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.

Comments

[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.