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Left Behind But Not Forgotten	By : Polymer Category: Bleach > Het - Male/Female Views: 5127 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Tite Kubo and Shonen Jump own Bleach, I don't. I make no money from the writing of this fanfiction story.

Chapter List
- 26
- 27
- 28
The next day or so Ichigo had not kept in touch with Tatsuki. Instead he seemed to skip school more and more for his 'job' at the Unigaya store. Knowing he was in safe hands there Tatsuki decided to leave it in the hands of Ichigo's boss to look after him. However things were starting to get more and more irritating balancing precollege classes, living at home part time and spending nights at Ryuuken's apartment. Orihime and Uryuu seemed to avoid her like the plague, and she felt hurt as if she'd said something wrong.
When she confronted Orihime on the phone, her friend was very apologetic, insisting she wanted to give Tatsuki time and space to get used to her new life, and that she knew Tatsuki was very busy with her job. Sour about this, Tatsuki made a mental note to head over to Orihime's and demand to see her friend to get to the bottom of this. She suspected that Uryuu's rift and dispute with Ryuuken was creeping in to poison her lifelong friendship with Orihime. With his quincy powers he could protect her friend far more than a mere spiritually aware human like Tatsuki. She wasn't sure if she heard him say it, but she could guess that he would.
Irritated beyond belief Tatsuki stormed off to the dojo. She shoved the door and threw her shoes and bag down, opening her locker. As she got dressed for work, she heard someone calling, “Tatsuki san!”
“Yeah what is it?” she shouted back, emerging from the changing room with a towel around her neck and her uniform on.
“Don’t forget the team fitness advisor from Karakura General’s here. And you’ll never guess who else came here… it’s the director of the hospital! I don’t know what he’s doing at a dojo but…”
“The what?” asked Tatsuki, blinking.
Excitement laced his quick chatter, “The director of Karakura Hospital himself. He’s speaking to the dojo owner right now. Didn’t you hear that we’re being offered a chance to have fitness evaluation for reduced prices for our students, and immediate free treatment for anyone injured who goes here? IN exchange for referring recovering patients to US?”
“The sports medicine grant?” asked Tatsuki, her eyes growing huge.
“He wants you to speak to him. Since you wrote the grant,” babbled the employee. Heart pounding Tatsuki entered the office.
Standing there wearing a grey suit and long grey coat was Ishida Ryuuken, with his name card badge and stoic expression stamped on his face. Along with him were several doctors from the sports medicine satellite campus. Across from them at the desk was the dojo owner, his eyes shining.
“This is the young lady who wrote the grant, Ishida sensei,” said the dojo owner.
“I see,” murmured Ryuuken, fixing Tatsuki in his gaze. “I was quite impressed with your ideas. I’m here to inspect your facility to see how you can benefit us with martial arts as physical therapy as part of treatment for recovery from injuries.”
Flushed and flustered Tatsuki murmured and bowed. “Of course Ishida sensei.”
A smile crossed her boss’s face. “Why don’t you take him on a tour of our dojo and explain the details? I’ll speak to the doctors about our employees.”
“Sir, that’s not necessary, is it?” asked Tatsuki, feeling very awkward. As far as everyone knew, she hardly knew the director.
“I insist,” Ryuuken murmured, fixing his gaze on the Val tudo champion and part time instructor.
“You shouldn’t keep him waiting,” whispered her boss. “Having HIS attention on the fitness/medicine could be big. If he recommends his patients use our dojo for recuperation…”
“I understand,” Tatsuki murmured. Bowing to The Quincy doctor she said, “This way sir.”
“Thank you very much Arisawa san,” he said as he followed her. Eyes followed them as she proceeded to show him the practice rooms, and the massage areas, as well as the locker room. Very neat, tidy and tightly run.
Not a word was said regarding their personal connection, but she could see the amusement twinkling his eyes at visiting her place of work. Especially when she showed him one of the private changing areas, and he pulled her inside, closing the door. She whispered, “What are you *doing here*?”
“Returning the complement,” Ryuuken said quietly. “You shouldn’t always be the one visiting my place of business. Therefore I found it prudent to have our respective workplaces forge a professional relationship.”
“Why?”she queried.
“For the sake of OUR relationship,” Ryuuken said gently as he walked over and caressed her cheek. “I do not wish for people to jump to assumptions about our associations that are inappropriate.”
“But we are engaged,” Tatsuki reminded.
“That is true. Part of what I meant when I said I would not let you go I was quite clear that it was legitimate,” murmured Ryuuken. “As much as either of us desire to keep it discrete at this point, we should have the appropriate reasons for this for our professional association.”
“So you want a cover story,” Tatsuki chuckled. “That’s fine. But why didn’t you say so?”
“Because I respect your work as much as you do mine,” Ryuuken said with a cough. “And what better reason for a doctor and a fitness instructor to collaborate then on such a project. Then announce their engagement?”
“You’re devious,” Tatsuki chuckled as she moved over to him, reaching out her hand. Unsure as if it was appropriate to touch him.
Reaching out his hands, he took hold of hers and gave it a small kiss. She closed the gap between them, and smelled cigarettes and his rich cologne. Hand wrapping around her waist, Ryuuken further decreased their distance so her front touched his suit jacket front. His name card badge poked into her uniform top. The leather gloves he wore were tight, one of them caressing the small of her back at the same time she looked up at him.
Lips close to her ear he murmured, “Don’t forget I can detect anyone in proximity, so there is little worry of being interrupted.”
Shivers tingled along her entire body just like they did when they first embarked on a more intimate relationship. She never grew tired from being around him, even if they were in his office, an exam room, or her own room at home. That brought up a suspicious thought. “You’re getting me back for doing such things in your office? And the exam room?”
“Indeed,” Ryuuken whispered as he bent down for a kiss.
Her hands wandered down to his rear, rubbing it at the same time he did the same to hers, slipping his tongue into her mouth and giving a small hum of contentment. Tatsuki then backed him towards one of the locker benches and nudged him down to sit. Then she straddled his lap and gave him a deeper kiss. Her hands plunged into his hair, messing it up as she tugged on it and slipped her other hand down between his jacket and shirt.
Ryuuken grasped her bottom, pulling her into his need that was equal to her own. Then he kissed down her neck to lightly lick the chain of her necklace with his warm tongue. Tatsuki gasped arching her head at the hot breath fanning her neck. He hissed at the pressure of her pinching one sensitive nipple right through the cloth of his shirt.
Sliding off his lap she knelt before him. “I want to try something that won’t be so messy.”
With a hand on her head he stopped her. “You are not required to perform oral fellacio.”
“I want to, so just be quiet and keep your voice down,” Tatsuki whispered, hands on his belt and waistband. Ryuuken kept his eyes closed and his lips clenched as he felt her take him in.
In the background his senses told him where every reiatsu trace was, while trying to keep track of the pleasure Tatsuki gave him. Her tongue slid along his length, and underside, supplemented by her hand. Ryuuken peered through half fogged glasses at her, his lips parted and his eyes gleaming with want.
“I do believe I am on the verge,” he whispered as she massaged his legs.
She moved between his knees before she opened her top. “It’s ok. Just let go.”
“This is entirely unnecessary, you do not have to feel obligated to…” he protested but Tatsuki encased him with her hand and mouth again.
As Ryuuken clenched and let go he felt himself filling her as she tried to milk him. A cough met his ears and he pulled her off with concern, watching his essence spill all over her chest and face. His heart pounded with appreciation at how sexy she looked, and how she had decided to do this for him. A fantasy for most men to see a woman covered in their own seed was something that Ryuuken had imagined but not accomplished in recent memory.
“Sorry,” she murmured. Ryuuken suddenly tugged at his tie and started to unbutton his shirt as he glared down at her.
“Don’t you dare apologize, young lady,” he hissed, more in desire as he reached down. “Now stand up in front of me, and remove your pants.”
“Why?” Tatsuki asked.
“Please be quiet and do as I say,” Ryuuken muttered. Her eyes widened seeing him unbutton his own shirt, and remove it along with his jacket. He then hung it up on one of the many clothing hooks. Next he removed his pants till he was only in his boxers.
“Ryuuken?” she whispered.
“Keep quiet,” he hissed, and she glared at him. Narrowing his gaze he then reached up and pulled down her uniform pants, and her underwear with it.
Tatsuki shivered at the look in his eyes, wondering what the hell he was going to do till he pulled her hips towards his face. “What the heck are you doing?”
“You did shower already at school,” He murmured as he kissed the inside of her leg. Tatsuki’s eyes became wide as Ryuuken then removed his glasses and held them towards her.
“If you would put these in a safe place so they aren’t damaged. I know you’re aware of how expensive they are,” Ryuuken said. Tatsuki nodded, not sure of what to do with them so she tucked them in the front of her sports bra. His hands gripped her backside and then pulled her towards his face.
She truly thought she was going to lose her mind as well as her balance then and there with the action of his tongue teasing her. Through her stifled groans she looked down at his marvelous body now revealed to her, in every angle and line. He was slender, and muscled just as she knew from touching him, but now the lights were on and she could see him in daylight.
Between gasps she couldn’t help asking, “Won’t… they…"
“You’re showing me the facilities,” he whispered as he backed away. “And those doctors will sufficiently occupy your supervisors.”
“Abusing your power for personal gain?” Tatsuki whispered, tangling her hands in his hair.
“It is my position to do what I see fit with,” Ryuuken murmured. “And we both profit. Both financially and emotionally…”
Soberly she nodded. “And sexually.”
“I would not be doing this if I did not have strong feelings for you, Tatsuki beyond mere sexual attraction. Do you think so little of the depth of them that this is a mere tryst to satisfy the itch of a lonely man? Or does that ring mean nothing…”
A growl almost formed in her throat in frustration. “Shut up Ryuuken for a minute.”
“Well?” he murmured.
“I wouldn’t let anyone this close to me if I didn’t have feelings for them too,” she murmured. “Any other man who tried to do this to me would be six feet under or have major bones broken.”
“Point taken,” said Ryuuken, nodding slowly.
“Want to see the shower?” Tatsuki asked him. Ryuuken watched as she pulled him to his feet and put his clothes neatly in a tall locker. She put her soiled uniform into the wash bin, and then led him into the showering facility.
Then leaning her back up against the tile, she saw him bend down on one knee in front of her. Then he had her sit on the tile bench where someone would sit for changing to sit down. “Put your legs on my shoulders,” he urged. Tatsuki did that and sighed as he began to pleasure her below.
***
Once she finished shivering he helped her into the shower so she could rinse off. His hands moved over hers as he stood shakily just behind the curtain. She sighed at the feel of his hands soaping hers and hers running over his. Neither asked what the other was doing, or why Ryuuken didn’t get his hair wet but let her wash his face and give him a soft kiss.
“I will go first,” Ryuuken said as he left her alone in the shower to finish, and went into the changing room. Refreshed and sated, Tatsuki then toweled herself off and dressed in a fresh uniform neatly mended across its chest by sewing machine. Overtop the major part of the mended tear was stitched her uniform dojo patch with fine cobalt blue thread.
He met her in the hallway outside of the locker area, freshly dressed as if nothing had happened. She squeezed his hand and whispered, “Why didn’t you just tell them we’re engaged?”
“They will know soon enough,” Ryuuken said quietly, lacing their fingers together.
They finished the tour just in time for Tatsuki’s first class. Formally they bowed to say their goodbyes before he collected his entourage of doctors and departed. Leaving Tatsuki tingling from head to toe.

**
Just outside the door, a raven haired boy with glasses sat patiently with his book bag by his feet. From inside Tatsuki sensed his presence as soon as he arrived, wondering just what brought him here or compelled him to take time out of his busy schedule to stop by.
Tatsuki dismissed her students by bowing. She clapped her hands announcing, “Class dismissed…”
“Yes sensei!” they chorused. Ranging from age six to seven the six boys and girls all moved off in a more or less orderly fashion to the changing areas.
Across her sweaty forehead Tatsuki dragged a towel. She picked up the bottle of sports drink frosty with condensation. In the distance she saw light flashing off the glasses of her unknown and unwelcome visitor. He wore that shirt he usually did decorate with the blue Quincy cross no doubt using a zipper as a fastener instead of buttons. Irritation flooded her overtaking curiosity. Just what did he think he was doing?
“Uryuu kun,” she called to him. “I didn’t expect you here? You’re not going to take up lessons are you?”
“I apologize for the sudden arrival without informing you first,” her classmate said politely enough, but the distance was apparent in his stiff posture. The familiar gestures and body language were so close it almost brought a blush to her cheeks.
“Cut to the chase and spit it out. You don’t usually drop by for a visit do you? Is something wrong with Orihime?” Tatsuki asked, heart pounding in anticipation.
“Orihime is quite well, I assure you. Could I ask for a few minutes of your time to speak to you about an important matter?” Uryuu queried, pushing up his glasses.
Tatsuki glanced up at the clock perched high on the dojo wall. “Depends. I have fifteen minutes till my next class.”
She walked forwards so she stood only two feet in front of him. Cobalt eyes fixed into hers from behind those glasses. He liked wearing his hair tucked behind one ear and it suited him, she thought. Those glasses were new though, more oval and mature. He seemed to hesitate before he asked, “Are you feeling well recently?”
“I’m fine. What’s with the random question? Could you just ask what you’re here to ask? I’m in a hurry ok?” she said irritated, arms crossed over her chest.
“You haven’t felt nauseous or sick to your stomach lately, or anything?”
She half laughed at the random question. “What is this? I’m perfectly healthy ok? I thought you wanted to be a fashion designer, not a doctor.”
That familiar finger pressed his glasses further up the bridge of his nose. “Well Orihime san did say you were sick to your stomach earlier today, and I was afraid it was something you may have eaten…”
Sighing, she rolled her eyes. Just great. Now he wouldn’t leave her alone. “Ishida Uryuu, I don’t have time to play twenty questions. Just stop dancing around and ask me or tell me why you’re here! Is it about your dad again?”
He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Indirectly yes.”
Automatically she gritted her teeth. When would he ever give up on involving her in a triangle she wanted nothing to do with. Even though she was clearly intertwined in the family's business. “Uryuu, why don’t you just TALK to the man? I’m NOT going to be your go between. Or are you two going to duke it out between you like male chauvinist idiots?”
“My pride is hardly so trivial. Something you should understand intimately by now,” Ishida said in a low voice, tinged with anger. “I am merely concerned for your welfare considering certain events.”
“Look, I can understand you’re annoyed because I’m engaged to your father and all, but this is really starting to tick me off. If you’ve got a problem just SAY IT!”
“Are you and he…” he trailed off, coughing. Though he didn’t say the word pregnant out loud she knew the implication clearly.
White hot fury exploded behind her eyes. Tatsuki stepped forwards, growling, “Are we WHAT? Not that it’s any of your business… and I can’t believe your’ asking THAT!”
Quickly she seized his wrist, pinning his arm behind him. Uryuu winced and yelped as he shouted, “Wait a minute I didn’t mean… please!”
Hands pinioning his wrist she pressed it to his back and shoved him up against the wall with her body weight. “Give me one reason I shouldn’t twist your arm off for asking a woman such personal questions! Shame on you!”
His thin back heaved up and down with a rapid stammer. “I apologize; I didn’t mean that, I meant… are you going to…”
Inside her veins she could feel her blood boiling. “Ishida Uryuu, do you WANT me to kick your butt?”
Hearing the use of his full name he shivered instinctively, knowing that he was venturing into very sensitive territory. Like an idiot he’d blundered through another social situation with all the grace of a bull through a shop filled with china. “I’m sorry! I was out of line. But don’t you think it matters if I’m going to have a sibling?”
“WHAT did you say?” Tatsuki hissed, twisting harder.
Cheek pressed to the wall he shouted, “You must know Quincy can sense minute amounts… of reshi! I just wanted to ask because I have a right to know!”
Tatsuki suddenly released him and whirled around, squeezing her fists. Her face flushed brightly like a child who had been caught sneaking a cookie out of a jar, or a student cheating on an exam. Not facing him she muttered, “I’m sorry.”
“Then you are expecting?” Uryuu said in a dull tone.
She immediately cut in, “Yes, and I’m going to keep it, and he’s going to take responsibility.”

At his sharp comeback she flinched. “And you didn’t think it was my business to tell me?”
“I’m sorry okay. I’m sorry your feelings are hurt, and I’m sorry things suck between you and your dad. But I hate being caught in the middle of it!” Tatsuki blurted out, voice catching.
He kept his voice softly pitched because of the wavering tone of her voice. “Tatsuki san…Forgive me. It is just a shock.”
Unshed tears gleamed in her eyes after she whirled on him. “How do you think I feel?”
Tentatively Ishida reached out his hands to rest them on her shoulders. He swallowed hard and pulled her into an awkward hug, glad she didn’t’ pull away. This was the most intimate contact either had since their breakup and she felt the warmth of his reiatsu sweeping over her as it had before. More blue than silver tinged with sadness and other feelings that were uncomfortable.
“I just don’t want anyone else going through what I did growing up,” Uryuu whispered.
She lifted her head from his shoulder. “How could I know anything about it because you never told me, Uryuu?”
“It’s difficult enough facing the fact that you’ll be a stepmother and you’re barely one and a half years older than I,” Ishida confessed, releasing her from the hug. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a neatly folded piece of cloth.
Tatsuki noticed it was a pocket handkerchief no doubt embroidered by him personally. She still accepted it and wiped her eyes on it. “This is really awkward.”
“Indeed,” he murmured. “I just find it strange that a man who insisted the Quincy heritage die out with him would bother to…”
“He didn’t say anything about that,” Tatsuki confessed, dabbing her nose.
Uryuu sighed, squeezing her shoulder. “Of course he wouldn’t, now would he?”
Stomach churning a bit Tatsuki then put her hand over her mouth. He regarded her worriedly after she suddenly murmured, “I’m going to puke…”
“Easy… this way,” Ishida said as he grasped her hand and guided her to the nearest trash can. He rushed off to find someone to help. Head bent over a trash can, Tatsuki emptied the contents of her stomach. Next to her she became aware of a hand rubbing her back gently.
“This is the pits,” Tatsuki gasped. Other people had gathered around but Uryuu’s glare kept them at arm’s length.
“Deep breaths now,” Uryuu urged, matter of fact. She was glad for his hand holding the cloth that she used to wipe her face.
“Arisawa, you ok?” asked her boss.
“I don’t feel so well... It was something I ate,” she lied, her face flushed.
“I’ll take her home,” Uryuu said quietly, looking up at the instructor.
“Who’s this?”
“A close friend,” Tatsuki said quickly. She wasn’t about to make things more awkward by denying Uryuu’s honor to help her. He slowly helped her to her feet and guided her to sit down.
“I’ll get your things,” said one of her co workers rushing off.
“Did you want to change?” Uryuu gently asked, brushing her hair from her face.
“No I just want to wear the uniform,” she said. He fetched her shoes and then burnt down to help her on with them.
“Your home or…” Uryuu asked.
“I just need… to get out of here,” she said heaving great breaths as the world seemed to spin.
“Come on,” the Quincy said as he wrapped his arm around to steady her. He took her gym bag in his other hand. Embarrassed beyond belief she let the young man help her outside.
“Don’t you have handicrafts club?” she asked.
“I can call Inoue and tell her to come stay with you if you like,” said Uryuu.
“No, don’t’ worry Inoue, please,” said Tatsuki quickly.
“Knowing him, he’d want you to go home,” Uryuu said with a frown. “I’m going to take you back to the apartment.”
“You don’t have to. I can just stay at Ori….”
“I insist,” Uryuu said firmly. “It’s not as if I don’t know the way after all. It is closer.”

***
For the thirty minutes it took to ride the bus he was at her side. Making sure she was ok. She was glad she had her jacket to wear, over the Val tudo uniform. She fought the impulse to think that everyone’s eyes were on her at that moment.
Indeed he knew the exact building and the entry code to get into the lobby. It didn’t take long for Uryuu to escort her right to the front door. Instead of asking her for her key he pulled one from his pocket and fiddled with the temperamental front deadbolts. Right through the living room without looking he walked her down the hall to the door of a room that was usually locked.
She blinked in confusion but he guided her by her arm and muttered, “Just lie down. I’ll make you some tea…”
Although he left the lights off she wished she could see where to walk. He probably thought a dimly lit room or chamber would help her relax. Still his overreaction caused her to feel a bit uncomfortable. Now that he knew the situation he seemed darned determined to play caretaker.
“I’ll be fine,” she grumbled.
“Please just lie down and humor me,” Uryuu interrupted with an impatient sigh she knew all too well.
She lay on her side upon a hand stitched quilt, that she could feel the seams through her bare arm. Inside the unfamiliar room it was quiet and cool, filled with certificates plastered on the wall with other pictures and items that were hard to see. He left the door partly open so Tatsuki could see a shaft of light from the hallway.
Uryuu’s room. The very room that she barely saw but knew was there. An inner sanctum that Ryuuken said little about, but insisted was private. She recalled him saying, “That room remains locked. Everywhere else you may make yourself at home.”
Tatsuki would have asked, but knowing Ryuuken’s personality and how he didn’t intrude on her private life past what was necessary she dropped it. If he wanted to show her, he would in his own time.
Ryuuken used the third bedroom as an office and study. A huge majority of his books were there. Most were also in the front sitting room where he typically did his work. Tatsuki sometimes came into the study to use the computer he loaned her there. He insisted since he had a tablet computer that she borrow the laptop. Now on the single bed that the youth must have slept on since childhood she felt a sense of discomfort.
A reminder that she was only a year or so older then the son of the man she was to marry. Carrying his little brother or sister. She felt his shadow and spirit energy just inside the door, and turned over to see the light shine off his glasses. He strode inside carrying something on a tray. “Feel any better?”
“A little,” she said, managing to sit up enough to take the tea from his hand. It smelled of mint and lemon.
“My grandfather used to give this to me for an upset stomach,” he explained.
Reaching for the picture by the bedside and the digital clock with blue numbers she picked it up. Her heart softened to see the kindly old man with beard and moustache standing next to a younger version of Uryuu, perhaps only 7 at the most.
“This him?” she asked.
A slight smile twitched his face. Taking the picture back from her he nodded. “Yes, that’s my sensei.”
“Reminds me of my grandparents. My mom’s parents died when I was young…”
Uryuu swallowed hard and muttered, “Do you know what happened to him?”
“You told me,” she whispered. “When you first mentioned what you were…”
“I suppose you’re wondering why I brought you to this room,” he trailed off.
“You don’t have to explain why, Uryuu,” she interrupted. “You’ve got your reasons and I respect them."
“Thank you,” he muttered as he kissed her on the forehead. “That means a great deal to me.”
Tatsuki groaned and finished the tea. Uryuu pressed her down by one shoulder urging, “Lie down and rest all right? I’ll call him. If you need anything I’ll be right here.”
She nodded, tears stinging her eyes. Lying on her side facing the wall, she felt Uryuu draping a blanket over her. Soon she fell asleep.
**
Unfamiliar smells reached her nose though the presence of cigarettes tinged the atmosphere somewhat reassuring. Ryuuken’s brand by the slight fragrant overtones in it though it did stink like most cigarette smoke did.
“Why on earth did you not call me, Uryuu,” snapped a voice muffled by walls and what must be a door. She opened her eyes enough to peer at the cracks of yellow outlining the door she faced. Judging from the distance to it, she realized she still lay in Uryuu’s old room.
“You were at work. What was I to do, just leave her there?” Uryuu answered in a low cold tone.
“What were you doing there in the first place?” inquired the deeper voice.
“Can’t I be friends with your fiancée? Can’t I give a damn that you’re going to be a father again and you didn’t even TELL me?” Uryuu snapped.
“Since you are hardly ever here, I fail to see why you are so indignant. I am not the one ceasing contact…”
“Oh pardon me but I think having another sibling DOES warrant SOME sort of call or letter, FATHER!”
Tatsuki curled on her side, sticking her hands in her ears. For some reason her natural inclination to get up and stop them had deserted her. Rather she lay still; squeezing shut her eyes that formed tears in them.
“I see you at least have enough respect garnered to call me by my rightful position,” Ryuuken mumbled. “But all this hostility is hardly becoming. You’ve no right to complain out of some misplaced sense of entitlement or jealousy…”
“Jealous of WHAT? Of growing up with YOU as a parent? Why on earth would I be jealous? In fact I feel sorry for them!”
“How dare you say such disrespectful things. I thought more of you, Uryuu…”
“They say that people replace what they once had. That’s what you wanted all along. To have another child just to rub it in my face that I screwed up!” Uryuu yelled.
“Shut UP!” Tatsuki shouted as she rolled to her feet. “ENOUGH! SHUT up BOTH OF YOU!”
Into the living room she blundered seeing both father and son standing with less than 10 feet between them. Reitasu tingled almost painfully sharply, blue and silver. She sensed her own reiatsu flaming to life around her body, breaking the tension locked gazes. Two faces swiveled to her simultaneously, one with shock, the other with frustration.
Ryuuken opened his mouth first to say, “Now you’ve upset my…”
“Don’t EVEN GO THERE!” she shouted.
Before Uryuu could even spit out an appropriate rejoinder she thrust herself between father and son. Hands pressed to both their clothed chests with force enough to push them apart so they had to catch their footing with a small stagger.
“Tatsuki san…” Uryuu stammered. “That is hardly necessary…”
Ryuuken interrupted, “Tatsuki… this is not your…”
Overtop both of them she yelled, “Don’t EVEN use ME in your argument!”
“Tatsuki san, I’m sorry to…”
“You should have thought about that before you started trying to lecture me Uryuu…”
Two sets of eyes were widened at the brazen interruption though she knew they were about to say something else. Instead of listening she cut them off again with an angry scream, “Enough, I’ve had enough of this,” Tatsuki said throwing up her hands. She marched out of the room and grabbed her bag, heading towards the door.
Both men’s eyes locked in a deadly gaze almost filled with palpable electricity. Anyone in the room, especially Tatsuki could feel the emotions roiling off them. “Damn it Uryuu you…”
“Don’t blame this on me Ryuuken you…”
A hand shot out and grasped Tatsuki’s arm while she collided with a solid body. Resisting the urge to punch them she growled, “Get out of my way you stubborn pain in the ass!”
“Walking out this time of night in your condition is foolish. Cease this emotional response at once and take a deep breath. I will not have you making yourself sicker, Tatsuki,” Ryuuken said firmly.
“Don’t talk to me like I’m a damn CHILD!” she gritted.
“Tatsuki, you are NOT helping yourself or the baby with your hysterics,” Ryuuken insisted.
She pushed him away. “You both piss me off so much now I don’t want to see EITHER of your faces!”
“Please Tatsuki, try to calm down,” Uryuu said gently. “It won’t help you or the baby if you get upset…”
“You have no idea how much I want to break something,” Tatsuki said in a half sob. Immediately thin strong arms surrounded her and turned her towards his chest.
“Shh, please calm down, my dear,” Ryuuken urged, rubbing her back. “It’s the hormones which are surging inside of you now. Breathe in and out.”
“Quite,” Uryuu murmured. “I’ll go Tatsuki san some more tea…”
“See you do that,” said Ryuuken, helping Tatsuki to go lay down on the bed again. She wanted to smack him as he removed her clothes methodically and fetched a gown to pull it over her head. All the while whispering her to calm down and stop crying.
“How can you go from arguing to pretending like nothing happened? I won’t have this shit around… and don’t you DARE blame each other!” she half sobbed.
“Here’s some tea for Tatsuki san,” Uryuu interrupted, holding out the same cup decorated with blue and white flowers to Ryuuken.
“At least you have some good sense after all, Uryuu,” muttered his father, taking it and lowered it to her lips. She sipped it, knowing it was the only way to shut them both up. At least they weren’t arguing now.
“I apologize Tatsuki san, for arguing in front of you in your delicate condition,” Uryuu said bowing in front of her.
“I’m not… just…” Tatsuki gritted to see him prostrating himself as if he’d done something wrong when it was mainly Ryuuken’s fault as well. From his father’s stern frown she realized how much he was trying to save face before his father for what he perceived to be a major insult.
“Accept the boy’s apology since he’s offering it, my dear?” Ryuuken urged his arm around her. Swallowing hard she looked at where Uryuu was kneeling on the floor, head down, and it stunned her.
“Please forgive my outburst,” Uryuu continued. “It is my fault for not thinking of your needs.”
From stern father to genuflecting son she glanced. Hating having to do this, she stammered out,

“I… accept your apology, Uryuu.”
“We will resume this discussion later, Uryuu, but not in front of my fiancée, understand?”
“Quite clear, sir,” Uryuu answered, rising gracefully from the floor. “If you will excuse me… night.”
“Night, Uryuu,” Ryuuken said in a clipped tone that indicated he was to leave or remain. She heard Uryuu’s footsteps and then the slam of the door. Still she ground her teeth in frustration that the one thing that brought them together was mutual concern for her. Without resolving the ugly differences of many years.
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Left Behind But Not Forgotten