Huge thank you to mbravesgirl7, Daisy Rhine, Beasttamer99, Andrey258 and icless for your reviews! They mean a lot to me and encourage us to keep writing =D
XxXxX
Chapter 2 - Have a drink they said, it will be fun they said.
The sun was low, gently brushing past the horizon for although they lived in the land of the dead the planet still orbited the sun the same way it did in the human realm. The frost graced any trace of verdure littered around their world and kissed the rooftops gently. The coruscating crystals made Rukia happy. It was like having small pieces of her soul dusting over the whole of the Seireitei. She'd been working hard to keep her mind off everything; to keep her mind off the SWA and him.
It was hard to do so when Captain Hitsugaya had sent Rangiku around in the morning with a formal letter of apology. She realised that the litter had been written in such a way that the mistakes which were scored out were still completely visible. The letter had gone a little something like this:
'Dear Rukia,
I apologise for mybehaviour.
I sincerely hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me.
(Scored out) Next time I think you should hold on a little longer because I think you two were just starting to enjoy it when you pulled away. (Scored out)
Next time I will not be so foolish as to lock two senior officers in a room together and force them to do something indecent.
(Scored out) I hope you enjoyed it either way (Scored out)
I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.
Rangiku'
She wasn't sure if she should be amused by her friends' antics or annoyed at the fact she wasn't taking what she did to them seriously. Obviously Captain Hitsugaya had not proof read the note either that or he'd simply asked her to read it out to him instead; likely the latter of the two. Rukia sighed as she recalled what had been written on it. Had she enjoyed the kiss? She shook her head. It didn't matter either way it wasn't worth thinking about because they couldn't be together.
She hadn't spoken to her brother and she didn't have immediate plans to. She was just trying to forget it ever even happened. It would probably have been a little harder to do so if she had not thrown herself into her work, she thought to herself as she made her way in the direction of the Head Captains meeting hall. She'd been working tirelessly with her division. They were weeks ahead of paperwork and she had gone out to see all her soldiers to give them some personal training in the frost.
They hadn't been particularly happy about getting up at 6am to train when it was so cold but a few had just been excited that their Lieutenant of all people was taking the time from her duties to give them some personal training. So that's what she had done, working them hard into the ground. She wanted to see for herself which officers would be worthy of seats once she fully took over the division. Normally the Captain would be the one to promote but in the absence of a Captain then a Lieutenant could do so by sending off reports to the Head Captain directly for sign off. She was keeping a record track of the officers who complained at the training and the ones who worked themselves until they collapsed. She now had full names and details of all her officers and if they had achieved shikai yet or not and - if they hadn't – weather or not they were close. Those who were close she'd arranged personal one on one meetings with herself to discuss their zanpakuto and its powers and capabilities, signing off additional homework for them to research and encouraging them to meditate and speak with their zanpakuto to find out what steps were required for them to grow together.
Overall it had been a very constructive weekend and she'd only gotten through a couple of the meetings. It had been enough to take her mind off… this. She glanced up as she landed at the front door of the Head Captains meeting hall and she sighed. Securing her lieutenants badge more securely around her arm which she never really needed to do but it was a comfort thing when she was apprehensive. She walked passed the guards and pushed opened the doors to walk into the hall, she could already see Captain Hitsugaya turn to her from the corner of her eye but she refused to look at him. A flash of strawberry locks beside him told her that Rangiku was being kept close which made her relax a little. Clearly the Captain was keeping her on a tight leash as the SWA had not attempted anything further over the course of the last few days. She locked her eyes onto her Captain Ukitake who was stood chatting happily away to Head Captain Kyoraku at his chair. Another had been brought in for her Captain and she did not wish to disturb the two friends, she merely offered her Captain a smile when he met her eye but he made no indication of invite. Clearly he was discussing something personal with his friend and she would not interrupt him. She made her way towards her brother and her best friend Lieutenant Abarai. Perhaps just to push her buttons or perhaps to piss off her brother Renji pulled her flush against his side in a massive hug. It had taken him a little while to get over the role she'd played in the setup between himself and Ichigo Kurosaki but after several times of telling him over and over how sorry she was he finally relented and made up with her. She shoved against his chest as she was enveloped into his scent, she wrinkled her nose. He'd obviously been training and not changed prior to the meeting and she pulled her face away from him as she twisted out of her arms.
'Mind your place Lieutenant,' her brother warned and Renji only laughed loudly and poked her square in the ribs as she leapt away from him. She wished she could have her brothers cool head alas she couldn't stop the friendly grin on her face at her childhood friends antics.
'I'm not sorry,' Renji said sharply and Rukia shook her head.
'You never are,' she laughed back at him.
'Have you heard the latest gossip from around the Seireitei?' he asked, his mouth twisting into a cruel smile. Rukias heart stopped and then exploded double time in panic, oh god? What? How could he have heard about her and Captain Hitsugaya?
'N-no?'
'Relax,' he laughed, 'it's not like it's about you.' She relaxed a little and felt her brothers' cool gaze on the side of her face as he studied her. 'I've heard that Rangiku got yelled at pretty badly by Captain Hitsugaya, not sure what over though some sort of SWA thing.'
'Oh,' she sighed in relief.
'Thought maybe you'd know more about it but some people are even saying she's going to get fired.' At these words Rukia turned her attention in the direction of the two. Toshiro was standing with his arms folded and he looked just as icy as he always did. Rukia quickly averted her gaze from him to the tall strawberry blond beside him and she did look a little more on edge. Normally she'd be happily walking around and talking to all the other lieutenants especially Izuru and Shuhei with whom she was good friends and drinking buddies with. Though she was annoyed with the woman she hoped the rumours of her getting fired weren't true. She highly doubted it, Captain Hitsugaya and Rangiku were often at each others throats but the two seemed inseparable.
'So you're a member of the SWA aren't you?' Renji asked, 'any ideas?'
'None but even if I did,' her eyes flickered back to his and a cruel smirk twisted on her mouth, 'I wouldn't be discussing them at an important Captain and Lieutenant meeting.'
'Rukia knows her place Renji, it's time you learned yours.' Her brother said softly, but his tone was dangerous. Byakuya hated gossiping which was probably why Renji was doing it deliberately in front of him, he loved pushing her brothers' buttons. Not long after this comment the doors opened and the last participants from Squad Eleven finally showed up.
'The meeting will begin momentarily,' Head Captain Kyoraku called in his cheery voice. He was a stark contrast from the previous Head Captain they had had. Rukia moved into position along the line up. As an odd number division she was to stand on the Head Captains left side closest to the door. They were directly opposite Captain Kurotsuchi and his lieutenant and also opposite Captain Hitsugaya and Rangiku. The Captains stood side by side and behind them and slightly to their rights were their lieutenants. Rukia was prepared to keep quiet, she didn't wish to speak unless spoken too even though Head Captain Kyoraku was a lot more laid back.
'The meeting is in session,' he called promptly clapping his hands together and grinning. Clearly he'd already started drinking today and beside him Nanao seemed to notice too, she was gritting her teeth in frustration. Rukia couldn't help the small smile that adorned her features. In a way she was rather fond of the new Head Captain. Things were less serious now that he was in charge.
'We are here to announce the official retirement of Captain Jushiro Ukitake of Squad Thirteen who will join me in drinking his way into an early grave.' There were a few chuckles around the room at the comment and Nanao gave an exasperated sigh. 'In charge of the division will be Lieutenant Rukia Kuchiki who has decided to keep her position as a Lieutenant rather than stepping into the role of Captain.'
Yes that conversation had not gone along well with Captain Ukitake, she flinched as she remembered. He was strongly trying to convince her that she would excel at the test and that she was born to lead the division. He couldn't imagine anyone else taking over his life's heart and soul. She hated letting him down but she knew she'd let him down worse if she were to be named Captain, she was not strong enough yet. Yes she'd achieved bankai and yes she'd saved her brothers life in the last Quincy War but the fact of the matter was that was the first war where she was actually useful. She'd proven to be so useless almost every other time before it and she didn't feel like she wanted to be a Captain who always needed saving. She was so lost in thoughts that she didn't really hear a collective muttering around the room, the mutterings were the least of her concern. She wasn't trying to seek understanding for her decision she simply wanted to do what was best for her division and the best thing for her division was to have a Captain who was strong enough to protect them.
'Thus she will run the division as Lieutenant until another Captain is ready to take over. Any paperwork requiring signatures from the Captain of Squad Thirteen will be signed by Rukia until further notice.' This was standard and was happening with a number of the other Captainless divisions so far so it wasn't news to anyone. 'Jushiro would you like to say a few words?' she glanced up in time to see her Captain take a step forward and she smiled fondly at the back of his head which was all she could see. She could feel a set of eyes on her and she let her eyes flicker from his white locks to another head of white locks in the room and she met the cool teal gaze of Captain Hitsugaya who seemed to be trying to appraise her with a look. She quickly looked away back to her Captain, biting down on her lower lip to stop any kind of blush from spreading out over her face really all she'd done was look at him. It would be pathetic to blush from a glance.
'Yes thank you Head Captain,' Ukitake spoke, 'I have served with many of you for more years than I could possibly count, I have seen some come,' his gaze flickered in the direction of young Hitsugaya and as Rukia followed his head to glance back at him he was looking rather fondly at her Captain. 'And I have seen some go,' he spoke this time glancing down at the line of empty Captain slots. 'While I am upset to retire from my division I know it will be in good hands.' He turned his head a fraction to fix her with his right eye and give her an encouraging smile that made her stand up a little straighter. 'I wish for you all to know that should you ever need me I will be here ready to serve until my last breath. That's all.' He concluded and there were soft whoops and collective murmurings of "thank you" around the room directed to him.
'Then that leaves only one other piece of official business, the feast.' Head Captain was grinning as he said it, 'it will be held this Friday in the Oiwai hall of the Division One Quarters. Only Captains and Lieutenants will be invited.'
Rukia was excited, she'd heard of the hall apparently it was grand and only ever used for celebrations among Captains. Apparently the grounds were gorgeous too, with a beautiful lake and stream and blossom trees. She was actually a little excited about seeing it now. They had their own Koi pool just like her brothers. Not like the Koi pool in their own division where the fish were stolen.
'The meeting is concluded, your time is your own.' He waved a hand to dismiss them and Rukia stood obediently by her Captains side as many came forward to thank him for his service and wish him the best.
A few people didn't come up to him though and left straight away, Captain Kurotsuchi and his Lieutenant being two of them which Rukia had expected but also Captain Hitsugaya and Rangiku which had surprised her. They seemed in a bit of a hurry as they turned and left and Rukia didn't have time to try and read his face. Was he upset or did he have other things to do? She shook her head. It wasn't befitting to think little of a Captain especially one as highly respected as Captain Hitsugaya. Everyone thought little of Captain Kurotsuchi. Perhaps when Captain Ukitake had turned to him he'd gotten emotional? It wasn't exactly a word she'd use for the Captain of Ice but maybe… maybe rumours were wrong, maybe Captain Hitsugaya was a bit more sensitive than everyone thought? She tilted her head still staring at the door long after he'd left with his lieutenant. Maybe she'd ask Ukitake about it someday.
XxXxX
She walked out of her bedroom, her legitimate bedroom and not just the section of her office she was using as one. The black kimono hugged her snugly and she frowned into the mirror, normally her brother had them a little less revealing to protect her modesty. So either she was putting on weight – which she was sure she wasn't – or he suddenly had changed the design measurements that he usually had the tailors work from. The silky black fabric hugged her waist and hips, highlighting and drawing attention to the way her body curved and she wasn't quite sure how she felt about it. Was there someone at this feast he was trying to set her up with? Was this another trick by the SWA? Had they somehow managed to alter the tailors' notes for her measurements? Did they pay the tailor off? She was being absurd and she knew it. If Rangiku Matsumoto was behind this then her breasts would be completely on show… or lack of. She frowned and sighed, she was a warrior and while they couldn't all be as endowed as Rangiku she did sometimes wish she had a little something extra to offer there.
She shook her head Kon had never had an issue with them. Then again it was Kon. She rolled her eyes at the thought and returned to scrutinizing the outfit. The black was broken up by snowdrop flowers and patterned by frost like snowflakes which made her smile. Her brother had clearly specified what he wanted and made her a kimono to match her division and personality.
'Miss Kuchiki, your escorts are here.' Her fourth seated officer called through the door. She heard him promptly make his way back to wherever he was on duty and she walked towards the door opening it up and stepping out into the snow. The cold temperatures they'd been having recently finally gave way to actual snow and it had fallen hard for the last two days. Everyone wandered around with thicker cloaks and scarves on over their usual uniforms but she didn't require anything of the sort. She walked towards the two tall figures and greeted them both warmly.
'Hello Nii-Sama, Renji,' she bowed her head and Renji gave a low whistle.
'Looking good Rukia,' he chuckled at her and Rukia heard her brother sigh beside her.
'You look wonderful Rukia,' Byakuya commented, holding out his arm for her to take which she did with a massive smile.
'Yeah who are you trying to impress?' Renji scoffed.
'Renji perhaps you'd be better served going ahead of us and allowing my sister and I to speak privately for a moment?'
'Alright,' Renjis voice clearly sounded like he was amused, 'I'll order us some shots of sake for when you get there Rukia.' He disappeared into the night before her brother had a chance to decline the offer on her behalf. She felt the muscles of his arm tense under his eloquent looking three part kimono.
'What do you think of the new style of dress?' he asked her starting the conversation off lightly since this was the first proper conversation they'd had since the meeting on Monday.
'I love it Nii-Sama thank you,' she squeezed his arm gently and glanced up to see him smile a little in the night.
'I want to tell you to put on a jacket,' he continued to smile and she laughed. He was clearly working harder than usual to keep the channel of communication up, potentially to try and encourage her to open up about what was bothering her. 'I also did a little research into that topic you and I spoke about when you were over for dinner.' Her head turned, he'd piqued her curiosity now.
'You did?' she questioned lightly and he nodded his head.
'Yes, it seems it is a common thing for similar zanpakuto; be it that the powers have similarities or that the embodiment of the zanpakuto have similar characteristics. For example someone may have their reiatsu mould with Renji if their zanpakuto spirit was that of a snake. Or for yourself, perhaps another ice elemental zanpakuto,' as he said it she felt her whole body stiffen. He wasn't stupid, he had his suspicions about what may or may not be happening. 'Or perhaps if young Hitsugaya came into contact with another whom had a dragon based zanpakuto. However to answer your actual question, no two lovers zanpakutos will not mingle. However I have now read several cases where a similarity in zanpakutos have caused two people to become lovers.'
'Oh,' she could feel her heart hammering in her chest. This wasn't absolute though, she'd spent decades in the Soul Society and if she kept her distance away from Captain Hitsugaya then it would never happen again. Trouble was… she wasn't sure if that made her happy or sad.
'The connection we are referring to has a name it is called "Seishin-tekina tsunagari" or is more commonly referred to as "Spiritual Connection".'
'Thank you brother,' she sighed and he brought a hand around to clasp at her hand that was wrapped around his arm. They stopped walking for a moment as he turned to her.
'I hope this helps you with whatever may be going on Rukia, you're growing up and you don't need my protection anymore. That was proven in the Quincy War when you achieved bankai to rescue me. Regardless I want you to know I am still here for you.' He reached up to gently brush a strand of loose hair that had fallen from her chopstick hairdo and tuck it behind her ear.
'Thank you Nii-Sama,' she felt happy. She was sure that her and Captain Hitsugaya would let this whole ordeal blow over and they could go back to being colleagues and she could focus her full attention on her work. She was sure… she hoped. As they turned to continue walking she couldn't help but feel a little part of her cry out in protest. A small rebellious side of her, the side that had transferred her powers to Ichigo, the side that disobeyed the Soul Society to save her friends, the side that had kissed the other guys, that side of her wanted to explore this "Spiritual Connection" that she shared with Captain Hitsugaya a little more.
It wasn't long after this conversation that they were soon at the Oiwai Hall and Byakuya led the way inside since he knew where he was going. The hall was grand. It had large marble pillars that held up the high ceiling. The ceiling had been painted with many battles of the history of the Seireitei at least all the historic battles she used to study in the academy. The white and grey marbled arches lead out into another room where a long table and chairs had been set up for them to dine, but she was wondering what function the main room had other than just a gathering and conversing place.
She was led by her brother towards her now retired Captain and Byakuya gave her arm a gentle pat as he let her go. She stepped towards her Captain who turned to greet here happily in robes of pale lilac.
'Rukia,' he reached forward and she allowed herself to be hugged by him. It was actually taking all her will now to hold back her emotions.
'Captain,' she sighed contently. His scent had always been a comforting and fresh one, if she had to place it she'd say it reminded her of pine; a scent that was always there even in the harshest of winters.
'Not anymore I am not,' he chuckled as she stepped back, 'I am just Jushiro now,' he offered a bow to Byakuya whom returned it.
'You will always be my Captain,' she said and felt her throat constrict with emotion. Where was Renji with the bloody alcohol?
'You will always be one of my favourite things about my time spent in the thirteen court guard squad.' He said it so easily but he had no idea the mental impact it had on her. She could feel a lump forming at the back of her throat as he tucked the same pesky stray strand of hair back behind her ear that Byakuya had done earlier. She couldn't even open her mouth for fear she'd burst into tears and he smiled knowingly at her. 'You've grown so much.'
'Rukia there you are,' it was the voice of her boisterous friend Renji as he came butting into the scene. Byakuya glared at him but he completely ignored it as he pressed a glass of red wine into her hand. She was thankful for the alcohol and tried to take a rather large gulp without it being obvious. Renji started to converse with Ukitake and Rukia stepped away from them a moment to allow them some time when the doors to the hall opened and she turned behind her.
Captain Hitsugaya had just arrived and he was in a kimono of pure white, his hair blended beautifully into his outfit and his teal eyes stood out stark against it even from this far away. She swallowed down another mouthful of wine, he looked annoyed about something. He did most of the time she saw him actually. From the corner of her eyes she saw the two Kotetsu sisters swoon as they stared at him and she resisted the urge to roll her eyes. A few short seconds after he'd taken a couple of steps in, Rangiku came in after him, she looked stunning as always. Her long legs were revealed by a slit all the way up the side of her baby pink kimono and her breasts were on show, perhaps a little more than was really necessary for the event. Or maybe Rukia was just jealous. Captain Hitsugaya paused for a moment and turned towards his lieutenant, that's when Rukia spotted that the back of his kimono downed a beautiful pale blue dragon which made her smile. The blue matched the undershirt he wore and of course was reminiscent of Hyorinmaru.
'Who are we looking at?' Renji called loudly beside her and she jumped into the air. She'd have spilled her red wine if she hadn't already taken several large gulps out of it and she glared up at her red headed friend. 'Oh Captain Hitsugaya? Remember after the academy when you had a crush on him?'
'No,' she stated firmly hoping that no one else around them heard her loud friend. She'd been doing so well to forget her silly crush she'd had on the Captain not long after she first saw him in the Seireitei. He'd not long just been made Captain when she and Renji had arrived and of course as all young girls do, they get a stupid crush don't they? Besides it wasn't like she was the only one to have ever had a crush on him. Women fawned over him all the time he was far too handsome for his own good and the way he looked tonight only proved it. 'Enjoying a view is not a crush Renji.' She stated in a serious tone as he laughed at her, 'besides didn't someone feel a very special something for a lady who could turn into a cat?'
'You promised not to bring that up,' he hissed in her ear and she smirked into her wine as someone called out to her.
'Ruuuuukkkkiiaaaaaa!' she had a mental flash back to Kon and was glancing around for a flying stuffed lion plushie but there was none. The voice was strangely feminine too and as she looked over in the direction it had come from and spotted Rangiku waving manically.
'I'll see you later,' Renji said but she grabbed him by his red and black kimono and yanked him over with her.
'Hey Rangiku,' Rukia said flatly, she still hadn't forgiven the woman for locking her in a room. She was grinning manically to herself as if she too were remembering the events. 'Not done anything wrong lately have you?'
'Nope, I've been on my best behaviour, even my Captain is surprised.' She nodded her head to him and Rukia and Renji turned in time to see him being swarmed by the Kotetsu sisters. They were close enough to hear what was being said.
'You look really good Captain Hitsugaya,' lieutenant Kotetsu said as she leaned forward. Rukias eyebrows shot into her fringe, he did look good but that was a bold move from the sisters. Normally they were less obvious about their feelings than that. Perhaps things had changed since Rangiku assured them that he was straight?
'I-t-thank you?' he replied and Rukia watched as the two sisters slowly seemed to be advancing on him but for every step they took forward he took one back.
'Have you been working out Captain?' Isane Kotetsu said and she had the audacity to actually lean forward and touch his arm. Poor Captain Hitsugaya looked just as dumbstruck as Rukia felt as he continued backing up.
'You're due your full medical examination I could give it to you in private?' lieutenant Kiyone Kotetsu said.
'Don't be silly lieutenant a medical examination of a Captain should be given by another Captain. We'll have to take some… measurements.' At these words there was a snort beside her and Rukia tore her eyes away from the scene towards Rangiku.
'Well now,' she was smirking at Rukia who blinked up at her in surprise, 'isn't that amusing?'
'Shouldn't you go help him?' Rukia asked staring at her dumbstruck.
'The Captains a lucky man, why would Rangiku go help him?' Renji asked looking at her curiously.
'I don't know maybe because he looks uncomfortable?' Rukia was scowling.
'Why would you care Rukia?' Rangiku asked innocently and Rukia scowled at her.
'I don't I just know that lieutenants should be loyal to their Captains and aid them in situations where they need help.'
'I trust my Captains abilities to handle two women at once,' Rangiku shrugged with a smirk and Rukias face instantly heated up… they weren't talking about battling were they?
'I-'
'Unless,' Rangiku interrupted Rukia, 'you're jealous?'
'I am not,' she barked back but the colour didn't recede from her face as the strawberry blond grinned at her.
'Does Renji know?' she asked.
'About her crush on Hitsugaya?' Renji asked turning to her with his brow raised and Rukia blanched as Rangikus face lit up.
'What!?' the strawberry blond squealed and Rukia practically jumped up and down in exasperation.
'No! NO! It was a LONG time ago,' she threw a glare at Renji who was grinning at her obvious discomfort.
'Oh pity, hey Renji want to know what happened the other week between Captain Hitsugaya and Rukia?' she was saying it to get a reaction and that's exactly what she got. Rukia was mortified, the last thing she needed was Renji knowing what the hell had happened but something… about the way he was acting threw her.
'Oh I would love to know,' he was grinning at Rukia but it was a knowing grin.
'You told him already?' Rukia hissed at Rangiku who simply shrugged.
'Not me no, I've not had the chance,' she glanced up to him and he smirked.
'I'm very in with the other SWA members,' he said it to sound cool and Rukia scowled.
'Like who? Yoruichi?' she retorted, the name was enough to draw the presence of Soi Fon and Rukia looked around to see Captain Hitsugaya being led towards the feast table by Head Captain Kyoraku as the feast was about to start.
'Come on lets go grab a seat,' Renji chuckled beside her, 'unless you'd rather go and sit beside lover boy?'
'I will freeze off the most important part of your body Renji if you say anything to anyone do I make myself clear?' she glared at him and the temperature around them seemed to fall by a few degrees.
'Perfectly,' he was still smiling though as they made their way over to sit down at the table. She sat between Renji and Rangiku and across from Byakuya and the Kotetsu sisters. She ordered another glass of red wine before the meal began. She was going to need it.
The first of many courses were brought out and everyone tucked into the feast, Rukia was down the opposite side of the table from the icy Captain who was sat between Ukitake and head Captain Kyoraku who was at the front of the table. She quickly tore her eyes away from him and tucked into the meal as she listened more than spoke to the banter happening around her. Rangiku was talking to Captain Kotetsu about her attempts to 'woo' her Captain.
'I mean, he's a pretty shy guy so you got to be forward but next time don't scare him.' She chuckled and despite Rukias pretence of uninterested she was listening intently. 'You just got to go for it with him, I think he likes a girl with a little decorum but he also needs a woman who isn't afraid to make a move on him.' She boldly stated and Rukia was sure she saw the strawberry turn towards her. 'A bit like a friend of ours demonstrated recently with that bold lip lock.'
Rukia had been in the process of swallowing down a large mouthful of food when she almost choked, she glanced fearfully across the table to her brother who met her eyes with a questioning look as she swallowed.
'Don't eat so fast Rukia,' he said softly, not to correct her decorum but because he was worried she'd choke and die on the table. How humiliating, bankai level lieutenant soul reaper, killed by a dumpling. She swallowed another large gulp of wine to wash it down as she turned to throw daggers at Rangiku.
'He'd also need someone honest,' the tall woman said as she turned back towards Captain Kotetsu. Rukia was pleased that Renji had engaged her brother in conversation to her left so she could listen more intently to what Rangiku was saying. 'If he's left guessing stuff he over thinks things.'
'That's good advice Rangiku,' Captain Kotetsu said as she sat back on her chair thoughtfully. It was good advice, so perhaps Rukias thoughts from the meeting had been correct? If he was prone to over thinking things then he would likely be quite a sensitive guy? She glanced down the table to where the tiny man sat in between the two older men. There was a glass of white wine in front of him and he had a kind smile on his face that made him look a lot more attractive than his usual frowns. As if sensing she was looking at him he glanced down the table at her, but this time she didn't look away. She offered him a shy smile and he offered one back at her. Her heart felt like it was being thrust into her throat and even from just a smile across the table she could feel her reiatsu prickle, like it wanted to reach out to him. She felt heat creeping up her neck and she turned back towards the others, noticing that her brother was watching her intently. Perhaps he'd felt her reiatsu? He knew the feel of it better than anyone except maybe Ichigo.
'If you like him,' Renji said so quietly in her ear that no one else could possible hear him, 'then you should go for it.' Perhaps it was the wine but she could feel butterflies rising in the pit of her stomach.
'He might not like me,' she muttered back, no one could hear the conversing friends over the loud strawberry blond to her right anyway who was casually talking about her woes of getting ready.
'He'd have to be crazy not to like you Rukia.' Renji said and he offered her a kind smile as he pulled back, she smiled back to him. The food just kept coming and while some people seemed to have given up eating she kept going. She often trained with troops of her own division so she could eat and eat and never put on any weight, she just loved food and her brother knew that. He often had to remind her to slow down though when she went over to his and it was just the two of them he'd encourage her bad habits by letting her finish his own untouched food directly from his plate. It was perhaps one of few moments they shared together where he did not force the noble name onto how she behaved.
The meal continued for a long time after and Rukia decided it best to stop eating when she realised no one else was. It was then that Head Captain Kyoraku stood up and everyone fell into silence. He held up his drink for a toast and everyone lifted their glasses.
'To Ukitake, may you have a long and joyous retirement,' once he said the simple line everyone drunk deeply from their glasses and Rukia finished off the second glass of wine. As soul reapers it took a lot to get them drunk, so she wasn't feeling anything more than a slight heat in her cheeks and a light buzz at the back of her head… she also couldn't control the way her eyes now often wandered down the table to the Captain nestled beside Ukitake. Okay so maybe regardless of being soul reappears they could get a little merry.
'Now, onto the proper part of the feast,' the Head Captain grinned at them, 'bring on the alcohol,' as he said it the harsh lights of the place seemed to dim and musicians flooded into the main room to strike up some songs. Rukia grinned as she rose from her chair and everyone started to do the same.
'I'll go get us some more wine Rukia,' Rangiku smirked and leapt away. She watched the strawberry blond go and didn't think anything of it. When she returned she noticed that she took a glass over towards Toshiro and watched them exchange a few words before the blond made her way back towards Rukia. She took the glass of red wine with a smile, watching as the Captain sniffed suspiciously at his own and the tried a taste. She chuckled into hers as she drunk a few steady mouthfuls of it. It must have been a different wine to what she had before because it tasted different. He moved so fast she didn't get a chance to see him until a strong cold hand had wrapped its way around her arm to pull the glass away from her face. Rukia started and stared toward Captain Hitsugaya with a questioning look, but he was glaring directly at Rangiku who stood looking innocent in the corner.
'What did you put in them Matsumoto?' he asked and Rukia felt her head spin. Byakuya was there in an instant removing the glass from her grip before she dropped it and he sniffed it before turning to glare at the busty blond. Rukias vision was going blurry and her cheeks were soon on fire. She didn't understand what all the fuss was about… she felt good. Like really good.
Head Captain Kyoraku made his way over and he slung an arm around Rukias neck as Hitsugaya let go of her arm. She turned her blurry gaze to older man, she never realised how fond of him she was.
'You're a much better Head Captain than the last Head Captain,' she slurred at him and he chuckled before Byakuya stepped forward.
'I would like to take Rukia home,'
'Home? The party just started,' he said abashed.
'She's had her drink spiked,' her brother glared over at Rangiku who was now being scolded by Hitsugaya.
'She's fine look at her, she's just relaxed. You don't have my permission to leave yet,' Head Captain Kyoraku winked at Byakuya who growled and walked after him into the crowed of bodies.
'My head feels funny,' she mumbled and went to take a step towards the back door to get some fresh air when she nearly fell. In an instant a set of cool hands were on her arm steadying her.
'I'll take her outside until Captain Kuchiki can get permission to leave, then we'll be having a talk Matsumoto.' He said and Rukia frowned down at him as he led her outside.
'Don't be too mad with her,' she giggled a little as they finally stepped out into the wonderful snowy grounds of the beautiful hall. 'She means well.'
'Sometimes I wish she'd mean well in other ways,' he sighed and he sounded exasperated, the advice of Ukitake rung in her ears, reminding her to have fun.
'Hey now,' she reached around and poked his side through his kimono giggling at his reaction. 'You need to loosen up,' she sighed and sat down in the snow quite happily in her element. She wasn't quite sure if he looked apprehensive or not but he didn't reply back to her as she flopped down fully into the snow. If anything else he looked a little amused as she began to wave her arms in the element creating a snow angel of sorts in the untouched flurry. She couldn't move her legs though because the bottom of her kimono was too restrictive. She sat back up and turned to look down at it with a grin. It was pretty but now the snow clung to the back of her hair dampening it, which also didn't bother her in the slightest. She hadn't really noticed before now but their reiatsu was prickling again.
'What's going on with that,' she waved her arms at the air between them.
'With what?' his voice sounded a little amused again.
'The reiatsu thingy, the spiritual connection whatever-' she continued to wave her arms. 'How come it never happened to us before? Like when we were in the world of the living on that mission together?'
'It's likely it was activated by that kiss,' he shrugged his shoulders as he said it but she could see a different emotion in his strong teal eyes as he stared at her.
'Mmmm,' she mumbled her eyes glazing over as she remembered the kiss, 'that was a good kiss.'
Shock crossed his face first and he clearly tried to compose himself, as she prepared a snowball behind her back. She started and glanced over his shoulder.
'What is that?' she called and he quickly turned to see what she was referring too when she tossed the snowball at the back of his head. It hit him with a delicate thud and melted into his soft looking white spikes as he turned back around to look at her. She was already gathering up snow in her hands and grinned up at him.
'Oh no, the Icy Captain has been challenged. How embarrassing, to be beaten in your own element Captain?' her words were sent to tease him as she stood in the snow.
'You have no idea lieutenant Kuchiki, with whom you are messing,' he drawled but a smirk was on his face. They moved at the exact same time, flash stepping away from each other. She had the advantage of already having a snowball ready but damn was he fast. He skidded sideways in the powder drawing it into his hand to form some balls quickly so that when he stopped and crouched ready to spring he already had three snowballs. Bloody prodigy.
The first one grazed her ear as she moved last second out of its way. She hadn't anticipated his speed. It made sense given his height or perhaps those luscious white spikes simply made him aerodynamic? The second one caught her arm as she danced out of its way and behind a thick trunk of a nearby blossom tree. The reiatsu was still crackling in the air around her and she was sure she could feel Sode no Shirayuki buzzing with delight somewhere inside her. Her zanpakuto also seemed to be helping her for at the last moment a direct link via their reiatsu had Rukia jumping out of the way of a particularly nasty thud which hit the tree exactly where her head had been two seconds before. There was a chuckle that sounded delicately like the tinkle of frost and she turned too late, bringing an arm up to shield her face as a snowball collided with it.
'I can't run in this Kimono,' she hissed to herself. Her vision was hazy from the alcohol too and her head was still spinning.
'What was it you said Kuchiki? That you'd beat me in my own element?' a voice chuckled behind her and she flash stepped out of the way before a ball could be thrown at her current location. He was just toying with her, this wasn't a serious fight. Not yet anyway.
'If your lieutenant had not spiked my drink,' she slurred a pounding resonating in her head, 'I would not be making this so easy for you.'
'Are you always prone to excuses?' he was teasing her now and she spotted him as he slowed for but a second. She threw a ball to his right and he easily stepped out of the way with a smile on his face. Not anticipating her plan that ball had been used as a distraction as she flash stepped close to him and tossed another that literally grazed his cheek as he leapt back. She smirked even intoxicated she could surprise him. They were both gone again in an instant and their reiatsu was crackling between them the more they carried on their silly little snowball fight.
She giggled to herself as she stepped up beside the trunk of a tree her violet eyes scanning the grounds for him when he appeared to her left. She threw the current snowball she had as fast as she could but like a show off he caught it in his hands added it to the ball he already had and send it straight back her way in a matter of milliseconds and it caught her directly on her left shoulder.
'That's it, it's on now,' she growled down at her attire. She could just take the dress off right? It was getting in her way and she needed to win. She remembered Rangikus dress and how it had the slit up the side. That would make it much easier to move. She reached down and tore at the side of the dress, the tear coming quite far up; further up than intended.
'R-Rukia,' it had been the first time she'd heard him use her first name and she looked up to see him skidding towards her. His hands came out to stop her current actions against her dress but he judged the distance wrong in his haste and they were both sent tumbling to the floor. Well… she grabbed him down with her. His hands came out to stop from crushing her as they both landed in the soft snow underfoot. The air around them was on fire but it was like the burn one would get from ice rather than heat. He was so close, too close. His breath ghosted over her cheek as he leaned back to look at her.
'Are you alright?' he asked, she noticed that there was colour dusting his cheeks but she wasn't sure what put it there. It looked good on him, like the glow someone normal would get after hours spent out in the snow. She could feel the power of his reiatsu mingling with her own, hauling them - urging them together. She took a sharp intake of breath and nodded her head.
'I'm sorry,' he made to get up but something was holding him in place, she realised it was her. Her two hands had fisted his kimono stopping him from moving. Before she could stop herself she pulled him down to meet her lips effectively crushing them together. Their reiatsu exploded in the air once more, as if both their zanpakuto were rejoicing. His lips were cold and soft exactly how she remembered them and she was just about to coax his mouth open and deepen the kiss when he quickly pulled away.
'I-I can't,' he gasped, 'you've had your drink spiked, it would be improper-'
'Shut up and kiss me,' she snapped at him as her arms came back up and pulled him back down to meet her lips again. He seemed like he wanted to protest but instead he moulded helplessly against her. She let her hands wander up and down his back pulling him flush against her. His pelvis was somewhere between her legs which she realised probably wasn't appropriate but it was so hard to concentrate on those details when their lips were moving together as one. She felt his tongue boldly swipe against her lower lip and she opened up to allow him in, his breath and his tongue flooded her mouth and she couldn't help a needy moan that gurgled in the back of her throat. She met his tongue with her own which tentatively stroked against his before he deepened the kiss and applied a little more urgency. Soon the two appendages were dancing between their mouths until they broke for air. The reiatsu around them was hugging her from every direction and drawing her into him. She glanced up to see if she could physically see their reiatsu when she felt his lips on her neck. She froze at the feeling, the cool lips moved against her skin leaving a burning trail as he licked and kissed his way up and down the exposed flesh. He paused for a moment to brush a loose strand of hair away from her neck before he went back to ravishing it again.
Now something new was happening to her, she could feel a burning desire in the pit of her stomach. Something she'd never felt before. Between her legs she could feel herself pulsing with need, her walls aching for something. She swallowed thickly and let out a delicate moan just as his mouth came back up to hers. The kiss was sweet, like he was trying to pour some tender care into it. She let him take the lead because honestly? At this point? She'd let him do whatever he wanted to her. Her body was responding in a needy way as she could feel her legs subconsciously widening invitingly. He adjusted his position and she could feel him pressing up against her. It felt like there was something in his pocket but she couldn't tell what it was. She felt bold enough to gently nip at his bottom lip and suck it into her mouth as she abused it before letting it go. One of his hands was against her cheek and she wasn't sure when he'd done that. His touch was so delicate and soft she could barely feel it at all.
'Sorry to interrupt.' They broke apart instantly and Captain Hitsugaya was quickly scampering to his feet, his face on fire as the two of them gazed up at an unimpressed looking Byakuya and a wildly grinning and ecstatic looking Rangiku.
'Rukia we now have permission to leave.' Her brother stated as Captain Hitsugaya leaned forward to help Rukia to her feet. She took his hand and gracefully got up. Whatever Rangiku gave her was wearing off because she was feeling a little shaky and hot all over her body… or maybe that was just from the kiss?
'What happened to your dress?' he asked, his eyes flashing a warning towards Captain Hitsugaya whom she felt the need to defend.
'I did it myself Nii-Sama I am sorry, we had a snowball fight and I couldn't run in the dress, the Captain here tried to stop me. It's how we ended up in the snow.' She could tell her brother was angry at her and she wasn't looking forward to his wrath but she was also aware of the fact that Captain Hitsugaya still had not let go of her hand.
'Was that why your reiatsu was flailing all over the place?' Rangiku chimed in with amusement. Perhaps Hitsugaya had tossed her a glare because she suddenly shut her mouth.
'Come Rukia, let me get you home.' Byakuya sent a look in Captain Hitsugayas direction but she wasn't sure what for. She moved towards her brother and felt the frosty Captains hand let go of her at the last possible moment, like he wanted to hang on. She turned to him as her brother led her to a back exit from the grounds, those teal eyes were wide and there was a lot of emotion in them that she was not in the proper state to read. She offered him a rather shy smile as she turned to face her brothers back.
'I will have you stay in the Manor tonight to ensure you are alright in the morning before you leave.' It was an order, not a request and she knew better than to try to decline. She followed behind him without a word, her mind working double time to catch up with everything that had happened. She could feel her mind clearing and she thought back to the events that had just happened. What the hell had she done? She watched her brothers back apprehensively. She'd put herself in a hell of a situation because now… now no matter what happened she could be in for heartbreak. She felt a lump form at the back of her throat. Her brother was going to tell her that as a noble she could not date a non noble. If by some miracle he did let her, there's a strong chance that Captain Hitsugaya may not be interested and he was only doing what felt right in the heat of the moment.
'I am sorry Nii-Sama,' she finally said, her voice broke a little at the end. It caused the noble to pause and sigh as he turned back around to look at her, he didn't look angry.
'I wish you'd have told me first Rukia about your feelings. I understand it can be difficult to discuss.' She looked down at her feet, she hated when her brother was disappointed in her. 'Tell me how you feel? Because Captain Hitsugaya does not strike me as the kind of man to take advantage of an intoxicated woman, which makes me believe you made the first move.'
'I-' she could feel her eyes prickle and her throat constrict. Why was this so damn hard? 'I like him,' she whispered and she scowled at herself. It was the first time she'd even admitted it to herself. 'I like him a lot.'
'He was the reason you were asking about the Seishin-tekina tsunagari connection?'
'Yes,' she whispered and he could tell she was feeling vulnerable so he walked back to her and put an arm around her shoulder pulling her into his side. 'Are you going to tell me I can't see him again?' she asked, her voice cracking on the last word.
'You are a woman now Rukia and quite able to make your own decisions.' His reply hung in the air between them for a while and she was waiting for a 'but' however one didn't come.
'Wait… but he's not a noble?' she squirmed out of her brothers' arms to look up at him and he met her gaze with his own cool chocolate one.
'I am aware of this, however,' he folded his arms into the opposite sleeves of his kimono, 'young Captain Hitsugaya has proven his loyalty many times to the Seireitei. He has fought many battles, he was the first Captain to suspect Ichimaru of treason. When he did, he fought bravely to defeat him. He happily took up residency in the world of the living to aid in our fight against Aizen and defeated many arancar. He also achieved a mature bankai to aid in the Qunicy war. On top of all this he cleared the academy in a year and has been the youngest in history to ever achieve shikai, bankai and Captaincy.' Listening to Byakuya talk about all his accomplishments put into light just how important Captain Hitsugaya was to the Seireitei and how out of her league he actually was. She tried not to let that thought cloud her mind too much as Byakuya finished. 'So while he may not be a noble he has proven himself – in my eyes – worthy enough to enter into a physical relationship with you if and only if it is what you desire.'
'I-' she could barely speak, her heart was thudding in her chest and her head felt like it was spinning.
'I will support your decision and I am sure young Captain Hitsugaya would too. All I ask is that next time please come and speak with me,' he continued to gaze at her she nodded her head. They started walking again and he allowed her the time to think.
Every time she closed her eyes to blink she could see his face as if it were printed in her memory. His skin was smooth like a fresh sheet of untouched ice and his lips a pale pink. His eyes were stunning of course, large teal eyes framed by intensely thick black lashes. Then there were the small things to notice, small in detail but huge in what they told; the fact he'd rushed to her to stop her tearing her dress. He respected her modesty and respected her body. He'd tried to pull away because she was intoxicated and he'd not let go of her hand until the very last moment when she was walking away from him. Rangiku must have been right about him over thinking things. There were thoughts flickering through those giant teal irises when she was being led away by her brother. His reputation was incorrect. He wasn't a stone cold war machine who spent his free time shouting at his lieutenant while being cold and distant with everyone else. He was sensitive and caring and maybe, just maybe Rukia would like to see a little more of that side of him.
XxXxX
As always please go and read the counterpart fic; 'Mind of an Ice Prince' by Geishaaa and please review both! It's free to leave a review and you don't even need to have an account / be signed in! It keeps us posting and updating!