The New Captain of squad three

Chapter 28

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach nor am I associated with bleach or anyone involved with it in any way. Bleach is the property of its original creator, Tite Kubo.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Urahara Shōten

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun was just beginning to rise in the sky. The sun rise was absolutely dazzling, yet the beauty of it was wasted on the red headed lieutenant of squad Six.

Renji was laying down on his side on the ground just outside the door of the Shōten. He raised his hand up and yawned. Unable to get a single moment of shut eye the night before. His hair was let down from its usual hair style, and bags were under his eyes.

Thoughts of what he and the other had to carry out that day were swirling around his head. He was still unsure about everything. in the beginning he was doubtful of the new Captain. Yet now the doubt he felt was towards his own feelings. Last night it was obvious Captain Suzuki was upset. Everyone could tell. However Renji had been the one to run into the black haired Captain last night, after he returned from outside.

++(last night)++

Renji had, had enough of the banter between Ikkaku, Yumichika and himself. He decided to excuse himself. He noticed that Izuru and Rangiku never did come back. Izuru had gone after Suzuki but Rangiku had seemed distraught after the meal. He decided he'd go and find the red head after seeing if Izuru needed help. He was heading to the shop's front door when he noticed it open. It was dark in the shop, however the soft light outside of shop was providing a soft glow, reveling a troubled Suzuki.

Renji could make out a face of mixed emotions. The Captain had a sad smile, and had tear tracks on both his cheeks. Yet his eyes had a dim light in them. Renji wasn't sure if it was just a trick made by the light outside or perhaps something else. What ever the reason Renji's train of thought was cut short by the man in front of him noticing the 

The man had a look of absolute hell on his face. He looked devastated as if he had just experienced the biggest heart break of his life. Tears marks were on both sides of his face and his down cast look made Renji pause. He had never seen Captain Suzuki like this before. Even when he was acting moody and down he never once looked like he did now.

Renji forced his voice out. "Captain Suzuki are you alright?"

Suzuki suddenly realized he wasn't alone and quickly moved to wipe his face. He forced an obviously, pain full fake smile. "Lieutenant Abarai, my apologies I didn't see you there. Please forgive me."

Renji shook his head, completely in shock. "Captain please don't apologies, everyone told you before its all right. May I... may I ask what's bothering you Captain?"

Suzuki shook his head softly and just smiled again. "It's nothing I assure you lieutenant. I'm going to go to bed now. If you want lieutenants Kira and Matsumoto should still be outside gazing at the stars." With that the Captain started walking to his room. However he stopped right next to the red head and sighed.

"Your a lucky man, Renji. Please don't ever take your friends or their trust for granted." He said barely above a whisper. Renji was about to question him but the man quickly walked away throwing a hand up.

"Night lieutenant."

++(Present)++

Renji was completely confused by his interaction with the black haired man last night. His conversation with his two friends didn't help either, as neither wanted to talk about it. Renji was wondering if what ever this secret identity was, if it was really so bad? Captain Suzuki had done nothing to hurt any of them after all. Wasn't a man entitled to a secret or two or at least shouldn't he be if its not hurting anyone?