Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Of Demons and Death ❯ The Joys of Sleep Deprivation ( Chapter 7 )

Once again, I DO NOT and WILL NEVER own any part of Bleach or Inuyasha. I merely beg the forgiveness of the authors for twisting their characters and ideas to fit my sick needs.

 

NOTE: NO INUYASHA CHARACTERS WILL BE DEPICTED IN THIS WORK! I MERELY TOOK SEVERAL IDEAS TO SUPPLEMENT MY OWN!

 

On another note up till now I have been trying to remember to do the names in the traditional Japanese style with the family name first. This means that Reijin's full name reads Hirameki Reijin, not the other way around. Sorry for any confusion that may cause.

 

Also, I am making the assumption that Zaraki was made a Captain shortly before Urahara as Shinji has made some comments that point to that being the case. If I'm wrong I'll just edit it later.

 

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“See, being a Lieutenant isn't that bad.” said Kaien as he drank his cup of sake, turning to look at me as he refilled it.

“No. Though he does stick me with a lot of the paperwork.” I said with a laugh as I also drained my cup. “Now that he has that little geek club of his going.”

“Geek club, I like that.” said Kaien as he refilled my cup. “You should tell him to change the name to Captain Urahara's Geek Club. It has a good ring to it.”

“Stop it!” I said as I swatted him, the alcohol making my brain a little fuzzy as I took a sip. “It would just be Geek Club.”

We both started laughing and drained our cups before refilling them, Kaien raising his for a toast. “Here's a toast to the Seireitei's newest group, the Geek Club.” Our cups clinked as we toasted and I couldn't help but laugh as Kaien spilled some sake trying to pour himself another cup.

“I think that's enough for you.” I giggled as he managed to pour himself a cup.

Continuing to giggle, I grabbed the bottle and started to pour myself another cup when I heard Ryuujin's voice.

“Wake up…”

Looking up, I saw it was coming from Kaien's mouth and I dropped the bottle.

“Wake up.” he said again, Ryuujin's voice replacing his as he stared at me.

“What?” I asked, still not comprehending what was going on.

“WAKE UP!”

***

I snapped awake, only intending to rest my eyes for a few moments. Looking around I couldn't help but stare as my mind tried to get back up to speed as Ryuujin put her face close to mine.

“Wake up, damn it!” she shouted as she tried to shake me, but gave it up as her hands went through me.

“What's wrong?” I asked as I rubbed my eyes.

“Can't you feel that!?” asked Ryuujin, pointing towards the source of a massive wave of reiatsu. “The Quincy took off his glove!”

“What!?” I shouted, instantly awake as I jumped to my feet.

“He got into a fight with a Captain and now just decided to take that glove off.” said Ryuujin as she slowly got to her feet.

“And you just decided to wake me now!?” I asked as I slid Honorable Ruler back into my obi. “What is wrong with you!?”

“You looked like you were having such a great dream and I didn't feel like bothering you.” said Ryuujin, a wicked smile on her face.

“Fuck you.” I snarled as I shut the door behind me and slipped into flash step.

I could feel her settling back into her little niche in my mind as I dashed over the tree tops, throwing all caution to the wind in favor of speed.

“You know, no matter how fast you run there's no way you can save his powers.” said Ryuujin from her little corner.

“I can sure as hell try.” I snapped back, starting to feel a little nervous now that the strength of the reiatsu was beginning to wane.

Thankfully Ryuujin didn't feel the need to jab at me further as we reached the streets. I swiftly maneuvered my way through them, keeping all my senses pricked for any followers. Jerking to a stop, I started panicking when I felt the reiatsu sharply decline and then almost disappear as another familiar reiatsu gained strength.

“Tousen.” I breathed as I started running again, hoping to catch up to them before it was too late.

“You'll never make it.” said Ryuujin softly as I ducked back into an alley as a group of shinigami ran past.

“Since when have I ever listened to sense?” I asked as I stopped myself from peeking around the corner. “You check to see if anyone is coming.”

Ryuujin appeared and walked out into the middle of the street before yelling, “Nope! No one's coming!”

“Good.” I said as I ducked out of the alley and ran after the group.

We ran on in silence until we came to a trail of blood, Ryuujin kneeling down to smell it. She leaned back, her eyes rolled up into the top of her head as if she were high.

“Whose is it?” I asked as Ryuujin's eyes refocused.

“Quincy…” said Ryuujin slowly, almost longingly as she stood back up. “Too bad it won't smell like that for too much longer.”

“Come on.” I said as I started following the trail, the trail thinning the further it went.

I slowed to a stop as we reached a set of stairs, the blood trail ending about halfway up. Rubbing my temples I climbed the staircase, staring at the place where Ishida had stood only moments before.

“Too late again.” I murmured as I sat down and put my head in my hands.

“I guess that charm Shinji gave you isn't worth shit.” said Ryuujin as she sat down next to me and I lost it.

“I guess not.” I snarled as I ripped it off my obi and threw it onto the ground before putting my head back into my hands. “What am I doing here?”

“You're here to kill Aizen.” said Ryuujin and slammed my fist into the cement.

“I know that!” I shouted as I jumped to my feet and clenched my fists into my hair. “I know that. But, what am I doing here? What have I done other than run around and screw up and, and, and argue with you over when you get to kill Aizen!?”

“Calm down.” said Ryuujin calmly.

“No!” I screamed angrily, not caring if anyone heard me.

“Calm down.” said Ryuujin a little less calmly. “Before I make you calm down.”

“Fuck you, I can do what I want!” I shouted. “I'm tired of this! I'm tired of the dreams, of all the nightmares!”

“Calm down!” shouted Ryuujin, my anger fueling her own. “Did you honestly think that this would be a bed of roses? You knew what you were getting into when you agreed to combine powers!”

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and started to count to ten. What Ryuujin said made sense and I had known what I was getting into when I decided to used Ryuujin to become a Vaizard. Once I had calmed back down, I opened my eyes and rubbed my face.

“Okay. We know that Ishida was taken by Tousen, but we don't know where Orihime is. Our first priority should be finding her.” I said quickly as I stuck my hands in my pockets, trying to keep my emotions under control.

“That way.” said Ryuujin as she pointed in the direction of the 11th Division. “Though her reiatsu is being masked by a much stronger one.”

“That'll be Zaraki.” I said as I bent down and picked up the charm Shinji had given to me before I had left. “Hopefully he won't put up too much of a struggle.”

“Why is that?” asked Ryuujin, almost coyly as her tail flicked back and forth. “I've been with you long enough to know when a guy turns you on.”

I shook my head and started walking to where Ryuujin had pointed, drawing Honorable Ruler as I quickly muttered the kido that would give him physical form. Once he was completely materialized I started making my way to the 11th Division, his presence alone making me feel better.

“When this is all over you need to get some sleep.” said Honorable Ruler as he looked over at me. “You look like hell.”

“That sucks cause I feel like shit.” I shot back, a smile on my face.

He just smiled sadly before saying, “You do too much. You need to learn to let other people take over every once and a while.”

“I don't have that kind of luxury.” I said as we entered the 11th Division. “Not until Aizen is dead.”

“Why do you have to kill him?” asked Honorable Ruler, a pleading note in his voice. “Why can't someone else do it?”

“I already told you we're the only ones who can pull this off, at least until we expose him and what he's been doing.” I said and I caught Honorable Ruler looking back at the trailing Ryuujin. “Don't even go there.”

He turned his glare to me before looking away and I could hear Ryuujin laughing.

“Leave him be! He's a little sore that he isn't strong enough to help you beat Aizen without help!” taunted Ryuujin, but Honorable Ruler ignored her.

We continued on in silence until we reached the heart of the 11th Division. The familiar rush of adrenaline washed over me as I slipped into the shadows, Yoruichi's training running through my mind.

“Be silent and stick to the shadows and you'll be alright.”

“Let's go.” I whispered to Honorable Ruler, his smile mirroring mine as we made our way closer to where Orihime was being held. It didn't take us very long to reach the headquarters of the 11th Division, the security being extremely lax. “I never let things get this bad when I was a Lieutenant.” I whispered to Honorable Ruler from our position in the bushes.

“Yes. They don't seem to be very concerned with us being here or the “murder” of Aizen.” whispered Honorable Ruler as we slowly crept towards the door.

Pressing my ear against the wood I listened to a little of their conversation, Honorable Ruler doing the same.

“What happened, Inoue-san? Is that brat Ichigo still alive?” asked a male voice that I immediately identified as Ikkaku.

“Ah… actually… I… I don't know…” said Orihime hesitantly.

“Don't ask stupid questions Ikkaku.” said a gravelly voice that could only belong to Zaraki. “He's definitely alive! I can feel it! That guy is alive and he's getting stronger!” I motioned to Honorable Ruler to get on the other side of the door as we both stood up. “Interesting! I'll help you woman because if I go with you I'll definitely meet up with Ichigo again soon!”

I threw open the door and stepped inside, Honorable Ruler right behind me as I said, “Stop talking like that Zaraki. You'll scare her.”

“Reijin-san!” said Orihime excitedly as she turned around in her chair. “How did you find me!?”

“Surprisingly it wasn't that difficult.” I said nonchalantly as I waved away her question. “Now let's get going before…”

Before I could finish my sentence a huge blob of black and pink came flying at me and landed on my face, screaming, “I knew I knew you from somewhere! You're Reirei-chan!”

“Let go.” I said tersely as I tried to pry Yachiru off my upper body. “And I told you I don't like that name.”

“Ah, come on Reirei-chan. She just wants to play.” said Honorable Ruler mockingly as I managed to pry the wriggling toddler off of me.

“Shut up.” I said as I held her out at arms length by the back of her obi. “If you like her so much then play with her yourself.”

I tossed her to him and he managed to catch her, a little shocked as she grabbed his cheeks before saying, “I've never seen you before though.” As Yachiru proceeded to climb all over the overwhelmed Honorable Ruler I turned to the rest of the group.

“Hirameki Reijin, the escaped convict.” growled Zaraki with amusement, his face and torso swathed in bandages. “The brat told me what you did. Thanks.”

“Oh, come on Captain.” said Yumichika. “You should tell her she saved your life.”

“Don't mention it.” I said neutrally above Honorable Ruler's shrieks of “Get off me! Get off me!”

“You don't mean the Hirameki Reijin?” asked an older looking guy with weak reiatsu as he pointed at me.

“Who else?” I asked as I walked over to Orihime. “Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be taking Orihime-chan back.”

“Oh.” said Orihime as her face lit up. “Did you manage to find the others?”

“Chad, Ishida, and Ganju have all been captured and probably taken somewhere under the direct supervision of Captain Unohana. As for Ichigo, well… he's got his hands full with Yoruichi right now.” I said and the three men instantly perked up at the mention of Ichigo's name.

“Where is he?” asked Ikkaku, his eyes lighting up. “Can he fight?”

Noticing his injuries, I said, “Shouldn't you be more worried about yourself, Ikkaku?”

“You know I live to fight.” said Ikkaku and I couldn't help but scoff.

“He'll live, but we're still running out of time. Right now he's training with Yoruichi to achieve bankai in preparation for another battle with Kuchiki Byakuya.” I said and Zaraki started laughing.

“How in the hell does he plan on learning bankai in only a few days?” he asked, his teeth bared in a predatory grin. “Especially when he should be healing for our next big battle.”

“Using the technique created by Captain, the hope is that he will be able to master bankai before the execution.” I said as Yachiru went darting across the room again and plopped herself on Zaraki's shoulder.

“Keep her away from me.” said Honorable Ruler as he cowered at my shoulder.

“Ah, come on. She just wants to play with you.” I said in the same mocking tone Honorable Ruler had used earlier.

“I like him, Ken-chan!” said Yachiru as she pointed at Honorable Ruler. “You're name is Spiky-chan, cause of your armor and all!”

“Spiky-chan?” he asked wearily. “Can't it be something cooler?”

“Ha, ha! You're funny, Spiky-chan!” laughed Yachiru.

“Who is that Reijin-san?” asked Orihime.

“Judging from the absence of your zanpakuto at your belt, I'm going to guess that you finally managed to perfect your technique.” said Yumichika smugly.

“Yeah, all that time spent in the hospital was well worth it.” I said as I turned to Honorable Ruler and pinched his cheek. “Isn't he cute?”

“Stop it.” said Honorable Ruler as he slapped my hand away and rubbed his face.

“Technique?” asked Orihime as she tilted her head to one side.

“Before I left Soul Society I had started creating a technique that would allow me to materialize the soul of my zanpakuto. It took me a while but I finally managed it.” I said as Zaraki let out a big laugh.

“Ha! I remember the one time it blew up in your face and you had to spend two weeks in the 4th Division!” said Zaraki as he scratched at the wound on his face. “Damn cuts…”

“Here.” I said as I opened my pouch and peered inside, only to be hit by Drusilla. “Drusilla! What the hell do you think you're doing!?”

“Getting out of this god-damn pouch!” shouted Drusilla angrily as she attempted to elbow her way out of the pouch in my gigai. “You never let me out anymore and it's getting stuffy in there!”

“Maybe it wouldn't get so stuffy if you just stayed in the plushie I bought for you.” I argued as she fell out of the pouch, her hair in her face.

“That ugly thing? You probably just picked it up on the side of the road.” said Drusilla as she reached back inside the bag and pulled out the little horse plushie I had gotten for her and threw it at me.

“Is she just like Kon!?” squealed Orihime as she clapped her hands, Drusilla whipping her head around to look at her.

“That little perv? Hell no.” said Drusilla as she got up and dusted herself off. “I'm a whole different class of ModSoul.”

“ModSoul? Weren't those destroyed by the order of Captain Yamamoto?” asked Yumichika and I let out a little laugh.

“Since when have you ever known Captain to play by the rules?” I asked casually as I started rummaging around in the pouch again. “Now where did that go? Ah, here it is!” I pulled out a small container of ointment that Captain had given to me and tossed it to Zaraki. “Put that on your wounds.”

“What is it?” he asked as he opened it and poked at it with one of his long fingers. “It smells funny.”

“Just put it on.” I said and he pulled down the bandage on his face before dabbing a little of the ointment on the cut.

“Shit!” he said as the ointment went to work, my own skin crawling from the mere memory of the itching. “Hey, it worked.”

“Give me some of that Captain.” said Ikkaku as he held out a hand.

“Ha! Get your own.” said Zaraki as he moved to the massive wound on the right side of his torso, the ointment immediately healing it. “This is some strong shit.”

“You're welcome. Now, Drusilla get back in the bag.” I said as I held up the pouch.

“You can't make me.” Drusilla sneered.

“Wanna bet?” I asked as I darted forward and punched her in the stomach, the gigai's eyes going blank as Drusilla popped out of its mouth. “And that my friends is how you deal with an angry ModSoul. Hey Honorable Ruler, help me get this gigai back in the pouch.”

Honorable Ruler grabbed the gigai by the back of the shirt and proceeded to stuff it carelessly back into my pouch as I put Drusilla back into her plushie.

“Careful with that!” I said angrily as the he bent the head at an awkward angle. “I paid good money for that!”

“Sorry.” said Honorable Ruler as Drusilla sprang back to life.

“I'll teach you to hit me!” shrieked Drusilla as I stuffed her back into the bag, drawing the strings tight before she could get back out.

“Finally.” I said as I tied the bag back to my obi and stood back up.

“Aw… I wanted to play with her.” said Yachiru from her position next to Zaraki.

“Trust me, you don't want to play with that.” said Honorable Ruler as he eyed the pouch apprehensively. “She can't get out of there right?”

“Oh, that's right!” I said as I looked over at him. “She's got a thing for you.”

He shuddered before asking, “So what are we doing? Are we taking Orihime-chan back or are we staying here?”

“I want to go see Ichigo!” said Orihime excitedly.

“We're staying here.” I said firmly as I put my hands in my pockets. “I don't want to risk being seen and Ichigo's got his hands full right now learning bankai. That is, if the 11th Division doesn't decide to rat us out.”

“Hell no! This is the most fun I've had in years!” said Zaraki, shooting me a grin as he tended to the cuts on his arms.

“But…” said Orihime.

“He'll be fine.” I said as I mussed up her hair. “God takes care of children and idiots and fortunately he falls under both categories.”

“Okay…” said Orihime, her smile failing to hide her sadness.

“Besides, you'll have more fun here than there.” I said as I sat down in a nearby chair. “God I'm tired!”

“Then take a nap.” said Honorable Ruler as he sat down next to me. “Maybe now you'll be able to get more than just a few hours.”

“Why aren't you sleeping well Reijin-san?” asked Orihime and I looked up at her.

“Nothing. Don't worry about it.” I said, my eyes already starting to close.

“You should tell them.” said Honorable Ruler and I jerked awake.

“No.” I said tiredly.

“Fine then. I will. She has nightmares.” said Honorable Ruler and I nearly wrung his neck.

“Thank you for that.” I said angrily as I kicked his chair.

“Aren't you a little old to have nightmares?” asked Yachiru as she rested her chin in her hands.

“Yes, now let's end the conversation.” I said tersely as I kicked Honorable Ruler's chair again.

“They have a right to know.” said Honorable Ruler quietly.

“What are you, my mother?” I asked, my sleep-deprivation doing nothing to help my mood. “It's on a need to know basis and they don't need to know.”

“But you should tell them.” said Honorable Ruler a little more forcefully.

“Tell us what?” asked Ikkaku and I shot him a look.

“Mind your own business.” I snapped angrily.

“See! That right there.” said Honorable Ruler as he pointed at me.

“What?” I asked.

“You're becoming just like her!” said Honorable Ruler.

“Just like who?” asked Zaraki as I glared at Honorable Ruler.

“I am not.” I said quietly.

“Look at yourself! You haven't slept well for weeks and you've become more moody and secluded ever since we got here! She's taking over your personality!” shouted Honorable Ruler angrily. “This is why I told you you never should have done it in the first place!”

“I had no choice!” I shouted as I stood up. “What would you have done, huh!? Bled to death!?”

We stared at each other for a minute, the whole room silent as all eyes fell on us. I could feel myself shaking I was so angry. When it didn't look like Honorable Ruler was going to back down I got ready to say something else when Orihime stepped between us.

“Please stop it.” she said timidly as if she was scared I would start yelling at her next. “Friends shouldn't yell at each other like that.”

“Fine.” I said as I rubbed the back of my neck.

“Just remember, if you tell, they will hate you.” said Ryuujin as she appeared behind me, hovering just over my right shoulder.

“That's not very nice.”

We both whirled around to see Yachiru standing there, a scowl on her face.

“You shouldn't say things like that to other people.” said Yachiru as she wagged a finger at Ryuujin.

“What do you mean `Not very nice?' She didn't even say anything.” said Ikkaku, an irritated look on his face.

“Can't you see her?” asked Yachiru before pointing right at Ryuujin. “She's right there above Reirei-chan's left shoulder. She's got a big scary mask on and she's got big wings.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked shakily, trying not to look at Ryuujin. “What makes you think there's someone hovering next to my shoulder?”

“Well, those funny tattoos on your back were kinda glowing and that made me wanna touch them and then when I touched them she magically appeared and I heard her say those mean things to you.” said Yachiru very quickly with a big smile on her face.

“You're slipping Reijin. I told you you should have gone back to the old uniform.” said Ryuujin as she floated down and squatted in front of Yachiru. “So you can see me now?”

“Yep!” said Yachiru.

“Great.” said Ryuujin sarcastically.

“Who're you talking to?” asked Zaraki impatiently as he leaned forward.

“She's right here, Ken-chan!” said Yachiru with even more impatience as she jabbed her finger at Ryuujin.

“She's right. They are kinda glowing. Though your hair hides it pretty well.” said Orihime and I whirled around to see Honorable Ruler holding her hand inches away from where my back had been.

“I think we should leave.” said Honorable Ruler as he released her hand.

“I second that motion.” I said as I quickly made my way to the door.

“Where do you think you're goin'?” asked Zaraki as my hand rested on the door. “Who said you could leave?”

“Who's gonna stop me?” I asked casually as I turned around and leaned against the wood. “It's certainly not you.”

“Ouch.” said Ryuujin as she floated over to me. “Hit him where it hurts.”

“Shut up. You're only making things worse.” I hissed under my breath.

“So you can see her!” said Yachiru excitedly and I mentally smacked myself. I wasn't used to other people being able to see Ryuujin, let alone a child.

“Somehow I feel like I'm in one of those human TV shows called the Twilight Zone.” said Yumichika and I felt the strong urge to hurt him. At least he didn't have to live in this `Twilight Zone.'

“You don't look so good.” said Yachiru and I looked down to see her standing right in front of me. “You should take a nap.”

Biting back the urge to remind her that me wanting to take a nap had sparked this entire thing, I said, “That would be really nice right now.”

“Come on!” said Yachiru as she grabbed my hand and started dragging me away from the door. “There's a bed in my office that I use for naps. You can use it if you want to, but I have to clear off all my drawings.” Did this kid have ADHD?

I sagged my shoulders in submission as I released the kido, Honorable Ruler disappearing and reappearing in his sheathe. As Yachiru opened the door to her office I could hear her fellow 11th Division comrades speak up.

“Wait a minute Yachiru!” said Zaraki angrily as he turned around.

“No Ken-chan!” said Yachiru angrily as she held up her free hand before dragging me into the office.

It was refreshingly dark and cool in Yachiru's office, its owner cleaning her many drawings off the bed as I just savored the silence. As she sorted through all of them she picked one out and held it up to me, asking, “What do you think of this one? It's my personal favorite.”

“Aw, that's cute. It's a picture of Zaraki… stabbing someone.” I said before smiling and handing back the picture. “I must say, very original.”

“That's what everyone says!” said Yachiru, excited that someone liked her artwork. “Though Ken-chan really likes them.”

“I wonder why.” I muttered under my breath as Yachiru set her drawings on a nearby chair.

“Okay, you take a nap now!” said Yachiru as she pointed at the bed. I slipped Honorable Ruler out of my obi and lay down on the bed, my eyes already starting to close. “I'll make sure to save you some dinner!” said Yachiru cheerfully.

“Thanks.” I said as I curled up, Honorable Ruler cradled against my chest, and I felt myself starting to fall asleep.

“Do you want me to tell you a story?” asked Yachiru and I opened an eye. “Yumichika-chan usually tells me one since Ken-chan isn't very good at it.”

“If you want.” I said and Yachiru clapped her hands excitedly before jumping on the bed.

“Okay! Once upon a time there was a magical princess who lived in a big castle, oh, and she had a unicorn…” said Yachiru, waving her arms around to add visual aids to her story as I felt my eyes slowly close.

***

I don't how long I managed to sleep, but when I woke up I could smell food. Crawling out of the bed I stretched before slipping Honorable Ruler back into my obi and stumbling towards the door. When I opened it I saw Yachiru sitting on the floor talking to Ryuujin, everyone watching her as she seemingly talked to herself.

“Wow! You tell awesome stories Ryu-chan!” said Yachiru as she clapped her hands.

“It's Ryuujin, kid.” said Ryuujin, the look on her face telling me it wasn't the first time the toddler had called her by that.

“I like Ryu-chan better though.” said Yachiru as she spotted me. “Reirei-chan is up!”

“Now I wish I wasn't.” I said as I stepped into the main room and shut the door behind me. “What awesome stories has Ryu-chan been telling you?”

“She told me about this one time she killed this really big Hollow with just one hit and then she told another one about how she killed a Vasto Lord!” said Yachiru excitedly.

“Great for her.” I said as I leaned against the door. “What's for dinner?”

“Ramen!” said Yachiru as she ran over and grabbed my hand. “I made sure to save you a big bowl and I even hit Ken-chan when he tried to eat it!”

“She should have been out here if she wanted to eat.” said Zaraki crossly, now fully dressed.

Yachiru stuck her tongue out at him as she pulled me after her and told me to sit down next to Zaraki. As she ran off to get my dinner I couldn't help but say, “I see you finally managed to put a shirt on.”

“Why, did you like the view?” asked Zaraki wolfishly as Yachiru came back in with a huge bowl of ramen. “I could take it back off.”

“No. I wanna be able to keep my dinner down.” I shot back as Yachiru handed me the bowl. “Thanks.”

“Now make sure you eat all of that!” said Yachiru as she pulled up a small table for me to put the bowl on. “And no stealing Ken-chan!”

“Don't worry, I'll stab him with my chopsticks if he tries anything.” I said as I started to eat, shooting a look over at Zaraki. “Just try it if you don't believe me.”

“How come you guys know each other so well?” asked Orihime, still in her chair.

“Zaraki became a Captain a little before mine did.” I said through a mouthful of ramen. “Though, back then, he didn't put those obnoxious bells in his hair.”

“Yeah! She even delivered Ken-chan's eye patch!” said Yachiru from her little perch nearby.

“Oh yeah, that freaky thing. How can you still stand to wear that thing?” I asked, Zaraki obviously a little sore from my jab at his hair.

“What's so weird about it?” asked Orihime.

“You really wanna know?” I asked.

“It can't be that bad.” said Orihime and I nearly choked on my noodles.

“If you wanna see it so bad I'll show it to you.” said Zaraki as he pulled off his eye patch, his reiatsu spiking as he held it out.

“Oh my gosh!” said Orihime, inching bad as far as her chair would allow as the little creatures in the eye patch squeaked and wriggled around. “That's gross!”

“Yet he still wears it.” I said as Zaraki put the patch back on, his reiatsu returning to its normal level.

“You get used to it.” said Zaraki, his hand slowly sneaking over to my bowl.

“Think not.” I said as I stabbed down with my chopsticks.

“Bitch…” growled Zaraki as he nursed his hand.

“You were warned.” I said in a sing-song voice as I continued eating.

He shot me a look before getting up and tossing his zanpakuto over his shoulder, saying, “I'm gonna go take a bath.”

“Have fun Ken-chan!” said Yachiru and Zaraki gave her half a wave.

“I bet he's going to do more than take a bath.” said Ryuujin as she took the spot where Zaraki had been sitting. “Did you see…?”

“Remember, she can see and hear you.” I hissed under my breath before Ryuujin could finish her sentence, jerking my head towards Yachiru.

“If she doesn't know by now then maybe we should tell her.” said Ryuujin, a look of absolute mischief on her face.

“We will not tell her anything!” I hissed before drinking a little of the broth.

“Kill-joy.” said Ryuujin before turning back to me. “You know, you should go see Zaraki. I bet if you get over there quick enough he'll let you help.”

“No.” I said firmly. “If you want to go watch, then by all means go and watch. I, on the other hand, will have no part in it whatsoever.”

“You say that now.” said Ryuujin before floating away.

“Go away.” I snapped as I continued eating.

“You know, those chopsticks look like…” started Ryuujin before I cut her off.

“Enough!” I said as I threw down my chopsticks. “I'm going for a walk!”

“Yes!” said Ryuujin as she pumped the air with her fist.

 

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~ `~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

 

Finally, the stage has been set for some smut! I don't think the next chapter will take very long to write since I've been waiting for this moment for a while.

 

Also, kudos again to SweetYuya and anihana for the wonderful reviews mere HOURS after the new chapter was put up. God, I love them… (wipes tear from eye)

 

Sorry, I took so long putting this up. It's been sitting on my computer for weeks and I've finally gotten around to putting it up.