Valentine's Day in the Seireitei

Valentine's Day in the Seireitei

“This is so stupid...” Rukia said as she walked with Matsumoto down the streets that had all the shops within the Seireitei. Each shinigami had a bag that was filled with small boxes of chocolates. “Why should I give one to my own brother? He’s probably got a pile as tall as I stand.”

“Now now,” Matsumoto said as she adjusted her belt. Her zanpakuto shifted it as she did this while walking. “It’s only fair since it’s Valentine’s Day and think of it as a way to show your brother some appreciation.” She flailed her free hand about absent mindedly.

A commotion interrupted their conversation as a cloud of dust was suddenly in the distance behind them. Noise of various persons from the merchant shops and crowds rose in the air and a burst from that very crowd suddenly made it’s way towards them. Before either warrior could prepare for an impending battle, the thing crashed into them with a high pitched “wheeeeeee!”

“Hi, Grumpy! Hi, Blondie!” Yachiru sat on top of the fallen pile that was the two women with what was, compared to her height and size, a sack loaded with boxes. “Are you guys ready for today? I can’t wait to give Kenny his gift!”

Rukia and Matsumoto got up, dusting themselves off and sighing. “Yachiru,” Matsumoto asked, “Are you sure Kenpachi even likes chocolate?”

Yachiru jumped into the air and hit the much taller person in the head then managed to land on her shoulders. “Why wouldn’t he? Kenny always likes whatever I give him.”

“What about that time you gave him a stuffed bunny with a bow tied to it last year,” asked Rukia. “When you were in your stuffed bunny phase?”

“Kenny loved it!” Yachiru swung the sack around and around with a big fat frown, almost knocking her and Matsumoto down from the momentum.

Matsumoto sighed and held onto the tiny lieutenant. “But really now, Yachiru. When does a man really love getting bunnies?”

“When they’re made of choccy!!!!” From seemingly out of nowhere,  out a large rabbit appeared,  made entirely of chocolate with a bright blue ribbon tied around its neck and a tag that said “Kenny’s” on it with flower, heart and smiley doodles all around it that look like they were drawn by a five year old.

Rukia and Matsumoto gawked at the dapper rabbit who looked quite happily clueless to the fate that it was dealt when the tiny pink haired lieutenant purchased it on this very day. Yachiru was clueless to their gawk as she bounced with excitement on Matsumoto’s shoulders, making Matsumoto sputter in discomfort. “Let’s go! I wanna go see who else got Kenny gifts!”

The other’s sighed and proceeded to walk and picked up their conversation where it was left off before the strange attack and included the tiny strangeling in it. “Rukia thinks it’s a stupid idea to give her brother-in-law chocolate. I said it’s not and that all it means it a showing of her appreciation for all he’s done.”

Yachiru put a pondering look on her face. “Yeah, why not? Not like you’re asking to marry him or anything and that would be weird because he’s technically your brother but not by blood so maybe it’d be okay or maybe you really want to give it to Strawberry. Yeah! Why not Strawberry because he’s like Kenny but not as Kenny like but he’s a good fighter and he fought you pretty good too....” This went on for awhile at what seemed like warp drive to the others because neither was able to really understand what she was saying until the words and their translations caught up to them.

Rukia blushed a little and flailed her hand as if to brush the offending words away. “Nonsense. I’m sure Ichigo will have plenty down in the Human world.”

“So why are you blushing,” Matsumoto pointed at Rukia’s cheek’s with a smirk on her face. “And that has nothing to do with whether Ichigo will get any chocolate or not.” She shook her bag in Rukia’s face. “I got Toshiro one and Kira. Even got one for your brother and Renji just because. I don’t have to like them but I did it because it’s what one does for those of the male species they get along with.”

Yachiru gasped. “What about Kenny! Did you get him and Pachinko Ball and Yumichika something too?” She rocked about violently in protest of not hearing that her favorite people to harass weren’t mentioned in this short list of Matsumoto’s.

“Heh heh! Of course we do,” Rukia blurted out before Matsumoto could reply. Matsumoto sputtered in abrupt surprise. Rukia dramatically hand gestured dismissively in the air. “How could we forget them? Heh heh heh...”

Matsumoto kicked Rukia in the shin. “Well we have to go back and pick up the things we left behind then, Rukia.” She said all this with emphasis and annoyance that she got dragged into a lie.

“Wha-wha-what stuff,” Rukia stuttered and gawked with confusion.

“You know, the stuff,” Matsumoto said as she glared and gestured back to the market that finally recovered from whatever chaos it was put in earlier.

Rukia gasped and nodded with gusto. “Oh...Oh! R-right! L-let’s go!” She grabs Matsumoto’s arm, forgetting that Yachiru’s sitting on her shoulders, and drags them both back towards the market.

“Yay,” Yachiru exclaimed. “More candy!!!!! I need to get more too because I’m out of jawbreakers and gum and ginger chews and...” The list went on as they walked back as if she were making ransom demands of the others. “Walk faster! Candy candy candy!” She began pounding her fists in the air in excitement.

Rukia and Matsumoto sighed heavily.

********
A sea of gawking, squealing girls from the Shin’o academy were waiting along the side of the school’s courtyard in anticipation of Byakuya’s arrival. It was the one time of the year when they could show their love and appreciation for his very existence. It was also the one time of the year that Renji hated being around his captain because it meant getting bombarded by girls fangirling over the captain and not him (not that he care, which he kept reminding himself over and over) and all he would end up with are bumps, bruises, possibly a black eye and chocolate stains on his uniform. They were standing just inside of the doors that lead to the courtyard where Byakuya’s adoring public (and Renji’s current personal hell) awaited.

Standing with arms crossed, Renji leaned against the wall as he waited for Byakuya to finish talking with one of the instructors. “Don’t see why I have to be here,” he grumbled as he sighed heavily in disgruntlement and shook his head.

“Because you are my partner and someone has to catch all those boxes,” Byakuya said in his usual calm cool voice as he met up with Renji and dusted himself for no apparent reason.

“You have servants for that!” Renji got off the wall and stood defensively at the comment.

“Yes, but I prefer to know that I have someone that can handle a crowd. Besides, maybe you’ll get one this year.”

“Yea right,” Renji mumbled as he took his place next to his captain. “No one can get anything so long as you’re around on a day like this.”

“You make it sound like I do it on purpose.” Byakuya glanced over at the agitated man.

“Maybe you do,” Renji grumbled. Then he sighed, ran a hand over his tied back hair then said “Let’s get this over with,” saying it as if he were bracing himself for battle.

The doors to the courtyard opened were opened by a pair of guards and the wave of squeals and adoration washed over the two men like battle cries during a fight. The red, pink and white gifts start flying towards them as they begin their descent down the walkway to the other side of the courtyard and school. As Byakuya walked with head held high and gaze held straight ahead, Renji kept stumbling and sputtering as he did his best to catch each gift that came their way. Boxes and packages of varying shapes and sizes and a few plushies made their way towards the overwhelmed warrior.

Byakuya made it to the other end of the walkway unscathed. Renji was replaced by a mount of gifts that had engulfed him a short distance away from the ever calm, cool and collected captain. A small pink bear holding a heart shaped box sat at the very top of the mount and moved as he spoke from beneath the hill. “This gets worse every year...”

Byakuya came to his side and took the bear from the top where Renji’s head emerged, gasping for air. He looked at the tag and a small smile spread on his lips. “See? This one is for you,” he said as he showed the grumpy mound his prize for surviving a lost battle.

“That’s not the point!” Renji was shouting at the captain as he struggled to get out from under the wealth of gifts. Byakuya had turned and walked back to the other door by now, still carrying the bear that was not meant for him. “Hey! Get back here and help me!” The smell of chocolate was beginning to seep into Renji’s very being as he continued to struggle. “If that’s mine, why aren’t you walking away with all these?!?!” The swearing continued as a few of the attendants came to his aid and Byakuya disappeared into the building, pink bear in hand.

********

Ukitake was sitting under a tree writing some poetry and having tea while Shunsui was in his usual position of lounging with his hat covering his face and appearing to nap. It was quiet in the courtyard that they were in and only the flutter of the occasional bird, insect or breeze interrupted the peace.

“Ah, such a peaceful day,” Shunsui sighed as he held lifted his hat to look up at the sky. “What do you think the kids are up to today, Jushiro?”

Ukitake looked up from his work and poured himself and Shunsui some tea. “Oh, I don’t know. Probably out and about enjoying the day just like we are.”

Shusui propped himself on an elbow and accepted the cup held out to him. “I heard some of the students from the academy talk about not being able to wait for today. Something about chocolate...” He has a perplexed look on his face as he took a sip.

“Of course,” Ukitake said in realization, “Today is Valentine’s Day. It’s a holiday where the girls give the boys chocolate.”

“That doesn’t sound right,” Shunsui said with a frown. “Shouldn’t the girls be the ones getting the gifts?”

“Well, in the Western cultures, that’s what happens but in Japan, the girls have their day and it’s called White Day, which happens next month on the 14th as well.” Ukitake sipped his tea. “Sasakibe would have a better idea about the Western version of the holiday.”

Shunsui finished his tea and placed it on the table with the tea pot before returning to his previous pose. “Old man Yama’s right hand man...Perhaps I will ask him about that if I remember the next time I see him.” He let out a sigh before speaking again. “I wonder if Nanao got me anything...”

“You should be happy she’s not on you for lounging about like you are now.”

“What can I say,” Shunsui sighed with a grin, “today just can’t be helped.” The peace was suddenly broken by a ruckus in the distance. He sighed again. “That must be the students from the academy. Wonder who was the intended victim.”

Much swearing can be heard among the squeals and shouts of joy.

Ukitake chuckled as he refilled their cups. “Must be Kuchiki. No one gets that much attention on a day like this unless you’re Byakuya. That swearing is definitely Abarai.”

“Ah, to have that kind of attention,” Shunsui said as if he were mourning the loss of a loved one. Something flew at him dead center, causing him to cough and sputter. This caused Ukitake to choke on his tea, spewing some all over the place and coughing violently. Shunsui sat up to see that a small red box tied with bright gold twine was sitting on his stomach. He picked it up and examined it. “Hmm...”

“Be grateful I’m being considerate!” Standing over him was a stern looking Nanao.

“But my lovely assistant, I am always grateful of your everlastingly beau-”

Nanao kicked Shunsui in the face. “Stuff it!”

Ukitake is watching all this go on like it was normal and, technically, it was normal between these two but no one ever said it didn’t disturb people just a little. “Um, Nanao, really now. Don’t you think that’s being a bit over the top?”

“Someone has to keep him in check, Captain Ukitake,” Nanao said sternly as she glared at her captain.

“I suppose someone does,” Ukitake chuckled. “Would you like to join us for tea?”

“No, thank you,” Nanao replied, “I have a meeting to go to in a few minutes.”

“Your association meeting, I take it?” Ukitake refilled his cup with the now lukewarm liquid.

“Yes, sir.” Nanao paused to rummage in her pockets and retrieve a small pink box from her pockets. “Here, sir, for you.”

“Oh?” Ukitake took the box with a smile. “You know you didn’t have to, Nanao.”

“It’s only fair since you’re usually with this loaf,” Nanao said with a kick to the lounging captain’s feet while said captain was rubbing his wounded face.

“Nanao, you wound me deeply,” Shunsui said in mock defense.

Ukitake chuckled at their exchange. “Well, thank you very much. You should get going if you’re to make your meeting on time.”

Nanao nodded and adjusted her glasses. “Thank you, sir. And you’re very welcome.” She bowed to both captains before taking her leave.

“That child will be the death of me,” Shunsui said as he shook the box that he was gifted.

“Like she said, Shunsui,” Ukitake said as he opened his gift, “Someone has to keep you in check and there’s only so much I can do.” Inside the box were four pieces of chocolate, each made into the shape of a cute little animal. “Awww, these are too cute to eat,” He said, slightly disappointed.

Shunsui had opened his box by now as well and agreed. “They look like trapped hostages in this box all smiling in hopes we won’t eat them.”

“Not sure if I should be,” Ukitake said.

“But, it’s chocolate, Jushiro. It’s supposed to make everything better,” Shunsui chuckled as he placed the lid back on the box. “Perhaps I’ll let them live a little longer,” he said as he placed the box on the table with the tea. “Seems wrong to eat them right away.”

Ukitake laughed a little and joined his friend in the agreement in letting their tiny hostages live, if just a little longer. He poured Shunsui some more tea but ran out before the cup was filled up completely. “Looks like we need more tea,” He said with a frown.

Shunsui had returned to his fully lounged position. “Should have asked Nanao to get us some more before-

“Sir!” The peace that had settled upon them was interrupted again when two new visitors who suddenly appeared, bowing low before them. “Let me get you more tea!” “No, let me!” Sentaro Kotsubaki and Kiyone Kotetsu were kneeling before their captain with serious looks on their faces as if getting tea for their captain was the most important mission in the world. But then, with them, everything they do for the captain seems that way.

Shunsui had gotten up from his lounging and sighed. “I guess I’m not meant to relax anymore,” he said as he lifted the brim of his hat and looked up at the drifting clouds.

Ukitake smiled at his third seats. “No need to be so serious, you two. It’s only tea.”

“But hot tea is good for your health, sir!” Sentaro said with such conviction.

“I agree even more so,” Kiyone butted in, elbowing her co-seat over.

Shunsui shook his head at this act and smiled. “Why don’t you both get Captain Ukitake more tea? I’m sure he could use it.” He grinned at his fellow captain.

“Fantastic idea!” Sentaro stood to attention and nodded curtly in agreement to the captain’s suggestion.

“Fantastically stupendous idea, sir!” Kiyone stood to attention as well, if it was possible to stand at more attention than Sentaro.

Both third seats began bickering over who could get the better tea as they left on their new mission and peace was temporarily restored to the serene courtyard.

“I just never understand how you’re able to stand those two,” Shunsui sighed as he sat up and leaned against the tree they were sitting under.

Ukitake smiled, if a little wincingly. “They have their moments and mean well.”

“Like major schoolgirl crushes,” Shunsui said under his breath as he tilted his hat down to shield his eyes from the sun.

“If both were girls and if it was you that that was happening to, huh?” Ukitake leaned a little towards the other captain with a glance and a mocking smile.

Shunsui lifted the brim of his hat and mocked shock. “E tu, brute?” He faked offense for but a moment before smiling and chuckling. “Well, I suppose someone had to be stuck with them.”

Ukitake smiled and shook his head as his third seats returned with more than what they were told to bring. “My goodness, What is all this?”

“I thought you should eat something to keep up your strength, captain!” Sentaro placed a wrapped bundle before his captain as he kneeled before the man and bowed kirtley.

“I suggested it before he even thought it, sir!” Kiyone followed suit with her bundle and did the same honorifics with much gusto.

Ukitake scratched the back of his head, always overwhelmed whenever these two do things like this. “Well, how thoughtful of you both,” he said as he looked over the bundles cautiously. “But where is the tea?”

The co-seats looked at each other with shock and horror at this seemingly terrible slight. “This is your fault!” “You’re the one that forgot!” And many more phrases like this filled the air as they left to go back out and get the original item that they meant to get in the first place.

Both captains sighed heavily and shook their heads in unison before seeing what it was that was wrapped up. A whole feast awaited them, from assorted bentos to fruits to sweets wrapped up in bright red trimmings and note cards from each of them expressing their deep admiration and appreciation for their being third seat to a captain like Ukitake. These note cards were attached to much larger boxes of chocolate than the one Nanao had given them. Both captains blinked at the food before them, looked at eachother, then began to laugh as they began sorting out the goods between them.

********

Mayuri Kurotsuchi was in his usual place inside his lab going over various experiments as assistants went about their business with their own experiments. The quiet mumblings of bubbling liquids and electrical equipment filled the air with their white noise. Nemu enters the lab carrying a package wrapped in red cloth and places it on the counter where Mayuri is. “What is this? You know better than to place things here that don’t belong!”

“But it’s for you, captain,” Nemu said in her shallow tone, hands held together in front of her and eyes cast downward.

“Oh really,” Mayuri said with skepticism as he slowly undid the wrapping. “What is it? Some kind of explosive device? Or caged animal I have yet to see that would rip me apart the moment I release it?”

Nemu remained silent.

Sitting on top of the now opened wrappings was a plain red box. Mayuri picked it up slowly and looked it over from top to bottom, side to side then shook it, violently. Nothing happened except for a small brown stain that slowly began seeping through the of the bottom. “What is this? Slow acting acid?” He touched it but nothing happened. He sniffed it and it was slightly fishy. He tasted it and gawked a bit. “Oyster sauce?” Mayuri placed the box down and opened it. Inside was a tossed up bento, its rice and fish guts slightly skewed and all over the inside of the box it was in.

“Someone told me that today was Valentine’s Day,” Nemu began.

“Ppfftt, that human machination,” Mayuri said as he did a flippant hand gesture. “I’ve no time or need for such frivolous and useless holidays.”

“But they said that on today, you give a gift to someone you care about. Usually chocolate but you like pike fish so I thought you should have lunch...”

Mayuri stood there silent as he stared at the tumbled contents with a dumbfounded look on his face. He picked up a piece of fish and sniffed it before eating it. He squinted as he tried to detect any poisons that might have been used on the fish but nothing. It was just fish and sauce. He mumbled something.

Nemu leaned a little to get a better look at her captain’s face. “I’m sorry, captain?”

“I said thank you,” Mayuri spoke through gritted teeth then spun around and pointed an accusatory finger at his lieutenant. “Tell no one of my generosity in accepting this gift of yours, Nemu, or you’ll wish you did put poison in this.”

“Of course, captain.” Nemu bowed her head a little, keeping her eyes cast down.

“Now leave me,” Mayuri said as he turned back to the counter, acting as if nothing happened and returning to his work.

Nemu turned to leave, a small smile spread on her lips as she was quite pleased with the success of her gift.

Mayuri glanced back at the open box and the food that sat in it. He mentally blamed the living world for introducing such pointless thoughts to his creation but ate the food in silence as he continued his work.

********

In a secluded location of woods not far from the Seireitei, Toshiro Hitsugaya lay napping up one of the taller trees. This is his usual ritual when not busy with training troops or doing paperwork or having to keep an eye on his lieutenant. Bird were chirping, the breeze was gently passing by, leaves rustled in its wake. Earlier that day, he heard the commotion his lieutenant was in and wanted nothing to do with it so that was why he was in such a place.The peacefulness was in full swing until the sound of high pitched squeals tainted the hair and awoke the captain.

Hitsugaya woke with a start and went for his zanpakuto when he felt something fall off his face. A small box sat in his lap as he heard someone swear up a storm from the direction of the school, a small dust cloud rose in that vicinity. “Must be Renji,” the captain mumbled as he looked in that direction, waiting to see if anything else was going to happen.

When nothing else did, he turned back to the box that was left on his face while he was napping. “Must be Momo,” he said as the notecard he opened confirmed this.

“Hi, Shiro-chan!

Didn’t want to wake you up as you always get so cranky with someone wakes you so I made sure to leave your gift where you’d be sure to find it. (“my face?” Toshiro grumbled as he read on) Sorry I couldn’t stick around. Got my association meeting to go to but hope you like it.

Momo”

Toshiro eyed the box warily as he undid the simple ribbon that was tied around the simple white box. Inside were candies shaped like watermelon slices. He took one and ate it, surprised at how well they tasted just like the actual fruit.

Placing the lid back on the box, he put the box away in one of his pockets so it wouldn’t fall and went back to his nap, praying that there would be no more disruptions when he heard arguing in the distance. On one of the walls were Sentaro Kotsubaki and Kiyone Kotetsu arguing as the ran across it. Something about what tea was better and from where. Toshiro watched the bickering pair as he laid there in the tree wondering just what was up with today. He sighed and went back to napping.