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I would also like to thank AshliTrecartin for making sure this chapter finally got done!

11. Done

Riyeko sat writing a report as Noriko and Yachiru sat together on the ground playing Go Fish. Noriko had arrived out of uniform, but Riyeko had understood. She wanted to stay as long as she could before her lunch date. She felt bad for the girl. A rough home life and what she assumed would be a rough future. It was sad how reality could be so cruel…The young woman had done nothing wrong, but was forced to live in a complete hell. Why? She would never understand the Soul Society and its workings. They had all suffered hardships on earth and when they died the hardships only became more intense. It was all terribly tragic. She would also never understand why men like Nori weren't damned straight to hell, but then she had nothing to do with the process so what did it matter?

"alright men! Take your lunch! But I want your asses back here in an hour," Zaraki barked at his men.

They all scrambled off and he crossed to her causing her to smile. He wasn't the most handsome man when she first looked at him, but the more she looked the more she liked. The original attraction she felt was to his sculpted body. The first night they had been together she fell asleep tracing his abdominal muscles. What he had went far beyond that of a simple six-pack and her medical mind was completely fascinated.

"well, you certainly made an improvement Captain." She arched a brow reading over her report before handing it to him, "only 4 men need stitches before lunch as compared to yesterday's 14."

Zaraki chuckled taking it and tossing it back down, "well, damn. We'll certainly have to remedy that." He pulled her to her feet.

"what do you think you're doing?" she gasped as he scooped her into his arms

"Yumichika is taking Yachiru for lunch," he gave her a devilish grin. "we're going to my place for ours."

Though she rolled her eyes she couldn't deny the way her heart swelled a little at his words. She peeked over his shoulder at Noriko who was being helped up by Ikkaku. Well, that still seemed to be a blooming romance if she had ever seen one. "oh, Noriko, if you can please come back after you're lunch with Isamu!"

"yes ma'am." The younger girl responded wiping herself off. She smiled watching the lover's leave. She couldn't help the slight bit of jealousy that moved in her. Riyeko looked so happy…it must have been so lovely to be able to live freely with the one you want. She would never understand why life wouldn't allow her the same privilege.

"So, uh, when is your date?" Ikkaku inquired.

"in about half of an hour...I am to meet him at the Kuchiki household." She looked to the floor. They hadn't spoken after the kiss the night before. They had separated after a small moment of bliss- though it had felt like hours for her-and stared at one another wide-eyed before he ran out. She had had to sit to gather her wits. The simple kiss had left her shaken and aching for more.

"I see, ah, would you let me walk you there?" he scratched the back of his head.

She smiled a little. "I would like that very much…"

Ikkaku sighed as they exited the 11th division, "I'm ah…I'm sorry about last night. You're an engaged woman…I really had no right to do what I did."

She looked up at him a bit her lip, "I didn't mind. Not at all. In fact I found it quite nice. I'm glad my first kiss was with a man I care for."

Ikkaku looked at her in shock, "care for?"

Noriko blushed a little, "yes…I don't know why and even though it is terribly inappropriate…you make me happier Ikkaku. We've only just met two nights ago and we've already kissed. Nothing like this has ever happened to me and I can't make myself stop these…feelings that I have for you…"

Ikkaku closed his eyes and shook his head, "life is such a bitch." Noriko's eyes widened. "sorry about the language. I just hate that the first woman I see more in than just a great body is betrothed to get married. We come from different worlds. I love fighting and getting my hands dirty, while you come from a world of fine china and other fancy shit. We couldn't be anymore different."

"I don't think there is a thing in the world wrong with that…" she smiled

"except that you're engaged." He stated matter-of-factly.

"yes…" she admitted. "that is a problem…"

He sighed. "well, he can certainly take good care of you."

She nodded, "but will he?"

Ikkaku looked at her, "I guess we'll find out."

Noriko bit her lip, but nodded. She wished there was something that could be done, but really there wasn't a thing she could do to stop what fate had dealt her. She would simply have to make the best of what life gave her. Though it made her sad she knew her mother had done it so she could too. She also needed to admit that Ikkaku made her long to be normal, to be able to choose a husband for herself. Not that she believed he was anywhere near husband material, he was just sweet in his own way. He would curse, but would catch himself and apologize. He was full of passion for what he did; she had seen it earlier that day when they were working with the new recruits. His eyes got a sort of shine to them when he fought, like in that moment if he was cut down he would die perfectly content. And she was sure he would. He wasn't afraid of anything…she envied him that. To know that you could take care of yourself and not have to depend on anyone; what could that feel like?

Noriko sighed, "do you ever regret being a part of the Gotei 13?"

Ikkaku looked at her. "Not at all…why do you ask?"

"its just…I always wonder if i'm making the right choice…Maybe my father is right, maybe me doing this is pointless. Perhaps I should listen to Isamu-sama and quit…" she had stopped at the front gate of the Kuchiki house to look at him.

"why would you say that?" He said almost appalled. "I have watched these last few days and you have already learned so much. Riyeko speaks highly of you. You can't let your father and some asshole cut you down. That's not fair to you or to the ones that believe in you. Prove these assholes wrong. Show them that you aren't just going to back down."

Noriko couldn't help the small smile that crept onto her face. He was right, she did need to believe in herself more, but before she could open her mouth she was cut off.

"Noriko," called a refined voice from behind her causing her to gasp, "aren't you coming inside?"

How could she have been so stupid? To let the conversation drift there when they had been just infront of his home… No matter how angry she was at herself she couldn't let that show when she faced him. Slowly she turned, "I'm sorry Isamu-sama...Madarame-san and were just-"

"I'm aware of the conversation you were having." He cut her off before stepping to her side and leveling Ikkaku with his gaze.

Not being one to care about awkward moments Ikkaku offered a hand to shake, "I'm sorry for keeping her I was just walking her-"

He didn't offer so as much as a friendly grin to the bald man. He simply sneered at the outstretched hand, "I see. Well, much thanks to you, but from now on I will be there to escort her. Now, please remove yourself from my property."

Ikkaku sighed before turning and walking away. It infuriated him to have to leave her there. She had done nothing wrong, but simply because she was with him she would be reprimanded. He thought about her mother and the broken state she had been in. What had happened between her and Norkio's father that would cause him to do that? How little would it take for Isamu Kuchiki to raise a hand to his soon to be wife? He couldn't imagine what he would do, the bloodlust he would feel if he were ever to see her with a bruise on her pale skin from that man. How did Ukitake handle that? What kept him from slaughtering Nori on the spot? He was a captain he very easily could have…

Noriko looked up at Isamu after Ikkaku was out of ear shot to find him gazing down at her with what could have only been anger. "Do you know how bad it looks for you to be escorted here by anyone that isn't me, your father, or a guard?"

She bit her lip and looked to the ground, "I'm sorry Isamu-sama…it will not happen again…"

He scoffed, "that's good. I would hate to cancel our engagement because you would rather spend your afternoon with the scum of the 11th division. Are you aware of there view of women? I plan to speak with Unohana about your assignment there. There is no reason for someone of your breeding to be anywhere near that horrid place." He turned to the house, "now, come along, the food is almost ready."

Riyeko laid her head on Zaraki's chest. That had been worth skipping lunch. She couldn't believe how invested she was becoming the man. He was taking care of her, which left her relieved and nervous at the same time. She had never counted on anyone but herself and had always been fine, but now she had someone to lean on. It took a little stress off of her. However, she knew that if something was to happen and they didn't work out the pain would be unbelievable. She was putting herself out there for a man she knew was into bimbos and whores, but she just couldn't help herself.

When a hand ran through her hair and down her back she smiled, he was unbelievable. It were moments like these where she felt that he would make a wonderful husband. He was so good with Yachiru. Even the night before when he had gotten angry she skipped a meal, it had shown her that he not only cared about her safety but also her health. Did he even know he was doing it?

"we still have a half hour before we gotta go back…" he cupped her butt, "wanna go for round two?"

She smirked flicking one of his bells as she brought a leg up around him, "ok…"

Her toes curled in pleasure when he nipped her neck lightly. He knew just where to touch her. With the run of his fingers he had a fire starting in her belly that made want to shout in pleasure. Trailing her nails down his back she pulled a low grown from his lip causing her to grin like a cat. It was so fulfilling to know that she could cause this mountain of a man to turn to putty in her hands.

"Kenny!" Yachiru burst into the room stopping when she saw what they were doing.

Riyeko gasped shielding her body with Zaraki's. That was something else she would have to get used to. The chance that the sweet little girl would just pop at any moment and any place. It would certainly keep her on her toes.

"Stop doing naughty things and look at what I found by the door!" she shouted in excitement.

Riyeko's heart sank. Not again…before she had time to Kenpachi was up and dresses in seconds. She pulled on her clothes and followed them outside. She had expected flowers of course, but not the kind that greeted her. the porch was covered in dead flowers. The smell that greeted her caused her stomach to churn. It was the smell of decay. How could he have done this in broad daylight with no noticing?

"I found a note…" Yumichika said from his place by the door. "we were on our way back to the training area and I noticed the mess…"

"its alright…" she said taking the note.

Zaraki was to busy kicking the flowers off to have noticed the passing of the note. He was furious. This had gone too far. When he found out who was responsible for this he was going to murder the man and he would enjoy every minute of it.

Shaking her head she opened the note:

I tried to warn you, but it seems you just don't listen. The dead flowers represent my patience. Done. I've tried to be nice and I've tried to be caring, but it seems I can no longer allow this go on. I would consider those around you. Haven't you just started training the meek Noriko Oshiro? Wouldn't it be terrible if something happen to her before she ever got the chance to get married?

Riyeko paled. She hadn't considered him actually threatening the people around her. That took things to a whole new level.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT!

*~Rox~*

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