on his fully clothed form.
Hakkai gasped in surprise, "Gojyo! Just what are you-ah~" Gojyo ran his fingertips roughly across Hakkai's nipples. He was so sensitive there... Gojyo sneered, he had to discover more so he pinched and twirled the tiny red bud between his tanned fingers. Hakkai moaned helplessly, clawing at the shower wall and telling Gojyo to stop. He didn't want him to stop necessarily...but the shower really wasn't an appropriate place.
"Shh..."Gojyo whispered, his lip brushing the steel power limiter on Hakkai's ear. He felt himself growing more eager and greedy. How could one man be so goddamn appealing? He pressed himself closer to Hakkai, his hands exploring Hakkai's chest and sides, the way his waist curved elegantly. His erection rubbed against the curve in Hakkai's lower back, causing the smaller to flush darker and attempt to pull away. Tanned hands explored lower, Gojyo swirled his thumb across Hakkai's chest and then downward.
His fingertips prodded softly at his hipbones and slid down further. Down to where Hakkai's body was responding nicely to Gojyo's touch. One hand twisted and fondled Hakkai's nipple while Gojyo wrapped his other hand around Hakkai's shaft. As he began to slowly pump, Hakkai moaned softly, a pale blush coated his cheeks. His knees shook softly.
"Gojyo..." he whimpered but his half-lidded emerald eyes were clouded with lust. He didn’t know what he wanted. The truth was, Hakkai had been eyeing Gojyo as well. Gojyo was his savior, his roommate, his companion. He was sweet and caring in weird rough ways but he made Hakkai feel less alone.
Gojyo was past caring that Hakkai was a guy. He wanted to ravage his body again and again. He couldn't seem to stop himself from touching Hakkai. The sound of soft moans and pants escaping those thin lips encouraged him to pump faster. He took his hand away from Hakkai's nipple and undid his own pants. He kicked them off as he rubbed his thumb against the slit in Hakkai's member, causing a sharp gasp to escape Hakkai's mouth. He fidgeted, bumbling until his wet hands finally undid his shirt buttons and tossing it aside. He stepped into the shower, pressing Hakkai against the wall.
“Just trust me, okay?” Gojyo whispered. He closed his eyes in thought before slowly taking three of his fingers into his mouth. He wanted Hakkai…He wanted to fuck him into next week but he knew patience was a must. He didn’t want to hurt him.
"Ah! Gojyo..." Hakkai moaned loudly as one long finger slipped inside his back entrance. Gojyo bent his head down and kissed Hakkai's ear lobe and licked all the way down to his neck where Gojyo's teeth scraped the soft skin. His finger probed Hakkai's backside as he curled and flexed the digit. It was just as he did normally to woman, just in a different location. Hakkai gripped the shower wall, his loud moan reverberated but was drown out by the water.
Gojyo groaned. Once he felt Hakkai relax little by little, he slipped a second digit in that tight, perfect heat. He began scissoring his fingers and thrusting them in and out slowly. Hakkai's back end pressed against his skin and raspy moans escaped his throat. He couldn't fight a gasp of pleasure when Gojyo's middle finger brushed against the sensitive bundle of nerves inside him. His legs shook harder and his back arched. His fingernails dug at the shower wall more.
"God Hakkai...that voice..." Gojyo groaned and turned Hakkai's head to look over his shoulder at Gojyo. Hakkai's mouth was slightly open as he panted and mewled softly. His green eyes were half-lidded and his face was bright red. He looked so helpless Gojyo wanted to take all of him, dominate him, as if he wasn't already doing just that. He slowly pulled his fingers away, leaving Hakkai feeling empty for a moment.
"This might sting," he whispered softly as he slipped himself slowly inside Hakkai.
"AH!" Hakkai tossed his head back, his knees began to buckle and a small tear ran down his face. Gojyo wrapped his toned arms tightly around Hakkai, one arm held the smaller up and the other rubbed Hakkai's erection. Gojyo moved in and out slowly, despite the elation coursing through him. He wanted his experiment to last, not to mention there was blood running down those pale thighs. Had he not stretched him enough? God…he felt like such a jerk but he couldn’t control himself.
Gojyo slowly ran his hands up Hakkai's body and then placed his tanned fingers in-between Hakkai's ivory digits. He squeezed his hand tightly. and kissed the back of Hakkai's neck softly, quickening his thrusts just a little. When he heard Hakkai's moans and gasps he felt great, knowing his friend felt great too. That's all this was right? Two friends helping one another find release...Gojyo sucked softly on the patch of skin between his teeth, causing Hakkai to mewl quietly beneath him as he thrust deeper and deeper.
"UH~!" Hakkai sputtered and moaned loudly as the top of Gojyo's member thrust into his prostate once more. Pain mixed with pleasure shook his body hard as he found warmth growing softly in his stomach. Gojyo smiled into Hakkai's neck and thrust there again, harder, causing another fit of short yelps and moans to escape Hakkai's soft lips.
"G-gojyo..."Hakkai whimpered but Gojyo didn't answer. He just slowly moved against that spot with his own manhood as he sucked and nibbled Hakkai's pale skin, placing marks all over the smaller man’s back. He knew Hakkai couldn't handle it much longer, he was going to come and soon. The tiny man was shaking and gasping, moaning and pleading each time Gojyo thrust deep into his prostate. The sound of Hakkai's voice was enough to drive him insane.
He gave a few more hard, deep thrusts. By the second thrust Hakkai cried out, arching his back and coming hard in short sporadic bursts. Gojyo smirked and gave one more good thrust before filling Hakkai with his essence. He held onto Hakkai's hips tight, continually thrusting inside Hakkai as they both rode out their orgasms. Once they were both spent, he withdrew.
"If we don't clean you up...it could be bad, "Gojyo explained and sat on the edge of the tub before lightly placing his hands on Hakkai's hips.
"Nnh...what are you doing?" Hakkai asked in a desperate tone as Gojyo carefully touched him.
"Cleaning you up. I promise it'll be fine," Gojyo took the rag and wiped away release and blood. He licked the inside of Hakkai’s thigh softly as his fingers worked on cleaning inside of him. Hakkai gasped Gojyo's name in protest but was useless to Gojyo’s touch. And tongue.
'What am I doing?' Gojyo thought as he licked Hakkai's soft flesh. He didn't understand why he was doing all this to a man or why it was probably the best experience he had ever had. He was doing all the work and he didn’t care. Hakkai gripped his shoulders as Gojyo’s tongue slid upward, gently lapping up the mess on his stomach. The tanned digits inside of him slowly slid out again, giving the backs of his legs another wipe-down with the rag. After a moment, he pulled back, looking up at the shorter male from his seated position.
The water on Hakkai’s back turned cold and caused him to gasp. Not a moment later did the lights flicker and finally shut off. Gojyo groaned in annoyance and Hakkai fumbled backwards to grab hold of the wall.
"G-gojyo...d-did you pay the water and electric bills like I asked? I gave you the money yesterday."
Gojyo groaned, running a hand through his hair, "I forgot."
Hakkai sighed and stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around himself, seething with anger but he offered a cold smile. "First you forget to take care of the bills and then you take advantage of me in the shower? What am I to do with you?"
Gojyo chuckled softly, wrapping his arms around Hakkai’s shoulders after stepping out as well. “I would have stopped if you actually wanted me to, you know?” His voice was gentle and honest. If Hakkai had cried or screamed or told him to stop one more time, he really would have.
“I know. Now go get dressed and pay the bill.”
http://archiveofourown.org/works/7549015
Series: Bleach
Pairing: IchiRuki (others such as RenBya implied)
Rating: Everyone
Summary: Rukia works up the nerve to make chocolates for Ichigo but a certain stuffed toy eats them. Just a wee bit of fluff and a lot of rambling. ICHIRUKI. minor hints at IchiHime/Anti-IchiHime, KeigoMizuiro, TatsuHime, and KisuYoru hints. Two-shot. Second chapter is White Day. (written: 8/20-21/2012)
It was just chocolate...she tried to tell herself as she saw the torn paper and the crumbs. That little fur ball had been in Ichigo's body and had eaten them all. Those chocolates - Her chocolates. She had stayed up all night with Orihime making them and before racing off to fight a hollow. If she got a hold of Kon she swore she'd rip his stuffing out...
--
Rukia glanced at the calendar and then out the window. There was no snow on the ground but it was still chilly out. On her soul pager the date read 2/13/XX...She hadn't ever thought of the fourteenth as a big deal before now. She always gave "appreciation" chocolates to all of her colleagues in squad 13, as well as Renji her brother. This year was different... There was someone she liked.
According to Orihime; if you liked someone you gave them special chocolates to show your affection. Rukia shook her head and assured herself that she didn't like the orange-haired boy in that way. No...she...uh...just wanted an excuse to get more presents on white day, right? And the best way to do that was to give him chocolates. After all, they were partners in work. He had saved her life – so she was plenty appreciative.
--
Ichigo groaned softly as he glanced at the clock on the wall. "The thirteenth, huh? What a drag..." he muttered. His head rested in the palm of his hand, elbow proper on his desk. This kind of thing was such a pain. Keigo was always obnoxious, as was everyone else, except maybe Chad.
"Don't say such things!" Keigo scolded him, popping out of nowhere. "The thirteenth is the day when boys and girls experience so much heart-throbbing high school romance! We’re all dying from anticipation for tomorrow! That is the joys of life~ to receive chocolates from a beautiful bodacious girl like Inoue or-"
"Asano-san...have you ever even received chocolates from a girl other than your sister?" Mizuiro accused pointedly from behind his book. Keigo looked defeated and slumped over on the younger's desk whining and complaining about how mean his small friend was and how even Chad received chocolates.
Ichigo sighed again, staring over at Rukia. Was she going to give him chocolates? She was from a well-to-do family and it was the "ladylike" and "proper" thing to do, right? Or maybe she didn’t understand the customs of the living world. Did the Soul Society have Valentine’s Day? Just then she looked up, a pair of violet eyes meeting brown. They both turned blushed and turned away from one another. Gods this holiday was so...annoying.
--
"Hey, Kuchiki-san?" Orihime ran to Rukia's desk as soon as the bell rang. She leaned over and whispered, "C-can you help me make chocolates for Kurosaki-kun?"
Rukia looked up from her bento box and stopped chewing her food for a moment. "Uhm...sure, Inoue-chan!" she replied hastily. Rukia felt a slight pang of...well she didn't know what it was exactly. Perhaps...jealousy at the thought of Ichigo accepting Inoue's chocolates. She shook her head, bidding the thought to leave her mind. "I'll come over at seven. Is that okay?" Rukia informed with a smile.
"You're the best, Kuchiki-san!" Orihime exclaimed, hugging Rukia's face into her chest, nearly suffocating the other.
-at the Kurosaki home, 4:45 PM-
"Ichigo's looking glum, huh, Karin?" Yuzu asked, looking over at her older twin sister.
"Well of course!" Isshin exclaimed, jumping into the living room and draping an arm around each daughter. "He's a young man~! I'm sure he is wondering if he will get chocolates from the girl he loves, naturally!"
Ichigo grumbled a half-hearted complaint as he rubbed the back of his neck and stood. Karin looked at him as he climbed the stairs. She couldn’t help but think of how busy he must be with his duties as a soul reaper. And remembering that in past years, despite his demeanor, Ichigo was rather popular with girls from other schools.
Ichigo flopped down on his bed. "Rukia!" he scowled, knowing she was probably in his closet, lecturing Kon. She poked her head out, "Yes?"
"No matter who it is, if a girl tries to get you to bring me the chocolates she made," he furrowed his brow, "please reject her nicely. I have someone I like already."
"Oh..." There was tightness in her chest, like a vice grip on her heart which seemed to sink to her feet. “I will,” she promised before closing the door. She leaned against the wall, clenching her chest.
"Onee-san?" Kon whispered in a worried tone but got no response.
Ichigo stared at the closet. The Rukia he knew would usually tease him about something like that but she seemed so...hurt. He stood for a second, debating whether or not to ask her what was wrong but sat back down, deciding to worry in silence. There was no way she would tell him.
-Inoue's apartment, 7:20PM-
"Milk...butter...sugar...cocoa...Anything else?" Orihime looked at Rukia, her large eyes questioning. Rukia smiled, sliding Inoue the ingredient list as she measured everything else out. She had a second list, a list of who she'd make chocolates for and whose she'd buy. There was only one name on her list of who to make for and it was Ichigo but there was no way she could tell Orihime.
She remembered from being at the Kurosaki house that Ichigo didn't mind sweet things but he really didn't care for them either so she, personally, had decided to make dark chocolate.
Hours had passed and the two girls had at last - after much trial and error – finished making their chocolates. After finishing hers, Orihime had decided to sit at the table in the living room and had subsequently fallen asleep. Rukia smiled as she covered her friend up with a blanket and then picked up her bag. She yawned, walking out the door and walking home alone. She carefully stepped up onto Ichigo's window sill and slid it open, climbing inside quietly, careful not to make a noise. Just then, her soul pager beeped.
Ichigo turned over to face her and groaned, "Where is it?"
"Southside of town," she muttered, yawning again. He stood, grabbed Kon from out of the closet and stole the pill from Kon's body.
"Stay here, Kon," he said before swallowing the pill. His soul was forced from his body and then he looked at Rukia, "You too," he commanded, mussing her hair and causing her to blush angrily.
--
There, on Ichigo's desk was a small bag. Kon picked it up and couldn't help but admire the soft lavender tulle fabric that held the rabbit shaped confections. Rukia had left them out on accident, absent-mindedly leaving them there as she went to the restroom and then to go find a late night snack. The temptation was too great and he had eaten them all without self-restraint. It wasn’t every day that a gikongon got to eat homemade food – let alone chocolates!
--
Ichigo came in to his room to find a very distraught and angry Rukia threatening Kon in a low voice. He had never seen her so mad. Her eyes were narrowed to slits and she looked beyond exasperated and particularly pissed. He stepped in between them and pulled Kon by the arm (of his own body) out of the way of Rukia's fist. "Stop!" his eyebrows furrowed and his mouth, turned down in a frown, twitched in annoyance. "What is this all about!?"
Rukia was too mad to talk, she clenched the empty bag in her hand. A little note fluttered to the ground. It showed one of her strange drawings along with small, neat handwriting.
To: Ichigo
Love: Rukia...
He picked it up and turned it over in his hands, eyeballing it suspiciously, "Did you...?" He looked at her carefully, searching her wide violet eyes for an answer.
"Yea..." she looked away and then grumbled about Kon eating them. Ichigo blushed softly before sitting on his bed, "Well...did you make any extras?"
"Yea...but I was going to give them to Onii-san..." she muttered quietly, rummaging through her bag for a small box that was a lot less fancy than what she had put Ichigo's candy in. He snatched them from her and popped one in his mouth. Her cheeks flushed as she stared at him with wide eyes. He grinned and swallowed the candy after letting it melt a bit.
"It's really good," he told her before shyly taking her chin between his thumb and forefinger and softly planting a kiss on her lips. He pulled away, both of them turned bright red and stared at each other.
"See?" he asked softly, moving her raven hair from her face.
"Did you just-?" Kon started to ask before receiving two kicks to the face
"Shut up, Kon!" they both demanded in unison.
PART 2 - RE: Thank You
Ichigo closed his eyes, listening to the history teacher drone on and on until the bell rang. At last, lunch time. He pulled the bento Yuzu and Rukia had made out of his bag and stood, heading for the roof to eat in peace.
"Ichigo~" Keigo jumped on his back, grinning and wrapping his arms around him. Mizuiro made something akin to an annoyed sound, Chad remained silent and Orihime and Uryu watched from across the room.
"What?" Ichigo asked, shoving Keigo off his back with just a hint of force.
"So...White Day is coming up?"
"And?" Ichigo's eye twitched as he tried to remain patient with the brunett.
"Are you returning any gifts to anyone?" Keigo asked, ready to gossip about Ichigo Kurosaki having a girlfriend.
"No," he lied, looking stern. He looked over at Chad and Uryuu who received "thank you" chocolates from Inoue-san, wondering what they'd give a girl as a thank you. Then again, Inoue would be easy to impress. Rukia...was from a distinguished family and she was far from 'normal'. Maybe he should ask the people who had known her the longest...
-,-
"No." Rukia heard Ichigo reply sternly from across the room and felt her heart sink. She didn't honestly expect anything, did she? This was Ichigo...but he...She ran her finger across her lips in thought, blushing as the memory of that kiss returned to her. As if she could forget!
"Kuchiki-chan?" Orihime sat in the desk in front of Rukia with her large bento box. "Is everything all right?"
"Yea!" Rukia forced a large but pained smile before she began shoveling food into her mouth.
-,-
As the final bell rang and everyone prepared to go, Rukia walked towards Ichigo's desk. Everyday, since they lived in the same house, they always walked home together. He turned to her, a look of worry and annoyance on his face. "Hey...uh...Rukia...I can't walk home with you, kay? Keigo and Mizuiro invited me to some..thing."
Rukia looked down, her hair fell in her face and then she looked back up at him and elbowed him in the side playfully. "Don't look so worried, I can handle myself against a hollow or anything else, you know?"
"Right." Ichigo nodded and turned his back towards her, walking out the door. The smaller his back was in her view, the more the pain in her chest grew.
-,-
Ichigo ducked under the curtain of the Urahara Shoten, holding the curtain away from his face with his elbow. He wore a deep frown and looked around. He really hated dealing with Kisuke and his cryptic speech sometimes.
"Ah~ Kurosaki-kun, welcome," Urahara exclaimed in a lazy but airy tone.
"Where's Renji?" Ichigo demanded in an impatient manner.
"Oh? The moocher?" Ururu asked from behind a shelf of candy.
"Yea, him. He went home, something about finding his taichou a present for tomorrow," Ginta informed Ichigo, walking into the store behind him with his arms behind his head.
Ichigo arched an eyebrow in confusion. Had he really heard that correctly? He knew Byakuya was kind of girly at times, not that he'd ever tell the gotei captain that but...Did he really give his fuku-taichou chocolates? It was almost laughable, really. The thought of Byakuya blushing and silent trying to do his best to give manly and stupid Renji a token of gratitude or more... It was enough that Ichigo nearly burst out laughing but instead he remembered what he had come for and turned towards Kisuke.
"Is there anyway I can talk to him and Byakuya...maybe Ukitake-taichou?" Ichigo asked hesitantly.
"Oh~" Kisuke unfolded his fan and laughed, "So this is about Miss Kuchiki, ne~? Giving her a present for on White Day for all of her hard work?" Kisuke teased in a sly manner, earning him Ichigo's foot to the face.
Ichigo blushed bright red, "How did you...know about that, damn Hat N' Clogs?"
"Simple. She came in here for a bunch of store made chocolates as well as the ingredients to make homemade ones...I figured they were for her squad and someone special. And who else would give you chocolates, Mr. Kurosaki?"
Ichigo's eyebrow twitched in annoyance, "Just let me talk to them please."
"Ururu, go fetch the phone that connects to the Soul Society, kay?"
"Yessir!" Ururu ran towards the back, obeying Kisuke.
-Sunday, March 14th-
Ichigo looked out the door, boxes upon boxes of gifts sat outside, all marked for Rukia. He picked them up and took them inside, assuming they were from her colleagues. The large box with the plain wrapping paper, nice and neat, no bow but just a tag was obviously from Byakuya. There was a smaller box with rabbits on the paper and a bow that he assumed was from Ukitake and judging by the state of another one, wrapped with little skill in cheap looking paper was presumably from Renji. He stared long at that one, a twinge of jealousy poking at him, as if telling him to throw it out but he didn't.
"Rukia!" he growled loudly, trying not to sound too mean but he was still tired. Not to mention he had to carry in all of those things. She ran down the stairs and stared at all the packages on the table.
"What is all this? Someone's birthday?" she asked, taking a seat in front of the mountains of presents.
"They're for you from your squad. I think," Ichigo informed her, placing his hands on the table and very sneakily hiding a small box under everything, in the back.
Dresses, shoes, chocolates, and chappy/bunny related things cluttered the area surrounding Rukia as she reached for the last item. Ichigo made a strange noise and looked feverish as she did so. He looked at the paper and panicked, realizing he wasn't very good at wrapping either. The box was wrapped in what appeared to be plain drawing paper and the state of the wrapping made it hard to identify the box as just that.
He shifted from one foot to the other as she picked at the tape. He both cursed and thanked himself for using too much. He winced when she at last pulled the paper away revealing a small white velvet box. He carefully scooted away the paper on the floor and stood beside her. As she opened the box and gasped at the small, white gold ring inside he hunched over, wrapping his arms around her shoulders.
"That's...a promise ring," he tried to explain without getting too flustered. "No matter what, I promise to be by your side and fight hollows and...uhm...think of you. Even when you're in the soul society...And I will always protect you...and...and..."
"Ichigo?" Rukia was bright red to her ears as she slid it on her left ring finger and turned towards him, violet eyes wide.
"Y-yes?" Ichigo stammered leaning down, his lips very close to hers.
"Goooood morning, Ichigo~" Isshin cried, kicking his son in the head, knocking him to the ground.
"Oh my, what a mess," Yuzu said with a concerned look on her face.
Rukia sighed with defeat, slumping over. "I'll clean it up," she assured Yuzu and smiled, brushing her fingertips over the ring on her finger.
Series: PeaceMaker Kurogane
Pairing: Hijikata/Okita (ish)
Rating: Everyone
Summary: A very, very short drabble about Souji speaking to himself about his problem when he takes up the sword. and how he’d like to change if he has more time. (this fic was written in like...2012 or so I think)
Okita Souji sat alone, thinking and speaking to himself. There were just times when he needed to get away from all of the noise and chaos. He loved everyone but their rowdiness had been becoming harder to keep up with. "The reason I fight...?" Souji sighed, staring up at the falling cherry blossoms. Against the dark sky, the pale petals resembled snow, or maybe ash with the way that they were illuminated by the moon. "Most people would laugh, wouldn't they Hijikata?" he asked quietly, not particularly to Hijikata, who stood out of sight, unseen. The question was directed more at himself, but it was easier to speak to Hijikata, if only in his mind. The other was surely asleep or grumbling over paperwork.
He pushed his plum colored hair away from his amethyst eyes, sighing deeply once more. "When was it that the answer became clear to me?" He wondered out loud. "I believe it was the spar with Sannan-san, huh?" Souji fiddled with the tea cup in his hands running one long, pale digit over the rim of the tiny laquered cup.
"I was nineteen...the instructor of Shiei Hall, if memory serves correct..." He drew in a wheezy breath, "As soon as I picked up that sword to fight him, something just snapped in my brain. A dark shadow had taken hold of my whole being and guided me to land a throat strike on Keisuke. "
Hijikata sighed softly to himself, watching Souji from behind one of the large cherry trees. He wanted to call out to him. He knew, though, that if he did Souji would place that cold and broken smile back on his face, in fear of Hijikata seeing the pain that he held in the pit of his heart. He wanted Souji to be able to cry in peace, even if he wanted to hold the younger man and tell him it would be okay. He couldn't take away his pain or sickness, but he could at least ease his heart if only he was given the chance.
"Demon's child...I was called that be the age of twelve. Everytime I wield a sword, something dark stirs within my soul and I lose sight of everything..." Souji looked down just as a petal fell onto the surface of his murky tea, creating minuscule ripples. He laughed bitterly to himself, choking back the tears that threatened at the corners of his dark eyes.
A tear slid down his pale cheek. "I don't want to be a demon's child. I want to fight my darkness...or in the very least, use it to protect those whom I care for. I couldn't save Yamanami...and now," he coughed hard into his fist, crimson dotting his pale lips and hands. "I am running out of time. Will I be able to win against myself before this illness kills me?" He choked back a hard sob which shook his body.
Hijikata couldn't stand to watch any longer as Souji suffered alone. Stepping from the shadows he placed a hand on Souji's thin shoulder, squeezing gently. "Come inside Souji, you'll catch your death in this weather." A poor choice of words he realized when Souji flinched. He placed his padded kimono around Souji's frail, trembling shoulders. Souji wiped his eyes and plastered on a smile before standing up and following Hijikata inside.
Long after Souji had fallen asleep, still wrapped in his superior's kimono, Hijikata sat beside his futon. He caressed Souji's thin cheek lightly, "Souji, you're fine the way you are...so long as I live, I will not let that darkness take hold of you. So please...don't worry so much," he whispered.
I’m working on moving old fanfic to Ao3 and god..I remember when 600 words was such an accomplishment and now I’ve helped co-write a work that’s over 60,000
Series: Bleach
Pairing: Renji Abarai//Byakuya Kuchiki (implied IchiRuki)
Rating: T+ (for make-outs of dubious consent)
This poorly written monster is 4 years old, maybe more from fanfic.net...I actually added a decent amount to it but it’s still not my favorite work.
Summary: In all the years he'd wanted to surpass him...Renji had never learned anything about Byakuya Kuchiki except that he acted weird on the 24th of June. Some confessions and drinking lead to Renji breaking the ice...
http://archiveofourown.org/works/7547998
From the moment he saw him...from the moment crimson eyes met brown eyes...he needed to break him. Renji had hated him, sworn to surpass him. Byakuya Kuchiki, the enemy...the one who took her away. Renji swore he would break him down - mentally and physically. He had to break Byakuya Kuchiki and he would...
Renji leaned his head back against the chair, staring at the ceiling. He glanced at the sixth division Captain's desk. Byakuya sat silently filling out paperwork, serious as ever. His guard was down. When had he become so comfortable with Renji there? He had been hesitant at first. Byakuya Kuchiki was not a man that let many close to him - in all definitions of the word. He was very selective about who was near his side in office work or in battle. Why shouldn't he be able to drop his guard around Renji though? After all...Renji was his trusted vice-captain. How long had it been now since Renji had arrived? Centuries had passed since Renji had joined the ranks in squad six. He had long since passed Rukia Kuchiki, his childhood best friend. And here he sat, across from her adopted older brother, Byakuya.
A long sigh escaped Renji's lips. Byakuya raised his eyes from the paper, acknowledging Renji at last. "What is it, Abarai?"
"Just tired, sir..." Renji informed his captain, not lying completely. Of course, something remained on his mind but he held it close to him, guarded. Byakuya's brown eyes wandered to the calendar on the wall for only a moment. But Renji noticed. He was painfully aware of most of Byakuya's movements. He gave a nod, as if assuring himself of something and stood. He placed his haori on the back of his chair. Unlike every other day, Byakuya didn't bother to fold the hoari. He merely left it draped over the back of his chair.
"Captain?" Renji began but then looked at the calendar on the wall as well. June twenty-fourth...Captain Kuchiki always acted weird on the twenty-fourth of June. All of the older officers knew why but not a one bothered to tell Renji. He had asked around but everyone told him to disregard it. He wanted to know, dammit. He had to know at some point! Everyone was keeping secrets from him for so long.
"Take the rest of the day off Renji," Byakuya commanded before leaving the room abruptly. His sharp tone had softened some when he said the other's first name, placing formality behind him for the moment.
Renji sighed, running a hand through his crimson hair, furrowing his brow. He waited a few minutes before silently following his captain. He kept his movements as quiet as possible, be careful that even his clothing didn't rustle the wrong way. Byakuya walked for a long time until he stopped in the cemetary. He knelt under a lone cherry tree, pink branches stretched across the endless pale blue sky. Beneath the tree was a small grave; from where he stood Renji could barely read the kanji. The only thing he could read was "Kuchiki."
"Interesting..." Renji muttered to himself. He had never thought of his taichou as sympathetic. He had mainly seen him act cold. That was all Captain Kuchiki had always been, even when his own sister barely survived the gallows. He had been so cold. Had Renji even seen this man smile?
"Abarai...I know you're following me," Byakuya growled, tension and sadness in his voice. Renji walked closer, stopping dead in his tracks as he saw how helpless Byakuya looked. He looked almost innocent, brown eyes full of sadness and grief, self-loathing. Byakuya looked so much smaller suddenly, paler if it were possible, and as if he would shatter if he was touched.
"Hisana...Kuchiki?" Renji asked, kneeling beside his captain.
"She was Rukias's older sister. And Hisana was my wife..." Byakuya explained, wondering to himself why he was suddenly so talkative. Maybe he needed to tell someone; someone who didn't already know. He didn't want pity. He just wanted to speak to anyone about how he felt... He was still hurting after all of this time. He swiped his sleeve across his eyes, shooing away the threat of tears in his eyes. Renji looked at Byakuya then looked away. He had come, wanting to know how to break Byakuya down and at last surpass him but now...how could he ever try to defeat Captain Kuchiki? 'How can I defeat you when you have that look...?' Renji asked silently. Byakuya found his way to his feet, brushing grass from his hakama.
"Let's have a drink..." Byakuya offered, warmth creeping into his usually cold voice.
Renji nodded, knowing better than to turn down a friendly advance from his captain or any captain. And so he followed Byakuya back into the barracks where they sat for hours, swapping stories and drinking. Little things were interesting to talk about. Renji had a ton of stories about when Rukia was little and they played together. Byakuya even laughed at some of them. Even if most of their talking was about one person that they had as a common tie, it was enough.
By midnight, Renji felt so much closer to Byakuya. Byakuya smiled softly, drunken and tired as he reached for the sake bottle between them. His pale fingers caressed Renji's, who had been reaching for the bottle as well, and the elder felt electricity run through his body. He blushed, pulling his hand away quickly.
"Captain? Are you feeling well?" Renji asked, taking a large swig from the bottle. He placed the bottle back on the tatami between them. Had Byakuya always been so...alluring and adorable? The curve of his jaw, the way his dark locks framed his face, the astonishing length of his eyelashes... Byakuya Kuchiki was beautiful. If he had heard the words aloud, he'd probably sentence Renji to death. Renji shook his head, willing those thoughts away. It was the alcohol talking and he knew full well that such thoughts could end with his head on a pike.
Byakuya stood shakily, placing one hand on his knee for stability. Renji got to his feet hurriedly, reaching to hold his captain up as the older nearly collided with the floor. Byakuya leaned helplessly on him, his warm breath caressing Renji's neck. Renji felt his body quiver with want.
"Help..."Byakuya looked up at him, eyes pleading with the larger man.
'Oh gods...Don't look at me like that...it makes me want to break you...and make you mine...' Renji thought, gripping Byakuya tightly. Holding down the urge became incresingly more difficult by the second. He couldn't fight it any longer, he pinned the older, lithe man against the wall, taking his captain's chin in his thumb and forefinger. He forced the pale face to look at him. Byakuya opened his mouth as though to protest but Renji wouldn't have it.
His lips engulfed Byakuya's, pouring every bit of passion and confusion into the kiss as his mind screamed for him to stop. Such intimacy especially for one such as himself...to be touching nobility like this...his mind raced as he slid his tongue against the other's bottom lip, pressing his knee between the older's legs. Byakuya's lips parted with a soft groan and Renji's tongue dove inside of his mouth.
His heart raced as Captain Kuchiki's pale hand fumbled at his chest, pressing against it softly. Renji's tongue explored the elder's warm mouth. And Byakuya Kuchiki broke. He melted into the kiss, responding with more fire than he'd felt in years. Byakuya gripped Renji's gi tightly, knuckles turning white as his tongue fought for dominance with Renji's, ultimately losing. Small moans were lost between the two of them as heat rose within their bodies. Renji's hands explored his captain until at last he settled upon stroking his thin, arched back. Renji kissed passionately, wanting more. Hearing Byakuya moan and feeling the way he writhed softly at his touch, only made him more curious. How far could he take this? His tan hand slid downward, groping softly at Byakuya's backside. The raven haired male shuddered softly, whimpering a bit and pulling Renji even closer.
"Oh my..." Rukia Kuchiki slid the shoji screen open to see a quite scandalous scene. Ichigo stood beside her, a look of bewilderment matching that of the small woman beside him. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
Byakuya practically threw Renji across the room with how hard he shoved him away, struggling to regain his composure. The two older men flushed, suddenly becoming quite sober and well-aware of their surroundings.
"This isn't..." Renji began.
"What it looks like," Byakuya finished, smoothing a hand over his gi, coughing awkwardly.
"I just...wanted to uhm...I'll come back later!" Rukia stammered, face bright red as she turned on her heel, rushing from the scene.
Ichigo stood, still in shock for quite a few moments. "Uhm...well...Renji, man I always knew you were... At least I don't have competition for Rukia anymore...I mean...since you like her brother and all!"
"No! This guy's my rival!" Renji protested, falling to his knees, hands covering his flushed face in shame and confusion as Ichigo fled after Rukia. Byakuya cleared his throat, a pale hand covering his mouth in disbelief at his actions. He cleared his throat one last time before silently leaving the room, heading for his bed chambers.
Renji was left alone, sighing in despair as he downed the last of the sake. Just what had he gotten himself into...
"What do you plan to do, Komatsu-san?" Miu asked from her position beside Yasu at the small white table. Hachi sat cross-legged on the floor, her daughter curled in her lap. "I want to go to London. I will work hard...even if its painful, I have to see Nana again." Her brown eyes were full of excitement and worry. She wasn't sure what other options existed. But out there somewhere, Nana was hurting all alone...
Nobu nodded quietly, fiddling with the frayed edge of his shirt sleeve. Shin glanced down at his cellphone, smiling slightly. "I have a better idea. There is someone in London...who may be able to get Nana back for us."
Yasu's brow furrowed, "Shin...I thought you and Reira weren't seeing each other." His tone was stern, much like that of a father.
"We aren't...I mean, she is super happy in her current situation, I guess. We're still allowed to be friends." Shin argued, fingers flying over his cellphone buttons.
TO: Layla
From: Shin
Subject: A favor, please?
Message: Nana Osaki is in London. Her name is Anna Beverly. We will do anything to get her back to Japan. Please...help? <3 Shin
He smiled as he hit send and awaited a response. Aside from Satsuki, he was the youngest in the room. He had mellowed out somewhat after everything... But nonetheless, he still had a beautifully childish smile.
--
They had been sitting in a small studio...she would only sing for Ren now. Reira's phone buzzed. Her eyes flicked to the screen and she stood suddenly. Takumi looked up at her, eyes narrowed in a cold and questioning expression.
"Where are you going?" Ren asked, his large brown eyes full of wonder. Reira reached down, patting the little boy's head. It was so odd how much he resembled her ex-band mate and friend. "I'm going out for a bit," she muttered quietly. Drury Lane was not far away at all. It wasn't far at all, in fact. She stepped out the door, hearing Takumi shout after her but she ignored him for once. She had felt guilt for so long...Guilt over Ren Honjou's accident... Guilt over Nana Osaki's disappearance and guilt over BLAST falling apart.
She walked out to Takumi's Royce, spinning the key ring around her delicate finger, giggling. She opened the door and slid into the driver's seat, speeding off towards the apartment building on the Drury Lane block. It was a large building stretching towards the sky. She parked the car and removed the keys from the ignition before stepping from the car. She pulled open a large glass door and stepped inside.
There was a woman in the lobby area, Reira stepped up to her desk and offered an award-winning smile. "Is Anna Beverly in?"
"And you are?" the old woman asked, pushing up her black catlike glasses along her thin nose.
"An old friend," Reira replied, giving her most charming and radiant smile she could muster.
"Room 701," the elderly woman growled, coughing into a fist before piercing Reira with her beady stare. Reira smiled more, thanked her, and turned away towards the staircase. She didn't mind stairs but seven floors...She supposed it was better than any elevator this small apartment complex could offer. And safer. She took the 7 flights of stairs rather quickly, gaining speed the higher she climbed. As she walked onto the main area of floor 7, she looked around. Her eyes scanned the scenery closely. The white wallpaper was faded with age and old smoke. The carpet looked like it had once been red but was now more of a brown color with many stains caused from God-only-knew-what. The walls smelled musty and homey, in almost a good way. She closed her eyes, breathing in the musky smell.
She opened her eyes, turning to her right to see room seven-zero-one. She raised her hand and tapped the door three times rather softly. "One minute," called a soft, husky voice from inside the small apartment.
--
Anna had just gotten her little girl to sleep when she heard a soft knock on the door. 'Probably just a church go-er' she thought to herself as she pushed back her long platinum colored hair. She opened the door and froze. Her heart dropped to her knees. Staring back at her were two large, brown eyes under a flow of light brunette curls. She felt sick...the last time she had seen this woman was at her fiance's funeral. The reason he died was to go see this woman. Anger, sadness, hatred, and confusion filled her all at once. Her stomach churned and before she could stop herself, she slapped Reira hard across the cheek. A moment later, she collapsed to her knees, long fingers covering her mouth and stifling loud sobs. Each cry made her body shake and quiver. She looked more than ever like she would shatter into a million pieces.
Reira looked down at her, a thin hand holding her red cheek. "Osaki-san...I am so sorry..." Reira whispered.
"Why? Why did he have to die and leave us so alone? Why...why for YOU? Why..."she sobbed, running for the bathroom, feeling sicker. Reira ran after her. Nana collapsed before the toilet, sobbing and wretching softly. Reira knelt beside her, rubbing her back softly in an attempt to console the woman.
After Nana had emptied the contents of her stomach, she stood shakily. "Osaki-san..." Reira began again, trying to help Nana into the living room and onto the couch.
"It's Nana..." Nana mumbled softly, looking down at her hands which were folded in her lap. She hadn't looked Reira in the eyes since opening the door. She wasn't sure if she could...
"I...shouldn't have come here today..." Reira insisted, looking towards the door. "its just...they...Shin...he asked me to...because that reporter Arai-san. He told Komatsu-san where you were...and they just want to see you again...if you like though, I will say that it was a false lead."
Gray eyes widened at the mention of those names. Guilt and sadness shot through her like an electric current. "It's been...6 years hasn't it?" Nana asked quietly, looking hurt and sad. She wasn't sure if she could face them again. How could they ever want to see her? She had abandoned them after all. And yet, Reira was sitting on the couch beside her, asking her to come back. The irony of it all was almost too much.
"Why...did you leave?" Reira daringly asked. She knew the question could possibly cause more harm than good. But she needed to know...Everyone needed answers. They had waited so long.
"I...was drowning in Tokyo. I couldn't return to Hokkaido. There's no way I could go back there without him... The pressure in tokyo was far too much. The record company wanted me to go solo...Shin was in jail...Ren was...was with you..."
"No!" Reira stood, "Nothing happened between Ren and I. He was helping me, I didn't want to sing anymore...so he tried helping me through it..."
Nana looked at Reira, eyes wide at hearing this for the first time ever. Reira? She had wated to quit singing... But why? Nana's mind could hardly imagine it. There was no way that this woman whom she felt inferior to has wanted to quit. "I also left because...I was scared. When Ren died...he left me with...a gift. I never thought I could get pregnant on the pill, and he always wanted kids...Now it's just Akahana and myself."
Reira looked down, placing her hands on her stomach, thinking of the secret child she was carrying. She wasn't exactly sure if she would be a good mother but she was happy to be carrying the child nonetheless. Three months prior herself and Shin had met up again and couldn't help but to make love. She thought that once she was with Takumi she would have been happy but she was more miserable than ever. Shin provided solace; he truly understood her. He treated her as if she was the most precious thing in the world, unlike Takumi who still only saw her as a tool.
"There are things I want to tell you, Nana-san. I want to catch you up on what has happened in the past few years. If only you will listen and maybe agree to come back to Tokyo with myself, I will pay to get you back."
"I'm all ears," Nana crossed her legs, one knee over the other and sat forward, motioning Reira to sit in the black recliner opposite her. It felt so odd to her, sitting here like this with the singer of her former rival band, catching up like old friends. She felt like laughing but stayed silent...waiting on Reira to fill her in on everything.
Series: NANA
Pairings Mentioned: Nana/Ren, Hachi/Nobu, Yasu/Miu, Reira/Takumi, Reira/Shin
Rating: T (mentions of ‘adult’ events in the series)
Summary: Arai brings word of Nana Osaki's most recent whereabouts. As it appears - Nana O. may have a child of her own. Will she agree to meet up with the 707 gang or has she abandoned her friends for good? A what-if based on where the manga was put on hiatus.
Hey, Hachi...I wonder how you are right now? Are you thinking of me? When I think back...maybe I could have returned to 707 after Ren died, but at that time...I was selfish...
Arai watched as his lens focused on the woman with long, blond hair as she peered out her apartment window on Drury Lane*. Her steely blue eyes were dark, deep in thought, and alone. In the background, on the floor her could see a young girl with short black hair and huge blue-gray eyes. He snapped a few pictures and returned to the meal that sat before him on the dingy cafe table.
"Anna and Akahana Beverly**, huh?" he mumbled as he finished the peach cobbler in front of him. He stood, the check in hand and went back inside the restaurant. He paid quickly before returning to his black Benz. He climbed into the driver's seat and leaned back as he thumbed through his cellphone, stopping on the name "Komatsu." He hit call and waited.
–
Nana Komatsu was playing with her daughter, Satsuki, when the phone rang. She let it ring once, then twice before answering. Satsuki watched with curious brown eyes as her mother's hand flew to her mouth and tears began streaming down her cheeks. "Really? You're sure its her Arai-san?" Hachi inquired through her sobs. She then smiled a few moments later, mumbled a thank you and hung up.
Satsuki tilted her head and asked, "What is it mama?" Hachi stroked her daughter's head and sighed in content. "Mama's friend, Nana, we know for sure where she is." Satsuki grinned, threw her hands up and squealed in excitement.
"Where, mama, where?" She pulled on Hachi's sleeve in excitement.
"In London," her mother replied.
"With papa, and bubby?" She asked, eyes widening as her mom nodded half-heartedly.
–
Yasu blew out a stream of cherry-scented smoke just as his phone went off with a text message. He blinked in disbelief as he read it.
TO: Yasu, Shin, Nobuo
From: Nana K.
Subject: Nana in London – confirmed.
Message: I had to tell you as soon as Arai called me. Nana is living in London under the name Anna Beverly on Drury Lane. Apparently, she may also have a daughter! (^_^) Meet me at 707 tonight!
Miu watched as Yasu stood, his chair clattering to the floor. She stood as well, "What is it?" Yasu gave a small smile, "We're going to apartment 707 tonight."
"I thought you only went once a year?" She questioned.
"Tonight is special," he replied before grabbing his jacket and heading for the door.
The three ex-Blast members and Miu stood before the door, bracing themselves as Nobuo reached for the door. Just then it swung open to reveal Hachi, wearing a genuine smile for the first time in years.
--
*- Drury Lane – for a time in their life Simon John Ritchie(Sid Vicious) and his mother lived on Drury Lane.
** - Anne Beverly was the name of Sid Vicious's mother. Nana is using things she and Ren loved.
I’ll fix this chapter up later and try to add a bit more since it’s more dialogue-driven.
