Sakura Petals and Fairies | By : Zarakiswolf Category: Bleach > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 1518 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: Tite Kubo owns Bleach and it's characters. I own my OCs. This story is written for entertainment purposes only. I do not get paid for writing it. |
I open wide, allowing Hanataro to check my throat. He makes a soft noise before pulling the light away. "It's no wonder you're having trouble talking. You must've screamed so hard yesterday during the turmoil that it's caused irritation. I would suggest giving it two or three days, ma'am. Drink plenty of fluids. And if you like tea, add some honey. It will help coat it and make it less painful. I can also give you some-"
I shake my head at him and rub my pelvis area to indicate medicines will not be safe for me. He smiles and nods. "I see. There are a few safe medications if it gets too bad but I understand. I'm sure your clan doctor will know some herbal remedies if you prefer. Otherwise, everything seems alright. I wouldn't try to talk until tomorrow at the earliest. Rest your vocal cords as much as you can today."
I nod and mouth the words thank you. Granny eyes me sympathetically. "I'll make you some tea before you go to work, dear. Captain Fon has stationed guards around the manner, as has Byakuya, so Sakurako will be more than safe here. I think she may sleep most of the day, many kids do after a traumatic event."
Again, I nod before looking sadly at my sweet girl. She is smiling, as she normally does, and making a mess with her eggs while she eats. She looks up at her father as he sits down and automatically reaches for him. He takes one look at her, then at me, before his face once again becomes an unreadable mask. He takes our daughter into his lap and lets her eat what she wishes off of his plate. I reach hesitantly for his hand but stop myself and pull back. I am no longer worthy of his love, as monstrous as I behaved yesterday. His hand flashes out and grabs mine firmly. "Do not, Nanami." he warns. I'm not sure what he means but I allow him to hold my hand, drawing comfort from his warm skin.
Granny brings my tea and adds honey to it, stopping when I hold my hand up. I take a sip and smile at her, nodding in appreciation. The liquid is helping my throat tremendously. Byakuya's hold on my hand gets a bit firmer, his thumb rubbing my knuckles. His eyes, however, do not look at me again. It hurts my heart a bit. Is this how he feels when I cannot look at him? If it is, no wonder he gets so upset. I finish my tea quickly before my mind begins to sink into sadness again. I pull on his hand, but he refuses to release me. He finally looks at me, though. I mouth the word meditate at him and he nods, releasing my hand finally. I get to my feet and head off in the direction of the meditation room we normally use. Once inside, I begin my meditation, freeing my mind of the troublesome thoughts.
*************************************
I finish my daily paperwork with a soft sigh. Byakuya has been busy with new recruits all day, as has Renji. I'm lonely. I decide to go see Orihime. I wish to be able to talk and my throat is just not up to it. It's rather like swallowing glass when I try to speak or breath through my mouth. I leave Byakuya a note and leave the office, but I don't get far before my arm is grabbed from behind. I spin on my heel and aim a punch. It's caught and I'm horrified to see Byakuya. He simply nods and pulls me to his chest. "I assume you are headed to the eleventh?" he asks.
I nod and point at my throat before mouthing Orihime's name. He takes hold of my hand and walks with me. This is unusual for him. He never holds my hand and walks, especially in public. Well, except when I was...oh, I am pregnant again. Perhaps that's why. Perhaps that's also why he's behaving strangely. I stop half way to our destination. He glances at me, his eyebrow raised. "Is something-" I cut him off with a kiss. I am testing him. He returns my kiss a bit more hesitantly than I would like, but I have hope. "Nanami, don't tease me in public. It's rude." he says gently, making me smile. We continue walking at a sedate pace, eventually making it to the gates of the squad 11 barracks.
"Back again?" I hear from above me. Glancing up, I see Yumichika sitting on top of the wall. I make motions with my hands to try to convey that I need his lover but he doesn't seem to understand. "If you're looking for Captain Zaraki, I'm afraid you missed him. He went out last night and hasn't returned yet. Ikkaku went with him."
"She actually came to seek the assistance of Miss Inoue, if she is available." Byakuya says a bit loftily.
"I see. Orihime is helping in the kitchen today, if you'd like to go visit. I take it you were, in fact, injured yesterd-"
"That is not your concern."
I frown at my husband and gently hold a finger to his lips. I do not like it when he is like this, angry and cold. Once I see he's a bit more settled, I bow to Yumichika before entering the barracks. I head straight for the mess hall, leaving Byakuya to trail after me. The men greet me, some coldly, others with a bit more affection. They know I'm off limits, just as Kenpachi's children are off limits. Speaking of the children, it doesn't take me long to be surrounded and hugged by them when I enter the dining area.
"Oba-san! Did you really kill those three men yesterday?" Ryden asks, a dark look in his eyes. They are Harmona's eyes, but with small flecks of Kenpachi's green. Truly beautiful. His question, however, makes me sad. I nod.
"Why are you silent, Oba-san? Is you mad at us?" Ashiro asks, looking sad herself.
I hastily shake my head and am saved from trying to speak by Byakuya. "Her throat is very sore, children. She came for healing." he says.
"Hime is cooking. Oji-san, you color with us while the old ladies talk." Mitsuki demands, grabbing his hand and dragging him to a nearby table. I smile and head for the kitchen.
"Nanami!" Orihime calls before embracing me. "Oh, I've been so worried about you! I heard rumors about the attack yesterday. I was going to come see you and Sakurako this evening but I'll go ahead and heal you now, since you're here." She says, barely an instant before her golden dome surrounds me. In less than five minutes, I'm healed and the dome falls.
"Thank you so much. Its was like my throat was full of broken glass shards." I say quietly.
She looks at me thoughtfully. "Are you alright?"
"I'm...doing as well as can be, I suppose. The attack was sudden and unexpected. Just as my rage was unexpected and violent. I scared myself. I don't like feeling like that."
She nods. "I can only imagine. If it makes it easier, try to think of it as you were defending your daughters life."
"I have been. It's the only reason I'm not in the mental clinic of squad four having a breakdown about now. I know I was justified in what I did....but it still scared me." I say softly, rubbing my eyes.
She hugs me again. "Don't cry. It's ok." she says soothingly, patting my back softly. "For what it's worth, Kenny was bragging about how proud he was that you'd finally fought a good fight when the news came yesterday evening before he left."
"Where did he go?" I ask curiously.
"He and Ikkaku went to investigate something in the Rukongai. There was a rumor of a strong arrancar staying there. Who knows how long that will take, since he is a bit directionally challenged." she giggles over the last bit.
"You noticed that too? I thought maybe I was imagining things." I smile.
"Not at all. Well, I'd better get back to work. I'll come see Sakurako as soon as I can this evening, ok?"
"Thank you. I really appreciate that."
Byakuya comes to the door of the kitchen. "Nanami, are you ready to go?" he asks gently, nodding to Orihime.
"Yes, Captain. I'm ready. Thank you for allowing me to come here." I respond before turning back to Orihime. "Thank you, yet again. You're a life saver, Hime."
"Oh, you know I'm happy to help. Be safe. See you later." she says gently.
****Byakuya POV****
As we walk back toward the office, Nanami seems quiet. Normally this silence is not bothersome to me but after the events of yesterday, I am concerned. "Nanami, is something troubling you?" I ask.
"Yes. I am...troubled by my own actions yesterday. I am horrified that I-"
I turn to her and put a finger to her lips. "You did what you needed to in order to save the life of our daughter and the life of the child you now carry. I admit, I was displeased but I do understand why you went to such lengths. In all honesty, had I been in your position, I would likely have reacted the same way."
Her eyes search mine, filled with doubt and insecurity. I do not like seeing her in this mindset. She grabs my hand gently. "Please...do not hate me." she says, her voice trembling with her sorrow.
I guide her down a dead end alley, pinning her against the shadowed corner with my hands on her shoulders. "I do not hate you. Not one bit. I am proud of you, my wife, for showing courage under such circumstances."
"Do you mean it or are you saying that to make me feel better?"
"Must I prove it to you?"
She hesitates before nodding. I kiss her softly, in a way I normally do not. She startles me by placing her hands on the sides of my head and pulling me in closer. Her lips become passionate against mine, as if she is afraid I shall never kiss her again. I try to pull away but she refuses to allow it. Why is she reacting in this manner? I finally manage to separate our lips, but barely. There is perhaps two centimeters between us. "What has come over you?" I ask.
"I was afraid that my behavior yesterday had made you not love me anymore, as you seem to prefer my docile nature."
"Allow me to correct you just a bit. I do love your docile nature. However, in battle, you must be ruthless like you were. Seeing that was startling but I do not love you any less. In fact, I believe I love you even more, if that is possible. There was a fire in your eyes I've never seen."
She blushes slightly. "Master, I love you. So very much." she says gently, stroking my cheek with a soft hand.
"And I love you, Nanami." I reply before kissing her again. She becomes passionate again. Her kiss is full of yearning, as if she wishes for intimacy. I pull away and straighten myself up, turning my back to her. "It seems you are in need of discipline today, my wife." I tease her mildly.
She laughs in a relieved manner. "Perhaps. Would you be willing, sir?"
"After our duties are done for the day, I am more than willing."
Her arms embrace me for a moment. "My duties are done for the day, so may I go home?"
"I will escort you, then I must return to finish my own paperwork."
"Thank you."
****Nanami POV****
I lay Sakurako in her crib for her nap, having rocked her to sleep. The bruises don't look as dark this afternoon, yet they still look terrible. I wipe a stray tear away before turning. Granny is there, causing me to jump. She simply smiles and takes my hand, leading me to the dining room. I sit as she pours tea for me and the other elders, Doc included. I smile and take a sip. "Thank you, Granny."
"I saw the gesture you made at that young man this morning." she says excitedly. "Are you expecting again, dear?"
I smile a bit. "Captain Kurotsuchi did bloodwork. Apparently his machines are faster at detection. By his estimate, I am roughly three weeks into this. I was going to wait to tell until I was a bit further along."
"Oh! I'm so excited! Sakurako will have a playmate!" Kimi squeals, clapping her hands excitedly.
"I hope that you are taking safety precautions, young madam." Bon, one of the male elders, says, rather sternly.
"Yes. Byakuya and I have already shifted so that I stay in the office for the most part, though I do go watch the training as well. I exercise while the rest of the squad trains. Walking and such."
"Good. I am hoping you have a boy this time." he nods.
"We'll see. As long as the baby is healthy, that is all that matters." Granny says, rather sagely.
I smile at them all. "Yes, that is all that truly matters. Master Byakuya seems happy about it too, which makes me feel far more at ease."
They eye me keenly. "You are a good mother, Nanami. Byakuya could not have chosen better." Kimi finally says. I bow my head in appreciation. Their acceptance has been a bit hard to gain, but it seems to have happened finally.
"Miss Nanami, your human friend has arrived." Rina calls from the entrance to the dining room.
"Please, show her in, Rina. And get her a cup for tea, please." I order gently, giving her a smile.
A few minutes later, Orihime appears in the doorway. She's wearing a pale green yukata with white roses on it. "Hello." she says nervously, bowing deeply to everyone.
"Is this the healer woman?" Bon asks, an eyebrow raised.
"Yes. She's come to heal Sakurako." I say gently before waving Orihime to a seat beside me. She walks nervously around the table to join me before being offered a cup of sakura tea.
"Thank you."
"No, thank you, Miss Inoue." Granny says politely. "You are quite a helping hand to have when needed."
"And even when you're not needed, you're an amazing friend." I tack on, feeling the need to make sure she knows she's loved.
Orihime smiles. "This is why I value our friendship, Nanami. You're such a sweet friend."
I get to my feet once I finish my tea and guide my friend to Sakurako's room. My daughter is still sleeping soundly. Orihime gasps, placing a hand over her mouth and glancing at me. "Nanami! Why didn't you tell me it was this bad!?" she whispers. Her yellow dome goes over Sakurako and slowly the bruises begin to fade.
"I thought the rumor mill would've said. I'm sorry."
"Well, if I believed the rumor mill, I'd think you and Soi Fon were having an affair." she giggles.
I stand with an open mouth. "What!? That's nonsense. I barely even know Captain Fon."
"Exactly why I didn't believe it. Plus I know how much you love your husband."
I smile. "Yes, I love him more than anything else, aside from her." I say, nodding at my daughter. The bruises are nearly gone, only barely visible now. Within ten seconds, Orihime's dome drops completely and Sakurako looks fully healed. "Your skill is amazing, as usual, my friend."
A shadow falls over me and a gentle hand rests on my shoulder. "I am in your debt, Miss Inoue." Byakuya says.
"Oh, it's no trouble. I'm happy to help." Orihime says, blushing slightly.
"Should you change your mind, you know where to find us. Rukia was looking for you. She is at the dining room table. Why don't you go see what she wants?"
Orihime nods and hurries away. I lean back into Byakuya's embrace, earning myself a kiss on the top of my head. "Supper is not quite finished yet. Would you care for a bath?" he asks quietly.
"Yes. I'd love one. But I don't want to be out of your arms. It's comfy here." I say, a hint of teasing in my tone.
"I'm quite sure I can still hold you in the bath."
"Perhaps."
He lifts me and carries me to our bathroom before setting me back down. In mere seconds, my uniform is removed by his hands, his mouth claiming mine with desperate need. I manage to untie his obi without too much trouble. He backs away, stripping himself before passing me and getting into the water. I am given no time to move before he pulls me into his arms, sitting me between his legs. "Close your eyes, Nanami. I will wash your hair." he orders quietly.
I shut them and nod. He begins to get my hair wet and I tilt my head a bit so the water won't run down my face. I feel his hands untying the braids and slowly working them loose before he applies shampoo to my hair. As he massages my scalp, I let out a contented sigh. "That feels so good."
"I am glad you think so."
I nearly whine when he finishes getting the shampoo worked into my scalp. He begins rinsing though and that feels good too. I realize I'm enjoying this a bit too much. When he finishes rinsing me, I quickly turn and kiss him. To my surprise, his hands take hold of my head, holding me still. His kiss has become passionate, making my body feel hot. "Byakuya! Please!" I whine, rubbing against him as I feel his hardness against me.
I feel his lips shift into a smile. "Shall I stop teasing you?"
"Unless you intend to do something, yes."
His lips move to my neck, kissing sweetly. I feel his hands move to my stomach and stop between my hips, rubbing lightly. "I would prefer to see you fed before engaging in heathen activities, since you are eating for two, my love." he says softly, kissing the underside of my jaw.
"Heathen activities? Is that what you really think it is?" I ask, blushing slightly.
He lifts his head to gaze at me before giving me a small smile. "Yes. Sex is a heathen activity. You make me wish to ravage you in a barbarian fashion by teasing me. I have to fight down my heathen urges daily." he pauses before laughing at my expression. I realize he's teasing me after a moment and begin laughing too. His hand caresses my cheek. "You are so beautiful, Nanami. Especially when you blush. Turn back around and let me put conditioner in your hair."
I obey his command, turning back around. I relax completely as his hands once again begin massaging my scalp, carefully working through any tangles in my hair as he spreads the conditioner in...
"Nanami!" I'm startled awake and glance around nervously. Byakuya kisses the side of my head gently. "You must be tired. You've never fallen asleep in the bath before."
"I'm sorry." I sigh, thinking I've upset him.
"For resting? You do not need to be sorry for resting. However, if you remain in the bath much longer you will turn further into a prune."
I glance down at my hands and see they're beginning to wrinkle. "I see. Thank you for letting me rest on you. You've got a very comfy shoulder."
He rearranges me in his arms before standing and stepping out of the bath. I grab a towel from the rack, pleasantly warmed by the heating mechanism, and begin drying his chest gently. He sets me on my feet and I continue drying him, working my way down his body gently. I kiss the tip of his manhood when I get done drying his legs, but I do not incite him further. When I regain a standing position, he kisses me passionately yet again. I moan very quietly as a liquid heat fills my veins. He smacks my backside suddenly, forcing a whimper from me. "Nanami, kindly cease teasing me or you will not get fed tonight." he hisses.
"You are one to speak, Master." I reply breathlessly.
He kisses my forehead softly before drying my body. Once I'm dry, he takes a dry towel and wraps my hair in it to dry. "Come, let's get dressed and eat. I hear Sakurako jabbering."
I nod in agreement. I am hungry now. Unreasonably so.
****Byakuya POV****
Sakurako sits happily in my lap, eating her supper with much playing and giggles. She seems to adore the rice and shredded chicken, having devoured a vast majority of it. There is perhaps five bites of eat left. None of her fruit salad remains, which is not surprising. Most children enjoy sweets, as evidenced by Zaraki's pink haired child. My gaze shifts to Nanami. She has eaten most of her meal as well, though she seems to be falling asleep again. Granny sets a cup of tea in front of her. I watch her take a drink and smile. Her eyes are glassy with exhaustion.
"Nanami, dear, why don't you finish and go on to bed. The events from yesterday have obviously exhausted you." Kimi says as we all watch Nanami's head nod over the tea.
"I'm sorry." she mumbles. I begin to wonder if someone has drugged her when I see Doc's keen interest. She gives me a subtle nod and a smile, letting me in to know that she is the one who did the drugging.
"It's nothing to be sorry for. You're pregnant and tiredness is to be expected."
Nanami blushes and glances at me. "Do you mind?"
"No. Go to bed. I'd rather not have to wash your hair again if you should fall asleep in what's left of your dinner." I tell her.
She nods and bids everyone good night. Sakurako crawls to her and gives her a hug before returning to my lap. Nanami retreats to the bedroom. My gaze returns to Doc. "What did you give her?"
"The medicine in your nightstand. I crushed it up and added it to her tea."
My eyes widen. "Did you add it to the entire kettle?"
"No, just her cup. Why?"
I sigh. "Nothing. That medicine tends to have a potent side effect but it's nothing she can't handle."
"Oh. I assumed it's what you'd been giving her on the nights she's had trouble sleeping."
"Only once. I am not angry. Fear not."
Sakurako points outside into the garden where I notice a flash of red hair. And black hair. Rukia and Renji are here at the table. It is not surprise to me when my red headed niece, Ichika, dashes through the door and tackles her father to the ground. She has always been a wild child, much like him. Takeshi waits, as usual, to be invited inside. Granny waves him in and be bows politely. Of all of Zaraki's children, I like this one the most. He's got manners and a calm demeaner compared to his younger siblings. He is beginning to look a bit like his mother, though his hair is like a raven's wing and he has his grandmother's blue eyes.
"Good evening, Kuchiki family." He says by way of greeting.
"Takeshi, when are you going to teach Ichika some manners?" Kimi teases him, making him look down and cough.
"I'm not sure that's possible, Miss Kimi. She is very strong willed."
"I wonder where she gets that from." Rukia teases, looking at me.
Sakurako surprises me by getting to her feet. She holds my robe for balance before taking a few steps towards the boy. He crouches down, holding his arms out to her and she finishes the short distance, stumbling just as she gets within his reach. He catches her easily and stands with her on his hip. "She's grown, Captain Kuchiki." he says, smiling peacefully at her.
"Indeed. And she will have a sibling in a few months." Granny says. "Come, sit down, boy. You look tired. Ichika! Enough rough housing. Your aunt is trying to rest. Yesterday was very traumatic for her."
"Aww! Granny!" Ichika pouts before taking Nanami's usual seat. She is growing into a woman, it seems. Takeshi is ten years old, I believe. Ichika is soon to be sixteen. It astounds me that they are still so close, given their age difference. Given their academy grades, they will graduate this year and be placed into squads.
"Takeshi, sit." I order him quietly. He seems startled, as I usually do not allow him to sit at the family table. He shifts Sakurako though and sits across from Ichika, who is giving me a strange look. I pay her no mind. "Have you thought about which squad you will be applying to when you graduate this year?" I ask him.
"Well...no, sir. My father wants me to come to his squad, of course, but I would prefer to be somewhere that is a bit calmer." he replies calmly.
"Which squads did you have in mind?"
"I had thought to apply to your squad, sir."
I had thought that would be his answer. "What makes you think I will accept you?"
He blushes and sighs. "I wish to stay with Ichika, sir. It's a known fact that she will be joining your squad after graduation. Also, I believe you would be the best captain for my chances of reaching my full potential."
"What are your intentions with Ichika?" Renji asks, rather waspishly.
"I want to marry her when I grow up a bit."
Granny cackles, as does Rukia. Renji looks angry. Ichika simply smiles. "I'd marry you today if you were old enough, Takeshi. You let me order you around and are always doing things for me even without asking. It's very sweet."
"Not if I-" I interrupt Renji with a hand.
"If you were allowed to marry Ichika, could you guarantee that you will remain loyal and do everything in your power to protect her, comfort her and see that she remains happy?" I ask.
He swallows but nods. "Of course, sir. If there's one thing I learned from my father, it's what true love is." he frowns a bit as he finishes speaking.
"Ichika, were you jesting when you said that a moment ago?"
"No, Ojisan."
"Then, should you be true to your word, I will write a request for you to immediately be placed in Squad Six, Takeshi. I expect honor, discipline and respect."
"Yes, sir. I will not let you down." He smiles and it is much like his mother's smile. His entire face lights up. Sakurako giggles and pats his cheeks gently. He smiles at her too and places a brotherly kiss on her forehead. "You'll have to get bigger so I can teach you some things like I do the triplets." he tells her.
"Ka!" she screams before poking him in the chest.
Ichika begins laughing. "How are your siblings anyway?" she asks.
"I haven't been home to visit yet. Father isn't there. I figured I'd wait til he returns to visit. Ryden is a bit aggressive with me and I don't want to hurt him on accident."
"He seems to be quite the dominant one. Perhaps he took a bit of your mother's wolf genetics." Granny says.
"It is possible, I suppose." he seems a bit sad, his tone having dropped.
"I miss Wolfie. She was a lot of fun." Ichika sighs.
"Would you two kids like to come catch fireflies? I was going to take Sakurako." Doc asks.
"Oh, that sounds fun. I'll help Sakurako!" Ichika says.
"If you're sure I wouldn't be a bother, I'd enjoy some care free entertainment." Takeshi says, smiling again.
"I will leave her in your care, Doc. I will go check on Nanami." I say before getting to my feet. "Takeshi, make sure you visit your father. He's going to go mad without one sane person he cares about to speak to."
The boy smirks and I see Zaraki in his face. "Go? He already is mad, I'm afraid. But I wouldn't trade him for anyone else." he chuckles.
I nod and retreat down the hall. Upon getting to the door of my bedroom, I hesitate. I do not know why but I get a feeling that she is likely not sleeping. My suspicions are confirmed when I open the door. She lays on the bed, a feverish look in her eyes. The door shuts behind me and I decide I can no longer resist temptation. This woman has been teasing me all day. It is time for her to be punished.
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