Day 28: Bus 1

[accursed-rock.livejournal.com]

Zelgadis was not happy, at all. Not that this was any change, but the events of the past few hours had given him more to angst about than usual. Nightshift had been dreadful: first he was attacked by a small green man and then covered in leeches, neither of which lead to warm fuzzy feelings.

And now this.

When the nurse had come into his room with new clothes he had a small glimmer of hope-- some thief had taken his normal Landel's wear in the night, so perhaps this was a change in luck. However, it was not the godsend he had hoped for. Minus the threat of sedation, there was nothing in the universe that could make Zelgadis wear a bright lemon-yellow shirt. There was a jacket of a slightly more tasteful variety, so Zelgadis made good us of it-- he put all his coupons in a pocket and pulled up the hood. It was almost as good as his cloak. Well, no it wasn't, but it would have to do.

With mild protesting, Zelgadis was lead to a large yellow vehicle. He climbed the stairs, took a seat towards the back, and readied himself for another frustrating day of being attacked and threatened with spoons.

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[haiiro-no-chou.livejournal.com]

Rukia actually jumped at the contact, but kept herself from looking up. The last thing she wanted him to see were the tears standing in her eyes. She swallowed hard, using all of her strength to calm down and stop making a fool of herself. At this rate, she was only proving how very unlike Hisana she was. Which wasn't necessarily a bad thing, since perhaps it would make Byakuya understand that she was no better than Renji, but Rukia wanted her brother's affection all the same.

Face hidden by her hair, Rukia tried to inconspicuously wipe her eyes. She sniffled once, quietly, but couldn't stop shaking. After a while, she dared to put her hands in her lap again.

She didn't know what to do now. Byakuya hadn't said anything, and there was no telling what that meant. It seemed that he wasn't angry with her, since he'd offered a comforting gesture, but that was all Rukia could deduce. Not trusting her voice, she remained silent.

[byakushi.livejournal.com]

After a minute or so, Byakuya returned his hand to his own lap. What he was about to say would doubtless hurt Rukia further; but, it must be said. He had to protect her, as he had failed to before... even if that meant protecting her from herself.

"Your sister was noble long before she was nobility, Rukia. Though she admitted she felt awkward in the role, it fit her perfectly." When he looked down at Rukia, then, his gaze was as kind as it ever got. "It never ceases to amaze me, the similarities between the two of you. Though you may not believe it... the mantle of nobility fits you, Rukia." He turned away for a moment, a bit embarrassed at the praise he was dispensing.

"Renji, however...," he continued, "is different. A skilled shinigami, yes, and a competent lieutenant... but that is not enough. Though he has raised his own station in life, he still acts as though he were an unwashed youth in Rukongai. He lacks respect. He lacks a noble bearing. He is not good enough, Rukia. Not for you."

Still facing the window, he sighed inaudibly. Saying that was all well and good, but he wasn't stupid enough to think he could truly come between them. He'd seen the power of love firsthand. Which left only one course of action, if Rukia could not be dissuaded: he would have to forcibly inflict the proper character traits on Renji.

And choke him, for touching his sister. That would come first.

[haiiro-no-chou.livejournal.com]

Rukia felt heat rising to her cheeks at the unexpected praise. She dared to glance up at her brother, catching the softness in his expression before he turned away.

What she did expect was his disapproval of her and Renji's relationship, but that did nothing to dull her pain, or cool her anger. How could he say those things about Renji?? He didn't even know him, didn't know how strong and selfless and loyal he was! Rukia made herself take a deep breath; showing her anger now would do no good.

"I disagree with you," she said carefully, "on two accounts. I do not, and have never, felt as though I fit into the role of a noble, but that is neither here nor there. Most importantly, I disagree with your assessment of Renji's character. I have known him since we were both small children, and only once did I ever find fault in his actions." Rukia knew that she was treading on dangerous ground. "And he quickly recognized his error and worked to remedy it, at the risk of his own life. I think that, if you took the time to get to know him, you would see the strengths that I see."

[byakushi.livejournal.com]

He had expected that retort, and could not bring himself to be truly angry about it. He was, of course, irritated... but, the difference between that and true anger was quite large.

"Renji's character is not something I am unfamiliar with. I have observed him constantly, from the moment he became my lieutenant. Knowing him is not only intelligent, it is my duty... especially now. He could be a captain, if he wished it. The necessary recommendations would not be so difficult to acquire... but, as his captain, mine would likely be considered most heavily. In order to give that recommendation, I would have to be certain that he is the sort of man who could lead effectively, who could follow the Soutaichou's orders even unto death, and who, when without orders, could think effectively for himself and his troops. All of these things, I feel confident that I could affirm. My only stumbling point is the final requirement: that he, as a theoretical candidate, would do nothing to damage the reputation of the Gotei 13, that he would act in accordance with not only the rules, but the spirit of the organization. That he would always comport himself in a respectable manner." Granted, there were at least two current captains who had trouble with that, but... that was irrelevant.

"Regrettably, I believe an attempt at conversation with my lieutenant at this moment would result only in violence," he said, in his normal, deadpan tone; however, his words mostly consisted of musings, intended only for himself. "I had intended to speak with him later today, though... privately. This may be another topic to be discussed."

[haiiro-no-chou.livejournal.com]

Rukia scowled at the floor, then shook her head. "I don't-- I do not understand why you speak of the matter in those terms." She looked up slowly, afraid to meet Byakuya's gaze.

"I realize that those of noble standing must consider situations in broad terms, of how they will effect status and reputation, but..." She paused, her eyebrows furrowing. "But how can you think that Renji would ever do anything to shame the Gotei Thirteen, or the Kuchiki Family?" In his own foul-mouthed, grouchy way, Renji was one of the most noble men she had ever met.