~The Mistress~
Act One
Victory is a rarity that few have the privilege of being smiled upon. Love is even more untouchable, no matter how brief the moment is the impression that is left can last a lifetime…
She did it! She got the position as the dance instructor to little Miyuki Katsuzawa a Kuchiki princess. It was an esteemed position and Hisana was grateful she was even considered. The competition was tough but little Miyuki seemed to taking a liking to Hisana. Finally after all these years barely able to survive she would now live in the Kuchiki manor. She would be able to escape this horrible place in the 78th district and make a good living for herself and her sister. It had been ten years since she abandoned her sister, ten years since the coward woman that she used to know did that inexplicable thing. Hisana would never be that weak person again; no she lost more than she knew that dreadful day all for the sake of saving herself. Hisana had worked hard over the course of the years and now was a talented dancer; she had a main part in the renowned ballet Le Bleu. The Le Bleu ballet was a traditional ballet that had been a legend for hundreds of years. It was an honor to be in it let alone have a lead roll in it like Hisana did. It was a good position but it was not a year round job and it did not pay enough for her to live on her own. But now that she was ballet teacher to Miss Miyuki she could finally have a place to call home and paycheck that would secure her and her sister's future. She felt like she had the world in the palm of her hands life would be so much easier now.
Hisana started out dancing in the 78th district for money on the side of the streets. She had the attention of many people and not all were kind. Many wanted to her join brothels and dance naked on a stage, but Hisana never gave into that form of ridicule, yes it was good money but she knew she could never be a esteemed dancer if she lowered herself to those types of standards. Successful ballet dancers were respected and had good reputations, and good reputations were easy to break. Instead Hisana worked her way up the ladder of success the hard way. She debuted in many different dances and plays throughout the middle districts when she caught the attention of the famous ballet writer Karina Sazuki her career took off.
Karina Sazuki was not only a famous ballet writer but she was also an esteemed director. Her most famous ballet she directed of course was Le Bleu. But she had other ballets that were just as popular that she had written herself and Hisana had starred in. If you were a ballet dancer Karina was the person you needed to impress. Luckily for Hisana Karina liked her dancing she thought of Hisana as a natural in beauty and grace.
Hisana didn't have much to move into her new quarters at the manor. Therefore it didn't take long for her to settle in. She had a nice room, well to her it was a nice room it was large it didn't have a porch but she had a large window that faced one of the gardens. She had her own private bathroom, which was also spacious. She was very pleased with her living conditions. No longer would she have to sleep with one eye open praying that intruders would leave her alone for the night. To her surprise there was a knock on the door.
"How are you settling in Rina-san?" Asked Koga Katsuzawa.
Breaking her from her dream like state she turned towards the door to greet her new visitor. "Very well Katsuzawa-sama," Hisana said with a smile on her lips. Koga was little Miyuki's older brother and nephew to the noble Lord Kuchiki head of the Kuchiki family. He was a very nice gentleman and welcomed Hisana into his home.
"I would be honored to show you around the manor, people tend to get lost easily here."
"That would be great Katsuzawa-sama. The manor is very large I would hate to get lost and find myself in a embarrassing situation."
"Please Hisana-san call me Koga."
"If you wish Koga-sama."
Putting his arm out he hinted for Hisana to grab a hold of it so he could guide her through the manor. Hesitantly she obliged, coming from the 78th district she was not used to such gentlemanly manners.
They walked through the endless hallways the made up the Kuchiki manor. If Hisana were alone she would have gotten lost. The hallways looked the same after every turn. The same flawlessness the same elegance, the same feeling like you were trapped in a labyrinth of perfection. Koga explained the quickest way to get to her room from the east entrance and showed her where the Lords rooms were.
"Byakuya's room is here naturally its at the opposite end of the manor, all of the Lords of the houses rooms will be located on this wing of the house mine and little Miyuki's as well." He said showing her the Hall of the Masters. "You are not allowed in this portion of the house, only select servants and the family themselves are allowed here."
"It is very kind of you to show me this, that way I don't find myself getting lost and stumbling across it myself."
"You already met Lord Kuchiki I assume?"
"Yes."
"I know you haven't met Byakuya yet, he is a Shinigami and is currently on a mission right now. He is Lord Kuchiki's Lieutenant, and the next heir to the Kuchiki clan. You probably wont like him much though he's quite a suck up prick to be honest. But don't worry he wont ever talk to you, don't take it personal that is just how most nobles are."
"I understand."
Koga guided her to the garden and sat at porch asking one of the female servants to bring them some tea. The Kuchiki manor was like palace. Everything was perfect she didn't think she saw a speck of dirt the whole time she walked through the manor. Returning with the tea the young lady poured it for them and bowed before she left the two sitting on the porch. Hisana sipped her tea and found that it was the most amazing fruit tea she had ever had in her life. Koga watched her face light up in astonishment at the tea.
"Do you like the tea?"
"Its absolutely incredible!"
"Good. My sister seems to have taken a liking to you Hisana-san. I trust that you realize that we did not hire you to be her friend we hired you to make her the most beautiful dancer in all of Serieitei. As a Kuchiki princess she has a reputation to uphold."
"Oh I completely understand Koga-sama, I believe my methods of teaching do not need to involve belittlement in order to gain perfection."
"I am glad to hear that."
After her day settling into the Kuchiki manor Hisana lay in her new room thinking of the day's recent events. Koga-sama was such nice man; she was truly grateful to have a wonderful person to guide her into her new life. Little Miyuki had a commendable older brother. She couldn't wait for the next morning when she would be able to start her lessons with the Kuchiki princess.
~o~
The first week of lessons were going very will with Miss Miyuki, Hisana felt like she was genuinely having fun teaching the little girl. She knew most of a basics having been doing ballet since she was at the age of five. One thing Hisana was focusing on was posture and poise. Hisana would show her how to do it and ask Miyuki to follow.
"Look at my back Miss Miyuki and watch my feet, notice how I never look down. Dancers never look down on anyone." Hisana said dancing on her tippy toes gliding across the room.
Hisana noticed Koga walk in the dance hall standing in the back he watched her dance. Little Miyuki imitated her teacher.
"That looks wonderful Miss Miyuki, we still have stuff to work on but I think that's enough for today. Don't forget to stretch a little before you lay down tonight."
"Yes Miss Hisana." Miyuki said before she grabbed her stuff stopping only to bow before her brother then ran out the door.
"How has your first week been Hisana-chan?" Koga asked approaching Hisana.
"Very nice Koga-sama, I really enjoy teaching your sister she seems to love ballet very much."
"Yes, she does. You really are a beautiful dancer Hisana-san," Koga said looking her up and down.
Feeling herself blush for a reason other than his compliment she simply replied, "thank you Koga-sama."
"May I escort you back to your room?"
"You may." Hisana replied then turned to gather her stuff.
She walked back to her room with Koga by her side in silence. She wasn't sure what to make of his actions earlier. Assuring herself it was nothing she decided she wasn't going to let it bother her.
Approaching her room she bowed before him and said "thank your for taking the time to escort me back to my room sir."
"I assure you the pleasure was all mine" as he said this he reached for her hand and placed a kiss on the top of it. He looked up into her eyes and gave her a deep look before he tuned to walk away.
Half stunned Hisana just started after him then she turned to open her door and quickly shut it behind her. Leaning against the door she took a deep breath to steady her nerves. Never had she been in this type of situation she didn't know how to react. How do you let a powerful man like Koga Katsuzawa know that you are not interested in him? How was she going to do it nicely and without causing him to dislike her? The last thing she needed was tension between her and her student's older powerful brother. This was not a situation in which Hisana ever thought she would have come across.
Over the next few days Koga's unwelcomed attention continued to bang on Hisana's door of personal space. He made a point to see her everyday and walked her to where ever she was going. Her former thoughts of him being a gentlemanly man had been swept away in the wind of yesterday's events. Having never been pursued so intently by a man Hisana didn't know how to behave. She felt that her kindness was being misunderstood as mutual affection.
After one of her lessons with Miss Miyuki Koga asked, "Hisana would you like to accompany me for dinner tonight?"
Surprised at his request Hisana didn't know what to say, she didn't want to give the over bearing gentleman the wrong impression by saying yes, yet at the same time she didn't want to insult him by saying no either.
"Um. I don't know if that is entirely appropriate Koga-sama."
"It is just dinner Hisana it is hardly a proposal."
"Sure of course, that would be lovely." The words slipped from her mouth before she had the sense to stop them.
Hisana was getting ready for the dinner when she regretted not saying no. She hoped it was just dinner and nothing more and didn't know how to tell him she had nothing more to offer to him other than friendship. Then she realized a noble wouldn't want a friendship with a peasant he probably only wanted one thing, how could she have been so blind. She wanted to slap herself across the face. Then she felt guilty for thinking such insincere things about the man all this time he really could be decent and did not want anything that was inappropriate from her at all. She highly doubted that but she would stick with that thought it was the only thing that would get her thought the night. A knock on her door signaled to her that he was there. Her heart began to race and the dread creped up into her face giving her skin a slight flush. She walked over to the door and took a deep breath trying to steady her nerves then opened it with a fake smile.
"Good evening Koga-sama."
"Good evening Hisana-chan. Are you ready?"
"Yes."
He extended his arm out to her and reluctantly she took it. They made their way to the Hall of the Masters and entered a secluded porch area that was well decorated for romance. This man really knew how to woe a woman, she could tell he had done it many times before. There were candles and flowers all around and torches lit the ends of the porch. It was so well thought out it was almost cheesy, well Hisana thought it was cheesy. In the middle of the porch sat a table where they would sit for dinner.
"What do you think Hisana?" Koga asked already knowing what she would say.
"It is very beautiful Koga-sama."
"I am glad you think so." He replied smugly.
"Please sit I hope you are hungry."
"Yes actually I am."
"I hear the ballet Le Bleu is going very well this year, you must be very proud."
"I am sir, I work very hard and I am very pleased to hear such high praise for it."
"A lot of women would kill to be in your shoes."
Hisana said nothing but smiled, sensing the true intentions of the words. A female servant brought out the food it was just as beautiful and perfectly placed like everything else on the porch. Hisana hated to ruin such elegant art but her gurgling stomach told her other wise. After they ate Koga insisted that they make their way into the garden following a path that trailed along a stream. She held his arm once again wishing that the night would be over.
"I am sure that you do not mistake my actions Hisana-chan?"
"I am not sure what you mean Koga-sama."
"You are a very beautiful woman, the type of woman any man would want for his own." As he said this he stopped walking and unwound her arm from his facing her. "I assure you that I want you for my own, and no one else."
"Koga-sama I… I am not interested in that type of relationship."
"Hisana..." He whispered. "Do not deny me this night, you know you want it to." He said leaning in to kiss her.
"Sir, this isn't right." She said taking a step back.
He grabbed her by her waist and pulled her body up against his leaning his head in for the kiss she turned away. Gently trying to push him away he just held her tighter.
"Don't play games with me, I am no longer a boy Hisana."
"Koga-sama I assure you I am not playing any games, please let me go." Hisana said trying to remain polite while her heart was fluttering and her pulse quickened.
"Hisana must I remind you that I am a very powerful man and I always get what I want. Now be a good girl and accept it." He moved one hand from around her waist and put it on her check forcing her face to face his. Aggressively he pushed his lips against hers. Fighting to push him away the more she tried the tighter and more aggressively he kissed her. His hand trailed down her waist over her butt and squeezed. At her wits end she bit his lip causing him to squeal and jumped back. She took advantage of the freedom and ran away from the porch back to her room locking the door behind her. Breathing heavily against the locked door she thought in all her time living in the 78th district of the rukongai if she ever had to fend off a man she would simply slap them or kick them in the groin then run away. It was as simple as that, but in this world it was different. She knew she would suffer the consequences the next time she saw him.
~o~
Over the next few weeks Hisana found herself lost in routine at the Kuchiki manor. Usually after her lessons with Miss Miyuki Koga would show up and watch his sister and Hisana dance. Hisana now knew that he liked to watch her dance. Every time he came she could feel his eyes watching her bearing into her skin and taking in every curve of her body. It didn't help that her dancing clothes were black tights; the whole point of dressing in tight clothes is to see the dance to its fullest extent. But that moment she wished she were wearing baggy sweat pants. She was used to people watching her dance but usually it due to the art of it but when Koga watched her dance it was a dance of seduction as he ogled her from the sidelines, and Hisana hated every moment of it. He had not tried to kiss her since the night that she bit him but he had not mentioned it either, if anything he seemed more interested in her. However today as she was instructing Miss Miyuki she felt a different presence accompany the gentleman as he walked through the doors. Focusing on the Kuchiki princess she did not look to see who had joined him.
The gentlemen stood against the wall of the studio watching them dance talking in whispers to each other.
"Byakuya this is Hisana she is Miyuki's new ballet instructor as you can see she is very beautiful and talented." Koga whispered to his cousin with a hungry expression in his eyes.
Byakuya knew this expression all to well. Koga his cousin always had a thing for the young servants of the house. It was an easy game to him he would woe them with his power and his money then get them to sleep with him. When he was done he would drop them like bag of spoiled apples and move on to another unsuspecting victim. Byakuya hated this type of attitude but that's how life was as a noble, you were never denied anything and mistresses were of plenty. Most of the time they would throw themselves at you like they did to Byakuya so it was easy and it was acceptable as long as you attempted to keep it quite regardless if you were married or not. Byakuya had never given in to that type of temptation he was more honorable than that, no matter how pretty the young girls were they were not good enough for him not even just for a night. Koga always insisted that he was missing out and after he was done with a girl or two he would send them to Byakuya's room in hopes to please the young heir, but to his dismay Byakuya would always throw them out, kindly of course. Watching Miyuki's new instructor Byakuya couldn't deny that she was beautiful; she was lovelier than any woman he had ever seen. Of course his cousin was trying to sleep with her. Now this poor woman was the object of Koga's lust and Byakuya hoped she had some form of common sense and stay away from him but he assumed she was just like the rest and probably batted her eyes lashes unsuspectingly at him the way all the others did.
Not wanting the lesson to ever end Hisana started to wrap it up and sat down with Miyuki stretching before they called it a day. Miyuki turned her attention to her brother and squealed when she saw who had accompanied him. Getting up she ran towards her cousin halting before him she stopped herself from jumping on him and regained her poise as a lady.
Bowing deeply before him she said "I am so glad you are back Bya-kun, I have worried about you every day since you left."
Nodding his head at her he said, "I see you have been doing well Miyuki, your dancing is as beautiful as ever."
Knowing that this must be Byakuya Kuchiki the next heir to the Kuchiki clan Hisana knew it was essential she stand to meet him. She stood up and looked over at the two men that stood there. Koga was watching her and Byakuya's attention was all on his little cousin. Hisana had heard of Byakuya before, he was a topic of gossip to every woman in Serietiei. The rumors went that he was the most handsome man in all of Soul Society and that he was going to be the strongest leader that the Kuchiki clan had ever had. Currently the gossip stated that he was stronger than Captain Kuchiki his grandfather. When Hisana looked into his face she saw that the rumors were in fact true. She couldn't deny that even she had not seen a more handsome man in all her life.
"Thank you Bya-kun! This is my new instructor Hisana. She the most amazing teacher I have ever had, did you know that she has a lead role in the ballet Le Bleu." Miyuki said with wide eyes.
Bowing before the noble Kuchiki Hisana said "Hello Lord Kuchiki it is a pleasure to finally meet you."
Byakuya said nothing but just nodded his head at her.
Hisana's eyes fell from his face and went to Koga's. He still had his eyes on her like he had never taken them off since he entered the room. The thought made Hisana uncomfortable.
"Yes, Hisana is a wonderful teacher I am sure you have seen the difference in Miyuki already." Koga said smiling at Hisana.
Koga's smile made her want to stomp on his toes. Although she hated it when he came in after her lessons she was grateful that someone else had accompanied him. That at least gave her a sense of security for one more day. Hisana couldn't help but stare at Koga with resentment in her eyes. Byakuya looking over at her did not miss the expression she had written across her face.
"Come walk with me Miss Miyuki and tell me about everything I have missed at the manor since I have been away." Byakuya said to his cousin.
The two of them turned to walk away but Koga stayed where he stood. When they were far enough to not hear what he had to say he stepped closer to Hisana and whispered in her ear "tonight." Then turned and walked towards the others.
Hisana froze and adrenaline coursed through her body. The look of resentment in her eyes toward the man changed to fear. She felt her heart begin to pound in her chest and her muscles tighten in defense. Lost in her dreaded thoughts she did not notice Byakuya look back at her one final time with a look of compassion in his features. Seeing the expression on her face he knew she was not like all the other women, she was different.
Hisana spent the rest of day jittery dreading the night and thought of a million things she could do to keep him away from her. She ate in her room alone contemplating her options. She thought maybe she should just tell him again that she is not interested in him and that they could just be friends, well not really because the thought of him gave her chills down her spine. But that's what she would tell him and she would remain courtesy to him as a noble and sister to her student. But what if he didn't accept her answer and insisted that she sleep with him, he was powerful enough to black mail her. She had a lot resting on this position; a black mark on her reputation would be enough reason to fire her. No noble lord wanted a promiscuous ballet instructor for his princess. It was unrefined and a bad influence. Not to mention her lead role in Le Bleu, only the most elegant, sophisticated dancers were allow to dance in it if word got out she was sleeping with him she would loose her role and her career would be ruined.
Hearing footsteps outside her door Hisana reacted by jumping out the window and into the night. Finally after much debate she figured the more she can avoid him the better. She ran to the rukongai and into the 78th district. She wasn't necessarily safe there but she didn't have to be courteous to any man who was trying to have sex with her, in this world she knew how to handle punks like that. She had practice the next morning at nine am and she knew she should be getting a good nights rest but under the circumstances she didn't really have a choice. She tried to find a secure place to rest her body for the night feeling unusually more safe than she did at the Kuchiki manor for the time being.
Unable to really sleep Hisana dosed off in the branches of a willow tree, when she first heard the sounds of birds singing she opened her eyes and saw that dawn was quickly approaching. She thought by now some maids would be up and it would be safe for her to return to her room. She had a few hours before her rehearsal at the theater so maybe she could get some rest in her own bed. Jumping down from the tree she made her way back to the Kuchiki manor and hopped back into her room thru her still open window. She didn't know how she was going to be able to approach Koga now but frankly she just didn't care at the moment. It was around five am so she had about two hours to get some sleep before she had to start getting ready. Seeing the first rays of sunlight splash across the floorboards of her room and listening to the birds chirp outside her window she fell asleep.
~o~
Despite the rough night Hisana had just been through there she was in the theater warming up for her rehearsal. Her body ached all over from not getting enough sleep and her mind felt discombobulated.
"Are you ok Hisana?"
"I am Riyan-san, I just didn't get enough sleep last night, and you know me I can barely function if I don't get at least five hours."
"That's true."
Riyan was Hisana's male partner for one of the main pieces of the ballet. Currently they were going over their part together.
"Look Hisana someone is waving at you." Riyan said pointing the doorway to the room they were in.
Hisana glanced over and saw little Miyuki accompanied by Kuchiki Byakuya and of course to Hisana's dismay Koga. Hisana felt her heart skip a beat and not in a romantic way. Little Miyuki was waving at Hisana wildly. Then Hisana recalled when Koga told Miyuki that he would bring her to one of Hisana's rehearsals. Normally outsiders were not allowed to watch the ballet dancers practice but considering who they were an exception must have been made. Hisana's day was about to get a whole lot worse. Not only did she ache all over from not getting enough sleep and her brain barely functioning, now she had to deal with Koga's impertinent stare while she danced. To say the least her mind was not where it should be and she was sure Karina would notice.
They went over the same part again and again. Hisana could fake a good performance when she wasn't feeling well but she could not fool herself or Karina. Loosing her patience Karina was making her do it over and over again until Hisana did it right. Taking her position for the millionth time the music started and Hisana was going to do her best despite her fatigue. Stepping into the spin she gave it too much momentum and with a crack she fell to the floor. Her face contorted in pain but she would not give in to it.
"Are you ok Hisana?"
"I'm fine I just over did it I'll be ok."
From the side lines Hisana heard Miyuki gasp, only a dancer could understand the pain that is felt when one falls mid spin. Koga kept his eyes penetrating Hisana, glaring at the woman with no remorse for her fall. Byakuya on the other hand felt an instinct to shunpo over to her and lift her up from the floor himself, which he found to be very uncharacteristic of him.
When they were released for their lunch break Hisana went over to the healer that was on duty and took off her ballet shoes to be greeted by blood. Hisana hated seeing blood. Just seeing in it even in a small amount made her dizzy.
"Oh Hisana-chan what have you done to yourself."
"I think I cracked the nail." Hisana said feeling the room begin to spin.
"Lay down Hisana and I'll wrap it up for you."
Taking deep breaths Hisana laid back on the floor staring up at the ceiling of the studio when she saw Miss Miyuki staring over her.
"Miss Hisana, are you ok?"
"I am fine Miss Miyuki."
"You look like your going to faint."
"I can't stand the sight of blood."
"Blood makes you faint." Byakuya said but not as a question just an observation. "Shouldn't you be used to the sight of blood growing up in the 78th district." He said coldly.
"I will never get used to seeing blood, growing up in the 78th district gives me more of a reason to faint at the sight of it. If it were up to me I would never have to see blood ever again in my life."
Koga standing a few feet away didn't say anything and just watched from distance. Finally breaking the silence he said, "Miyuki why don't you go get Hisana some water, she looks like she could use some."
"Hai!" Replied Miyuki as she skipped away. Byakuya followed behind her.
"There you go Hisana-chan your all fixed up."
"Thank you." Moving into a sitting position Hisana wrapped her foot up to better secure it. Trying to avoid eye contact she stood up and grudgingly glanced over at Koga.
"Where were you last night?"
"Out," was all she said.
"I told you that I was going to meet you last night did you forget?"
"No I did not forget. This is not appropriate Koga-sama and it is not something I am interested in." Hisana stared into his eyes attempting to stand firm on what she was saying.
"Do I need to remind you again Hisana that I am a very powerful man, and I always get what I want."
His words sent shivers down her spine and fear engulfed her body. Instinctively she turned to walk away. Everyone had already left for lunch so they were alone in the studio, Miyuki and Byakuya were also still gone searching for water. She was almost to the door when Koga grabbed her by her arm and turned her around forcing her back into the wall.
Leaning over her he whispered a few inches from her ear, "you don't want to upset me Hisana, I know what is at stake for you. Luckily for you I am going to lay out your options for you. You can either one sleep with me and I wont tell anyone so you don't loose your position as my sister's instructor or your lead role in Le Bleu or number two you don't sleep with me and I tell everyone you did anyway. You will lose everything, it's your choice."
Hisana swallowed hard. She knew it he was going to black mail her. Every instinct in her body was telling her to knee this man in the groin and run away but that was not possible in this situation, he was to powerful. She thought she would be safe off the streets, away from those who threatened her life, her virtue and here she was pulled into a corner being forced choose to do it. Her body was shivering, her fists where clenched on either side of her body, she was fighting a cry that threatened to breach from her throat.
"That's right, you understand the situation." He said as he leaned into kiss her.
Standing frozen in fear she held her self-firm forcing herself to remain where she was to accept his kiss.
"That's enough." Byakuya demanded standing at the entrance to the studio.
Koga looked up at his cousin, understanding that someone who out ranked him in his family gave him an order he begin to back off. Looking back at Hisana with lust filled eyes he back away from her and walked out the doorway. Byakuya hesitated for moment looking at the terrified woman before turning to walk away.
"Where is Miss Hisana I have her water." Said Miyuki just on the other side of the doorway to the studio.
"She left Miyuki." Byakuya replied.
Standing just around the corner Hisana felt tears trickle down her cheeks and splash to the ground. Still frozen in fear she was unable to move and just stood there silently crying.
~o~
Hisana competed her rehearsal in a robotic state barely able to keep her mind in the present. Karina was not very happy at all and when practice was over she took her to the side and told her to get her act together. Heading back to the Kuchiki manor Hisana decided to stop at restaurant and eat there instead. She needed a break and the last place she wanted to be at the moment was anywhere near where Koga was. Walking into the restaurant she noticed Shunsui Kyoraku who was a Captain in the 13 court guard squads and one of Hisana's biggest fans. Shunsui had been watching Hisana perform before Karina noticed her. Hisana knew he was always a big flirt with the ladies but he was so obvious it wasn't intimidating.
"Hisana-san! Come and join us." Captain Kyoraku yelled from across the room.
Not in the mood for small talk but not wanting to be rude Hisana made her way over to the Captain. Despite his flirtatious behavior he was always a kind man.
"Hello Shunsui," Hisana bowed to her friend.
"I don't think you have met my Nanao-chan she's my Lieutenant. But I am sure you remember Captain Ukatake?"
"Yes Captain I remember, it's a pleasure to finally meet you Nanao, Shunsui thinks very highly of you and speaks of nothing else." Hisana said bowing first to Captain Ukatake then focusing her attention on Nanao.
"Now, now Hisana Nanao doesn't need to know all the details."
"Its very nice to meet you Hisana-san." Nanao replied swiftly with a hint of envy in her eyes. Nanao thought Hisana was very beautiful everyone thought so. Nanao couldn't help but feel jealous of her; she was beautiful, graceful, and kind. She was a renowned dancer in a popular ballet and now she was living in the Kuchiki manor because she was the teacher to the Kuchiki princess. This woman had the world in the palm of her hand, and she couldn't help but feel jealous of her. Not to mention the pang of envy that coursed through her by the way her Captain looked at her.
Hisana was a very intuitive person and did not miss the unintentionally cold greeting she received from his Lieutenant. Assuming that she must just be having a bad day like she was she brushed it off and faked a smile on her lips.
"My darling Hisana you looked troubled, I assume that is because the ballet is getting ready to debut? I know Karina is probably working you to the bone."
"Yes, but it is worth it."
"Are you enjoying living in the Kuchiki manor now?" Captain Utakake asked.
"Oh yes, I trust that is a quite a large move up, you must love it there."
Hisana was never one to let a lie slip past her lips, so she paused looking down at her hands and tired to think of something to say that didn't give her away.
"Nobles are a different bread of people Hisana, you will learn how to cope with them." Said Captain Ukatake understanding what her silence meant.
Hisana looked up at him with a troubled look that radiated hints of doubt.
Nanao being an intuitive person as well hinted there was something more behind her silence and pleading eyes that no male could understand. At that moment she suddenly realized she did not envy this woman at all.
"Hisana, why don't you try this blend of tea, it has mood enhancers and the beautiful lady over there tells me it can sooth your soul." He said winking at a female across the room.
"Thank you Shunsui."
Hisana ate her dinner with the three Shinigami and felt a little better. Laughter is always good medicine when you are feeling down and Shunsui was just the right person to apply it. Nanao remained quite throughout dinner and watched Hisana carefully trying to read her movements. When they decided to get up and go Nanao walked a few steps behind her Captain and asked Hisana to join her. Hisana curiously followed letting the two Captains walk ahead putting some distance between the two couples before Nanao spoke.
"You don't look like your stressed out over a ballet. I am a female too maybe I can give you some advice." Nanao said abruptly and direct. To Hisana she seemed almost intrusive.
"Its nothing."
"Look I am not trying to get the latest gossip from an unsuspecting victim. I am a soldier I had to work my way up the ranks, I might know a little more about particular situations that you give me credit for."
Hisana looked her in the eyes trying to read the intention behind her words. After she concluded there was nothing but a woman trying to help she responded. "Its far more complicated."
"It can't be that complicated."
"It is when it involves black mail by a Kuchiki prince."
"What does he have to black mail you?"
"Everything," Hisana said letting the emotions show on her face. "He said if I don't sleep with him then he will ruin my reputation. If Lord Kuchiki hears from his nephew that I slept with him he will fire me for sure. No noble Lord wants a promiscuous ballet instructor for their princess. Plus only the most dignified ballet dancers dance in the ballet Le Bleu if word gets around that I lost my job because I slept with him then I'll lose that as well and I'll never be able to get another job as a dignified dancer. I will be ruined." Hisana said starring hopelessly into Nanao's eyes. "I don't have a choice."
"If you sleep with him you will probably loose your reputation anyway. Is there anyone you can talk to maybe Captain Kuchiki will understand?"
"No, Nanao he's to powerful, why would Lord Kuchiki believe me, some peasant trash from the 78th district, next to his nephew?"
"I am sorry Hisana, I don't know what to tell you." Nanao replied dumbstruck at just how bad her situation was. Instantly she regretted the jealousy she had for her before. She didn't have the world in the palm of her hand. She was just a pawn in a game of chess to men. She had no position, no power she was at their mercy.
I do not own bleach.