The summer heat seeped everywhere, across the tiled rooftops, into dazzling courtyards where wilted flowers drooped and swayed. It crept into the shaded corners of the 3rd Division offices, where a pale-skinned taichou sat at his desk, absently wiping away a bead of sweat from his brow. He could sense the slow movement of staff around the barracks, sluggishly going about their work as if dulled by sake or a trance spell.
Glancing down at the paper in his hand, he realised he hadn't written anything in over half an hour. Sighing heavily at the thought of more paperwork, he picked up his brush to sign-off on the Rukongai report from his 5th seat. Part of the report caught his attention.
In the pursuit of the hollow's spirit trail, we entered into the area assigned to Division 10 and encountered some lower-ranking officers on a drill exercise, led by the division's lieutenant, Matsumoto Rangiku. However, they had not encountered not sensed the hollow in the near vicinity…
The memory of her warm skin came back to him.
Her smooth neck, arched and trembling at the touch of his mouth. He had found the delightful spot behind her ear where he knew she liked to dab a little of that intoxicating scent, the scent of autumn peaches. His arms slipped around her waist, pulling her body tight against his. In response, her fingers slid down his chest as he nuzzled the slight dip above her collarbone.
She whispered his name, her voice low and husky with desire. He planted soft kisses along her skin, using his hands to gently slide the white shitagi off her shoulders. She was like perfection itself.
The paper crackled and he jumped slightly, realising he was gripping the report too hard. The afternoon shadows had stretched across the room, and his brush had dried up.
The taichou sighed once more and shook his head, trying to clear away the treacherous memory that tempted him to call-off his secret plan. It would be so easy to give in, to confess to her that his coldness these past years was just an act, to tell her how much his love for her burned with a desire to avenge her. He knew that if he chose it, he could look into her eyes and see his feelings mirrored there. So easy to return…
No – he had walked too far along this path to turn back. Aizen's strength grew more terrifying by the day, and he had to be careful never to let Aizen sense his true intention. Somehow, he will find a weakness in Aizen's plan, and take back what was stolen from Rangiku all those long years ago.
Despite the dull afternoon heat, he shivered.