XxXx I want to give a big thank to ThisGuy9, knoxrox, and DaedraChild for added my story to their alert list. Okay here is chapter 3 and I hope you all enjoy it; and as always please review XxXx

Chapter 3

After all my paperwork was done, I stood up from my desk chair and stretched my legs out. Shūhei looked up from the paper in front of him. "Are you finished?" he asked. I nodded and he finished jotting something onto the paper. "I've got about twenty more left. Why don't you go home and get ready; I'll come get you when I'm done". At that point, I was so over the butterflies in my stomach. Everything he did or said made them flutter rapidly.

"Are you sure? I could stay and help"

The words were out of my mouth before I could stop myself. I was really sounding too eager to be going to this party. His eyes stared right into mine and the burning in my cheeks started to return. "No, I can handle this; but thanks for offering" he replied.

"Okay, I'll see you later then"

I pushed the door open and was greeted by the warm night air. I couldn't wait to get a bath; my body felt so slimy. The training I had done earlier that afternoon really had me sweating.

"Reina" a voice called to me.

I stopped and turned around to see Rangiku approaching me. It confused me as to why she wanted to speak with me. Hearing her pants for air, I figured she had been running to the barracks the whole time.

"Are you coming tonight?" she asked.

Her voice was sincere and hopeful. She had such a bright smile, no wonder Shūhei acted differently when she was around. I wondered if he had a thing for her. Automatically, the disappointment invaded my heart. Why? It wasn't like we had an interest in each other, we just met yesterday.

"Yes, I am. Thank you for inviting me"

"You're welcome. Is Shūhei coming with you?"

I felt like that was a trick question to get information out of me. Damnit, I just didn't know what to say. "Yeah; but he's still working. We'll be there when's he's done" I answered, hoping it was a good enough answer. Rangiku smiled. "Great, I'll see you there" she said and flash-stepped away.

I let out a sigh of relief and slid my door open. I walked into the living room and bolted to my bedroom. I pulled out another uniform from my closet and moved to my jewelry box. Inside were ribbons for my hair. I usually don't wear them unless I'm attending something that required me to dress up. I decided on a sky blue one and then walked into the bathroom. Turning the knobs, the water began to flow out into the porcelain tub that could easily fit two people.

The steam started to rise from the water and I just wanted to jump in. I grabbed a towel from the nearby closet and hung it loosely over the rack beside the tub. Untying my sash from around my waist, the rest of my uniform slid off my shoulders easily enough. Removing my sandals and socks were more of a challenge; but I eventually got them off and I sat them neatly beside my discarded uniform. Climbing into the tub, the water caressed me from all sides and it felt heavenly against my skin. I let out a sigh, enjoying the way the warmth felt.

Shūhei's POV

I finally finished the last paper and stacked them neatly on Captain Tōsen's desk. I noticed that it was only 9 p.m. and that I had finished my work earlier than I had expected. Thinking Reina probably wasn't finished yet, I had time to go home and get cleaned up.

Twenty minutes after getting washed up, I was walking to Reina's place. It almost felt like I was picking her up for a date and I had no idea where that thought came from. I just met her yesterday; but I couldn't deny how attractive she was.

I knocked on her door and within moments she answered the door with a smile. Oh that smile was simply amazing. The beauty mark on cheek rose when she smiled. Her hair was pulled up with a sky blue ribbon. She let a few strains down to frame her face. "Good evening, Lieutenant Hisagi" she said politely and stepped out onto the pathway beside me, closing the door behind her. I could smell her perfume and it was the scent of coconut mixed with vanilla.

"Just call me Shūhei tonight"

"I couldn't. That's so disrespectful"

"Reina, it's perfectly okay to address me by my first name outside of work"

She started to walk beside be, obviously putting distance between us as we walked. Her actions made me think that she was inexperienced when it came to talking with men. Not that I minded, I actually found it refreshing to know that she wouldn't try to get into my bed. Not to brag; but most women practically throw themselves in my direction at parties, unless I was already with someone. At least tonight I knew that the women would stay at bay for the most part.

Reina's POV

We seemed to be walking forever; but really it was only ten minutes. It was just the nerves playing tricks on me. Voices were beginning to get louder and I just knew that we had arrived at our destination. "We are here" he said walking up a pathway and opened the door in front of it. Dozens of people were inside and I was becoming nervous again. I was only going to know two people out the several dozen people that were inside. The smell of sake waved under my nose. I've never been much of a drinker; but I've been known to drink one or two small glasses of it every now and then.

"Shūhei, nice to see you made it" a blonde haired man said approaching him.

He had blue eyes and shoulder-length light blonde hair combed into two points in the back and one over his left eye. I noticed a lieutenant badge on his right arm. I really felt out-classed here. He turned his attention from Shūhei and made eye contact with me. "Who is this?" he asked. Shūhei looked down at me and saw the nervous look upon my face. His eyes gave me a look that just said 'calm down it's alright'.

"This is Reina Sachiko, she's the new fifth seat of Squad Nine" he introduced.

The man extended his hand out to me and I hesitantly took it firmly. "My name is Izuru Kira, Lieutenant of Squad Three" he introduced. Squad Three? I almost joined them; they were second on my list in the academy. He pulled back his hand gave me a warm smile. "Would you like a drink? Rangiku is around passing out drinks to everyone" he asked.

"Sure" I replied with a smile as my nervousness faded.

He walked away and moved through the throb of the crowd. Shūhei turned to face me. "You don't have to drink, if you don't want to" he stated. I wondered where he got the idea that I didn't want to drink. "It's fine. One or two won't hurt me any" I replied with a little laugh. A smile appeared and I just loved it when he smiled. Izuru returned with my drink and he handed it to me gently.

"Thank you" I said.

I tipped the cup up to my lips and took the first sip. The burn of the alcohol slid down my throat. It had been a while since I drank last and it was going to take some getting used to.

Shūhei's POV

I watched her take a sip from the glass of sake and I was amazed that she didn't show a bitter tasting face, like most people made when they take the first sip. I could see Rangiku walking over to use with more glasses of sake in her hands. She handed me one and continued on. It was unusual for her not to stop and talk my ear off. Izuru was talking to Reina about kido. I was glad that she found someone that she could talk to about it. I knew kido; but I was no master at it like Izuru and Momo.

I shifted my gaze and saw Captain Kyoraku walking around with a bottle of sake in his hand. His lieutenant wasn't far behind him. Honestly, I thought she was a little too stuck up and prudish for the likes of him; but he seemed quite taken with her. His eyes caught sight of Reina next to me and he instantly started to walk in our direction. Her eyes looked away from Izuru and looked at the Captain in front of us. "Well hello there miss" he said. I could tell he was already buzzed. No surprise there.

"Hello Captain, happy birthday" she said.

"Thank you, miss"

He reached for her hand and gently placed a kiss upon it. I could see the pink tint her cheeks and for some reason I felt a little jealous by the innocent act. "What is your name?" he asked her. Captain Kyoraku had always been quite the charmer and it was much worse when he was under the influence of sake. "Reina Sachiko" she replied.

"Okay Captain, I think you've intimidated the poor woman enough" Nanao stated pulling her Captain by the sleeve.

He followed her with a wave goodbye. Izuru walks back to talk to Rangiku, leaving me alone with Reina once more. "Shūhei" a voice called. I knew that voice and of course he was drunk already. What time did this party really start? I turned to see Renji and Ikkaku walking up to us.

"Who's the hottie?" Renji asked.

Reina started to huddle closer to me after hearing how Renji addressed her. "She has a name Renji and it's not hottie" I replied in a harsh tone. Ikkaku smirked a little, probably enjoying the little argument. Renji inched a little closer to her and she took a step back. "Renji, her name is Reina Sachiko and she's the new fifth seat of Squad Nine" I told him, even though I didn't really think he was listening. His eyes never strayed from her and I was beginning to think I was going to have to interfere physically.

"How did Squad Nine snag such a pretty woman?" he asked.

"It's where she wanted to be according to her transcript" I replied.

Reina's POV

Renji looked at me like a predator would its prey. I wanted to run and just go to the safety of my home. The cup in my hand was empty, so I couldn't throw the liquid at him. I could feel Shūhei tense beside me. Was he upset that Renji was talking to me that way or was it for another reason? He took another step closer to me and in that moment, I saw Shūhei's hand grab Renji's wrist. "Back off, Renji" he snarled. I was flattered that he was defending me.

"What's your problem?" Renji snapped.

"Can't you see how uncomfortable she is? You are drunk, maybe you should just go home and sleep it off"

At that point, Ikkaku started to pull Renji away from me. I could finally breathe and I was pretty much done with the socializing. "Shūhei" I said quietly. He turned to look at me, the concern was written all over his face. The urge to touch him was overwhelming; but I managed to keep myself under control.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm fine. Thank you for sticking up for me"

"No need to thank me"

"I think I'm going to call it a night"

"I'm sorry that your first party wasn't a very good experience"

His apology caught me off guard. I needed to get away, because I was beginning to feel things I shouldn't. "Don't apologize. I had fun, trust me." I replied with a smile. "Do you want me to walk you home?" he asked.

"Only if you want to; I won't ask you to leave the party"

He never said anything; but I felt his hand touch the lower part of my back, issuing me to walk. My stomach was doing little flip-flops on the inside. I couldn't believe he was leaving the party just to walk me home. I stayed beside him, keeping some distance between us. The walk back to my home was silent. I just couldn't think of anything to say to him. Everything just sounded so dumb to me.

I stopped in front of my door and I dug into my pocket for my key. After several seconds, I finally got the door open. I turned to face him. "Thank you for walking me home" I said and then reached up to untie the ribbon in my hair. Of course, I pulled the wrong part and caused it to turn into a knot. My fingers were just so shaky from earlier. I should have waited until I had calmed down to try and untie it.

"Reina, do you need help?" he asked.

"I'll get it later, when my hands cooperate"

"Turn around"

Shūhei's POV

I knew she was trying to hide the fact that she was still scared about earlier. When she finally turned around, I took the ribbon in my hands and slowly worked the knot out. The feel of her hair on my hands was sensual and I could have easily just stroked it. When the knot finally came free, I pulled the ribbon away and let her hair fall down. She turned back around to face me. "Thank you" she said. I was finding hard to stop looking at her. She was just so damn alluring.

"Goodnight, Reina" I said finally.

"Goodnight Shūhei" she replied.

She slowly closed the door and I could no longer see her. I took the long way back to my place; my mind just kept racing with thoughts of her. I hoped that sleep would help clear my mind; otherwise, I was going to have a long day tomorrow.

XxXx Okay what did you guys think? XxXx