Here we go: Chapter 2... Here's hoping that somebody can enjoy this chapter. This is my first story, so I am very open to people's suggestions and whatnot, so enjoy and review; glad to hear from anyone who reads.\

Chapter 2: First Day

Koji sat awake in his quarters, hardly believing his luck. Not even a full day, and he's already a THIRD seat. He had thought that he'd botched everything, but maybe he had done better than ever. True, he had not done anything to truly deserve it yet, but he knew he could prove himself. Just a few days and he'd show them all what he could do.

And Captain Komamura...

Somehow, Koji had known that he would end up in a division with a bizarre captain, and he had been prepared for the "Mad Scientist" Division-the Twelfth. But having a dog-a wolf-for a captain...

A great yawn erupted from a few doors down and Koji jerked in surprise. Perhaps it was the captain now, lying down to get some rest himself, for the yawn was quickly followed by a small bark-like noise.

Koji found himself yawning to and put his head down on his pillow, clutching his zanpakuto close to him... Would he be asked to use it later? Was he really ready to showcase his zanpakuto?

Did they know that he had never said his zanpakuto's name?

The thought of being discharged or demoted passed through Koji's mind and worry quickly followed. Everyone should know their sword's name. He looked at his; yes, this zanpakuto had a name, but Koji did not like to use it. Hopefully, he wouldn't have to.

Yawning once more, Koji's eyes fluttered closed and he drifted away into sleep.

The first rays of sunlight spilled into Koji's quarters and warmed his face. Instinctively, he rolled away from it, attempting to ignore it completely, but almost immediately, he jumped up. This was his first day! He can't be late!

He hurriedly readied himself for the day and, just as he pulled his hakama on, something interesting happened. A small, brown dog walked happily into his quarters and settled down on his bed, just as content as ever. Koji stopped with his hakama just over his knees, watching the dog curiously before someone else burst into the room.

"Goro, there you are," said a relieved voice.

Captain Komamura stepped into the room, oblivious to Koji completely as he moved towards the dog and picked him up. Then, as he turned, he saw Koji who straightened up immediately.

"Good morning, Third Seat," Komamura said.

"Good morning, sir," Koji echoed.

Komamura turned away and said very calmly, "Come to my office when you are... presentable. I have a few things I would like to discuss with you."

Koji raised his eyebrow in confusion before he realized his hakama were still around his knees. He quickly pulled them up with an embarrassed chortle. Komamura, with Goro in his arms, walked out and Koji felt sweat roll down his forehead and back. His first day and he had already made a complete fool of himself.

Once dressed, he double-checked himself and, satisfied, left his quarters and walked to the captain's office. What should he say to make up for earlier? What could he say?

Forcing himself to stay calm, Koji knocked on the door.

"Enter," Komamura's voice ordered, and Koji entered, glad to be walking in instead of being pushed by Iba, who was right now at his captain's side.

"Sir, you called for me?" Koji said calmly, keeping his head down.

"Yes, I did," Komamura said. Then, to Iba, he said, "You're dismissed."

Iba nodded and walked out of the office, leaving Koji alone with the captain once more.

"I have a few things I need to talk to you about; mostly concerning your duties within the division," Komamura said. "But first, we have something rather important to talk of."

"Sir, if it's about earlier, I apologize for my attire."

"Make no apologies," Komamura said. "I should not have simply walked into your room. But that is not the issue here. Lieutenant Iba has been asked to take care of some duties in the World of the Living. Because of that, for an unknown amount of time, I need someone to fill in for him until he returns. As my third seat, you are the most qualified."

"Th-thank you, sir,b-but are you sure-?"

"Which will require you to work closely with me," Komamura continued, as if Koji had never spoken. "I expect you to be able to handle the workload."

"Y-yes, sir," Koji said, stumbling over his words.

"Excellent," Komamura said. "For right now, what I need you to do is to help me with a bit of paperwork. I may need you to deliver these papers to other divisions. I know I have one from the Fourth; one of our officers was injured during his last assignment."

Koji nodded, seeing the stack of papers on Komamura's desk.

"Pull up that chair and let's get to work," Komamura ordered, indicating the chair off to the side, pushed haphazardly against the wall.

It was just past noon when Koji had finally been able to relax his eyes. He rubbed them quickly, and let out yawn. Then, remembering the captain, he tried to pass off the yawn as a cough. Komamura looked down at him.

"Yes, I'm a bit tired of this droll work as well," Komamura said. He sifted through the documents quickly, picked out a few, and handed them to Koji. "Come. We will deliver these in person."

"Deliver?" Koji echoed. He looked at the documents; yes, these were to go to other divisions.

"Yes. I will accompany you for today," Komamura said. "Come. A leisurely walk is one of life's great pleasures."

Yes, the walk was better than doing actual work, but it was slightly awkward. Komamura was never one for small talk. Koji had tried to speak a few times, but Komamura's short, clipped answers led him to believe that the captain preferred not to speak.

They delivered the documents quickly and started to return to the division when Komamura spoke.

"How are you enjoying your day so far?"

Koji was so surprised to be engaged in conversation by Komamura that he was temporarily taken aback. He hesitated a moment before saying, "It's pretty fun."

"You're lying to me."

Koji winced. He was. "Well, it's work..."

"Life itself is work," Komamura answered. Then, with a slightly different tone, he said, "What's wrong? You seem nervous."

"I am, kind of," Koji replied.

"Why?"

"Everything just seems like it's happening fast," Koji replied. "One minute, I'm a third seat. The next, I'm your lieutenant. It's just... so much so fast."

"I understand that. But don't worry," Komamura said. Then he did something odd; his hand reached over and touched Koji's shoulder. They had stopped walking and Koji looked up into Komamura's golden eyes. "Remember, that being part of my division means you'll always have support when you need it."

"Thank you, captain."

And a strangely familiar feeling wormed its way into Koji's body, one he had not felt since he had seen his parents. Koji partially expected to see his father's face instead of Komamura's, but Komamura had started walking again and Koji jogged to catch up.

"Captain, can I ask you a question?" Koji asked.

"Yes."

"Do you think I'm good enough to be your lieutenant?"

"It's just until Tetsuzaemon returns from his mission."

"Okay, then what about me being your third seat?" Koji asked.

"You were talented enough to warrant my attention, so yes," Komamura replied. "There is no reason for you to be so nervous, Third Seat Shimizu."

"Koji."

"Hm?"

"My friends call me Koji." They would if I had any friends, Koji thought.

"If that is what you wish," Komamura remarked. "Come. We have a bit more work to do today."