A/N: And so it continues…..
Stoic.
That's one of the best ways she could describe her captain.
Intense, was another one.
The way he commanded attention simply by walking into a room, was likely what caught her eye. That, and the fact that he was gorgeous. The epitome of tall, dark and handsome. It made Ari's thighs rub together in hidden pleasure. Hidden, because no matter how well they got along she knew that Kuchiki-taicho would never look at her in that way. Although there were moments when she thought that he found her attractive.
Nothing overt, that wasn't his style. But it was the little things. A lingering glance, or the slight touching of skin that was a bit too long. She sighed heavily as she gathered the stacks of papers from her desk, "Something the matter, fukutaicho?"
His words seemed to close to her ear, and she turned to find him nearly breathing down her neck. "N-n-nothing's wrong," she said mentally kicking herself for stuttering so. She was normally cool as a cucumber and she despised the effect this man had on her. It wasn't fair, since she was sure she had little influence over him. "Did you require anything, taicho?" She asked pressing the stack of papers to her body.
The action pushed up her already sizeable breast and drew Byakuya's eye to her tantalizing decolletage. He really shouldn't have been looking, but he couldn't help it. Her skin, brown and supple, was different from Hisana's delicate ivory, but just as inviting if not more so. "Only your opinion on a matter of dispute in the barracks," he replied stepping away, lest he do something he'd regret.
Shihoin was shocked. He had not sought her counsel before. Perhaps their conversation during the banquet had broken down some barriers between them. "I'm listening."
"My fifth and sixth seats are squabbling. They're both in charge of conditioning the new recruits before they are examined by me. The problem is they have different methods of accomplishing this. It wasn't a problem at first, but now it's causing discord among my division."
"Have you sat down with them?"
"With who?"
"The fifth and sixth seats."
Kuchiki-taicho frowned, "Why would I do that?"
Ari shook her head, he was likely used to giving a command and his subordinates following it, which didn't lend itself to being very hands on. "This sounds like something bigger than a difference of opinion. If they haven't had problems until now then I think it must be something outside of work, and they're using this as an excuse."
The room was silent for several moments and Ari feared he thought her insight foolish. "Set a meeting with my fifth and sixth seats," he directed and she scribbled the note on her pad. Hiding a smile she finished putting away the rest of the papers.
"Starting the party without me, I see."
A pineapple shaped head lifted sluggishly, "Go away Rangiku."
She pouted, "That's no way to treat a lady. Now, quit acting so mopey and hand me the sakè." When no move was made, she reached over and grabbed the bottle herself. "Gosh, Renji, what's gotten into you?"
"I missed my chance."
"Huh?"
Abarai downed another shot, but something about his attitude stilled Matsumoto's hand. Suddenly, alcohol didn't seem so important. "All this time getting stronger, reaching bankai, becoming a Captain. I did it for her. of that effort. All of that pain. For nothing."
She felt her stomach sink, "So you found out about her and Hitsugaya?"
"You KNEW?" He spat bitterly as he turned to face her. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Rangiku looked into her glass, "It wasn't my secret to tell," she answered lamely and it only served to anger him further.
"So now you're able to hold your tongue?" The comment was petty and uncalled for, but he was hurting-that much she could see. She'd let him get a pass today.
She placed a hand on his shoulder, but he jerked away from her. "Listen Renji, I know that you're upset, but drowning your sorrows is not the answer."
He stood up from his stool outraged. "Then what is it then? Hmmm? I'm tired of playing second fiddle. Of being forgotten. Let's see if she can dodge this." His manic expression sent chills down her spine.
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm gonna tell Byakuya." And then he took off. Matsumoto, who was finally happy after seeing her former captain letting someone into his heart, hurried out of the pub as well. She needed to warn Hitsugaya.
The Captain of the 10th Division was busy gazing at the sleeping snow pixie laying down beside him. The ring on her hand flashed brilliantly and filled Toshiro with an almost animalistic pride. She's mine. The words went off like a mantra in his head. He always wanted to find someone who wanted him for him. At one time he thought that person was Momo, but she chose Aizen. But then Rukia came along, and she brought out a side of him buried under the frozen tundra that was his heart. It was scary actually. He already cared for her so much.
The knocking on his door was eerily familiar and Hitsugaya slid out of his bed with a sigh. Kissing Rukia's brow, he got dressed quickly and answered the door. He nearly rolled his eyes when he looked up at the woman at his door, "Matsumoto-"
"I know, I know, but it's Renji! He was at the bar getting really drunk and now he's on his way to Kuchiki-taicho!" She exclaimed and Hitsugaya felt like cursing.
"Thank you, Rangiku," he said and she nodded and left. Meanwhile Toshiro was left to worry how he would deal with an angry Byakuya. Which meant waking up Rukia. Coming back into his bedroom he shook her shoulder gently, "Wake up, Rukia."
There was a moan as she turned to his side, "What is it 'shiro?"
"It's Renji. Apparently he's going to rat us out to Byakuya."
That made her sit up, "Nii-sama?! Damn it, Renji! Why would he do something like that?!" She hustled out of the bed and began putting her clothes on. "Now what are we going to do?"
Worried violet eyes met his own. Toshiro reached for her hand, "I think we should confront your brother as a united front. After all there's nothing wrong with what we're doing."
She smiled and Hitsugaya was happy to note that her uneasiness diminished somewhat, "You're right. Okay, let's do it." And together they headed towards the 6th Division.
