Adeline woke early the next day. It was her first day in her new squad. She dressed slowly looking at her reflection and wondering how the hell she managed to land here. If anyone had told her almost two years ago when she first came here that she would be fully qualified shinigami she would have thought they needed some help. Just as she was tying the white sash to her uniform a loud knock came at her door.
Adeline walked over happy to see Urahara.
"Congratulations on your first day."
"Thanks." She said standing back letting him enter the room.
Kisuke reached into his pocket and pulled out her lilac obi, handing it to her and enjoying the smile that spread across her face.
"Why'd he give you this anyways?"
"Do you really want the answer to that?" She asked as she pulled the white one off and tied it to her waist. She pulled out her matching lilac ribbon and used it to tie back her long hair into a high pony tail. She ran her fingers through the end, releasing any knots that might have formed and remembered how it felt when a certain someone ran their fingers through her hair.
"No. I guess I don't really want to know."
"It's for the best, you're going to have to trust me on that." She said echoing his words back at him.
Kisuke watched as Adeline walked over to the kitchen and poured them a cup of hot tea. She took small sips enjoying the rare moment of peace. He was sorry he was about to break it.
"So about your mother.."
A loud crash sounded through the room as she dropped the mug she was about to hand him.
"Sorry!" She yelled as hot water splashed all over him.
Adeline quickly ran over, placing her hands above the burn healing him before she swooped up the broken glass.
"Did you say my mother?"
"Yes. It's time you two had a face to face."
Kisuke left soon after, leaving Adeline feeling dazed. She made her way to Captain Kuchiki's office on autopilot.
"Third seat Park?!"
"Yes? I'm so sorry!" She said bowing deeply.
"Did you hear what I just said?"
"No,sir!"
"Adeline I will not tolerate this behavior."
"Yes Captain. I'm so sorry." She said bowing again.
"Very well. As I said, Captain Commander Kyoraku has requested you to use your education and training to complete personal files. Lieutenant Abarai will show you to your office and give you all the information you may need."
Adeline looked at the Captain's brother in law, standing behind Captain Kuchiki desk and nodded to him. He nodded back, showing her a relaxing smile. Adeline tried to relax a little bit more, after all she had no reason to be nervous. She could handle this assignment.
"Adeline?"
Shit! What dis I miss now?
"Come on girl, lets get you out of here." Renji said tugging her arm.
Adeline allowed him to drag her from the room.
"What are you so nervous about? You worked with Captain Kuchiki before when I was out didn't you?"
"Yes I did. Its...Um. It's kinda personal."
"Oh. That. Right. Well why did you take this position if you couldn't handle working with him?"
"Excuse me?"
"Uh sorry. Rukia..."
Adeline closed her eyes and took a deep breath. It was all she could do.
"I was referring to something else. I have no problem working here with the Captain."
"Oh, Sorry. Just get it together alright. Save your personal problems for the end of the day."
"Thank you lieutenant."
"All right here you are. This will be your office."
They stopped walking. Adeline looked around and noticed they were only down the long hall from where Captain Kuchikis office is. When he opened it Adeline was surprised at how small it was compared to the Captains office.
"What was it before it was an office a broom closet?" She asked laughing.
"Yeah I guess its a little small. Previously we used this room for storage. But its big enough for a desk, that's all you need right?"
"I guess, until I start compiling files. I'll need a chair or something for them to sit on. Some book shelves for my books. A computer would be great...do you have computer's here?"
"What's a computer again?"
Adeline held out her fingers as if typing on an invisible keyboard.
"Oh, right. Magic box. Well, write a list. Captain Kuchiki can get you the desk and shelves and stuff but you might want to see Captain Kurotsuchi for the magic box."
"Ok." She said, trying not to laugh at his word usage.
"That right, smile. Squad six is the best squad. Cheer up your going to love it here. Now I'll arranged for the squad members to meet you here staring tomorrow. That gives you all day to get that list over to Captain Kuchiki and see squad 12. How much time do you need with each member?"
"50 minuets is standard."
"Ok. I'll arrange for you to meet them every hour and a half. That should give you plenty of time in between to arrange your notes and prepare for the next one."
"Thank you lieutenant."
"Call me Renji. If you need anything I'll be in my office, across the hall here. Good luck."
Adeline looked around the small room. If she could get a computer or a computer like device to keep the files on the room should be just big enough. She complied a list in her head of things she would need, trying to figure how to best arrange the room to promote a relaxing atmosphere. Taking her list she made he way back to Captain Kuchiki's office. She knocked loudly, waiting for his response.
"Enter."
Adeline slipped through the heavy door, closing it quietly behind her.
"Good afternoon Captain."
Byakuya nodded his head a fraction of an inch, fixing her in his intense eyes. He had recently given up hope on not wanting the beautiful woman standing before him. Evan after everything that had happened between the two and the six months they had spent apart whenever she was around he felt the same as he had that night he gave into his desire. He allowed his eyes to take in her appearance. Her long fair hair was tied back in the lilac ribbon he had gifted her. Her eyes, once riddled with sadness shined brilliantly as the green edges reflected the stones in her necklace. Byakuya admired her curves, reminiscing in the bliss he felt having been able to caress them. He had hoped his new position of authority over her would quell his lust but it had not. Her soft lips lifted into a small smile, and small laugh escaping her lips causing Byakuya to snap out of his reverie.
"Are you ok Captain?"
"Yes. Please continue."
"This is the list I made. Lieutenant Abarai said to had it to you. A list of the things I would need." Adeline handed him the list. She held her breath as their hands grazed each other, the warm fluttering assaulting her abdomen.
Will I ever stop wanting him. She wondered as she watched him read the letter.
"Very well. What is this called a 'computer'?"
"It's a device used for storage, looking up referenced on the web. There's a lot of things you can do with it. Mostly I need it for the notes or the files. That room wouldn't be big enough to house all the files of every squad member. Renji mentioned something about speaking to Captain Kurotsuchi about such a device."
"I will send somebody on your behalf. I do not think it wise for you to voluntarily go into that man's lab."
"Uh...wait what?"
"He is a man of science, and unlike your father; seems to have little boundaries. No doubt he would be interested in a shinigami who can wield Quincy powers, all of the captains having witnessed the assault at the graduation."
"Oh. Right. I forgot. Thank you Captain." She said bowing deeply.
"As for the rest, go ahead and make the arrangements. Bring me the receipts when you have finished."
"Yes Captain. Thank you."
"How long with this take you?" He asked allowing himself to look into her eyes again.
"Squad 6? Uh let's see a little over 300 members...one and a half hours in between...I'm thinking a little over a month. All the squads...". She let out a deep breath. "A little over a year I'm thinking. But it would be worth it."
"How so?" Byakuya asked. He watched Adeline take a seat on his couch, having decided she may as well get comfortable.
"Oh. Well I'm assuming Captain Commander Kyoraku is having me do this to asses the threat level within the seireitei itself. Preventing another Aizen situation before it starts. Makes sense to me if that's the reason I'm doing it."
"It seem's I may have underestimate the Captain Commander."
Adeline smiled. It was clear she was fond of the Captain commander.
"I think a lot of people do actually, and I don't think he minds one bit to be honest."
"I suppose so."
Adeline sat back, letting a puff of air escape. Byakuya watched her intently noticing the distant look in her eyes.
"What is wrong?"
"It's personal."
Byakuya lifted a brown at her response.
"I mean, it's not that I don't want to tell you." She said to clarify. "I just mean it's not work related."
Byakuya stared at her. She fidget a little under his stare. She couldn't tell if he was inviting her to continue or daring her to speak. A year ago she wouldn't hesitate to tell him, now that she was trying to be a better friend to him she was worried about unloading all her problems on him.
"Um.. Well Kisuke came by before I reported in today."
Byakuya continued to stare at her.
"Well he mentioned my mother. He said he would arrange it so that I can meet her face to face."
Byakuya closed his eyes in annoyance. Why would he chose today? He let out a grunt.
"I'm kinda nervous about it. Ive been trying to focus on work but my mind keeps wondering about her, who she is, what she looks like, if I look like her. It's driving me crazy."
Adeline looked into his grey eyes, and she saw them soften. She wondered if it was her imagination.
"When will this happen?"
"I don't know. He just said he was going to talk to her about. I have no clue how long that would be.."
"Useless..." He started. He took a deep breath decided not to voice his opinion about that man.
Adeline stood abruptly, taking a deep breath and plastering a fake smile on her face.
"I'm going to get some food, then work on this list. Thank's for listening."
Adeline started towards the door. Byakuya watched her as she walked across his office. He wanted to do something for her, to help ease her mind.
"Ade.." He breathed out making her stop right before she pushed opened the door. "You look like your father except your eyes. Maybe not the color but the shape, I have seen before."
Adeline turned to him, a single tear in her eye. She wiped it away before pushing a wild piece of her hair behind her ears.
"Thank you, Byakuya." She turned and walked out his office. He could have sworn when she left she looked a little lighter and that was all he had hoped for.
Adeline had enjoyed walking around the Seireitei shopping for some of the items she would need to start her assignment. She found a mahogany desk and matching bookshelf she decided she could not live without and hoped her allowance would cover it. After picking up a soft forrest green loveseat Adeline made her way to the captain commanders office. She had decided to go into the human world to collect her books, something she would need for references.
"Good evening Adeline. Captain Kuchiki's got you working late already?"
"Not really.." She laughed. "I'm picking up supplies to do this job you tasked me with. Thank you for finding a way for me to do what I really love."
"Oh no thank you. It's going to be a big help here having someone with your insights. You didn't come here just to thank me did you?"
"No. I need to go to the human world. I would like to collect some of my reference books."
"I can arrange for that."
Adeline and the Captain commander grabbed a quick bite, talking about nothing before they made their way to the senkaimon. For the first time since coming to the soul society she was going back to her old home.
"Just how many book are we talking about here? Will the two of us due or should we get some help you think?" Captain commander asked.
Adeline scrunched up her face, trying to remember just how many books she had.
"Can we come back for more or should we do it in one shot?"
"Let's get it all done at once. Let me get a few squad member's here first, then we can go."
Adeline rummaged through her old apartment while the other squad members shoved varies book's into sacks. She wandered into the bedroom, pulling a small knitted blanket out of the closet. She held it close inhaling deeply the small scent of her mother that lingered on the yarn. Walking over to her bed side cabinet she pulled a picture album out from the drawer and grabbed a small gold band, the one that had belonged to her husband. Slipping the ring in her pocket Adeline walked out to the living area. Armed with her treasures she was ready to make her way back to the soul society.
"Is that all you need?"
"Yes. My baby blanket, photo album, and Adams wedding ring. The rest is just a reminder of a painful time..."
"Very well then. Let's return home shall we?"
"Yes. Thank you Captain Commander Kyoraku." She said, grabbing a few of her house plants that managed to survive almost two years in her absence.
They all made their way back to the soul society, the young squad members lagging behind with the load of the books.
"Will they be able to run carrying all those books?" Adeline asked looking up at the captain commander?
"Good point. We'll have to carry them and use flash step to get through. I go first, squad members in the middle, you can bring up the rear. If anything happens, drop the books and run."
When they came through to the seireitei, the squad members were kind enough to help carry the load to her office. She was surprised to see the furniture already in her office.
'Going to be a long night.' She thought to herself. Adeline started to scoot the desk around the room, trying to creat the best ambiance.
"You want some more help Adeline?"
"No thank you." she said bowing deeply. "Thanks so much for all your help. You guys have a good night."
Adeline worked for hours pushing the desk around, setting up the other furniture until she found a set up she liked the most. She placed the love seat under the window, hoping the view would relax whoever was visiting with her. She placed her desk on the opposite side of the room and placed the book shelves behind the desk, knowing she would need quick access to them once she started working.
Adeline was humming to herself quietly placing her books on the shelves when she heard the door slowly creaked open. Adeline turned around aiming a heavy book ready to strike. Byakuya narrowed his eyes at the book, daring her to try.
"Sorry Captain." She said placing it on the bookshelf. "Wasn't expecting anyone to be here so late."
"Why are you still here?"
"Just trying to get this room ready for tomorrow. I'm trying to create a professional yet relaxing atmosphere. What do you you think?"
Byakuya scanned the room, his face giving away nothing.
"This room is too small."
Adeline face fell. She took a deep breath and let it back out.
"Can't be helped I guess. I need everything in here.
Byakuya made a face and grunted a little. He came fully into the room, looking around at the small plants she had brought from home and placed in the corner of the room. He eyed her loveseat with disgust, poking at it and rubbing his fingers together like the loveseat had left some residue on his fingers.
"Have a seat." She asked, put off by his apparent disapproval of her office. After all he was the one who gave her the small office to use.
Byakuya sat on the loveseat and wrinkled his nose. He continued to look around before Adeline spoke again.
"I hope you don't mind me doing this in your division."
"I can see the importance in doing it. As long as it's for the soul society I can allow it."
That's so like you. She thought, smiling at him.
"Are you happy?" He asked, catching her off guard.
"Oh yes. I love psychology. It's going to be a long process, well not so long once I've finished writing up this assessment." She said holding up a scrap piece of paper, "But it's what I've always loved doing. Helping people I mean. I just hope the other Captain's will cooperate with it. I'm certain most will, might have a problem with Captain Kenpachi..."
"Yes, him and his squad seem's like it's riddled with issues, they are needlessly aggressive."
"Eh, I'm not really worried about it. In general they seem to have a healthy outlet."
"Preposterous."
"What do you mean? All that running around and fighting gets out all the anger. Everyone has an outlet, even you."
"Which would be?" He asked briskly.
"Are you sure you want to get into this? Once we do we cant go back."
"Is that not the basis of our relationship?"
Adeline smiled at his words. He was uncharacteristically playful tonight. She couldn't believe where this conversation was heading.
"Well, small actions you take, can be seen as a rebellious act. Which can fulfill your need to over come your oppressed upbringing."
"Oppressed upbringing? Have you any idea who you are talking to?" He asked Cooley.
"Of course. You live a very pampered life. You never struggled to eat, survive or educate yourself. However all that privilege came with a heavy price. You're not free. You're not even fully free to chose who you spend your life with. I mean at first you did, you were lucky that your parents loved you enough to allow you to marry the woman you love."
"I am allowed to say when I get married. I may have little say in who, but I still determine when I will marry."
"That's good then."
"So, my outlet as you call it, what is it?"
"Oh. Just little things, loopholes and what not. Maybe overlooking something for the sake of your sister and her happiness. Maybe deciding to bed someone who most certainly is not your wife." Adeline looked into his cold eyes. She wanted to gauge his reaction.
"Perhaps..". He said thoughtfully. Byakuya closed his eyes, taking in her words. While it was true he had wanted to have that final choice he didn't expect her to know that.
Adeline took a deep breath and continued.
"Also I mean, the whole of the seireitei would have came running at the snap of your fingers, even woman you would be allowed to date and yet you chose me. Not just anyone but someone who had also lost a spouse. Someone who you may have thought wasn't looking for a serious commitment.."
"Are you saying I used you?" He asked her slowly, hurt etched in every syllable.
"No, not at all. Is that what you think? That you used me?"
Byakuya looked up at her, searching her face. She didn't look upset, on the contrary her beautiful eyes began to water. She didn't flinch, she didn't blink. She refused to break eye contact.
"Yes." He breathed out slowly.
Adeline fought to hold back her tears. She took another deep breath letting it out slowly.
"Those things you did, those are the normal actions of someone whose been hurt. To safeguard your feelings like that. Choosing someone you know you can't get close to almost guarantees that you wont get hurt again. You never lied to me, and you never promised me anything, how could you have used me? I know how important that decision was for you, believe me. I know what it's like to agonize over that decision."
Byakuya opened his eyes, nodding his head so slightly she might have imagined it. He looked into her eyes, once again finding himself surprised by her capacity to understand his feelings without having to say much.
"Thank you Ade."
Adeline smiled at him. She stood from her desk, stretching out her limbs.
"Ade?"
"Yes?" She asked, looking up at him with sleep heavy eyes.
"Who did you...Who was your decision?"
"You." She said with a small smiled. "I think it's time we called it a night. I have a big day tomorrow, interviewing people."
Byakuya got up and walked over to the door, Adeline close behind him. She shut out the light, closing the door behind her.
"Adeline.."
"Humm?"
"The office is perfect."
"Thanks." She smiled. She watched him walk in the opposite directions of the barracks, going towards his home. Adeline tore her gaze away from him, following suit and headed towards her room, ready to call it a night.
Adeline worked hard over the next month and a half compiling notes on her fellow squad members. Two weeks into it she started receiving the answers to the assessment she had copied and sent out to all squad Captains, requesting that order their members to fill out the form. Captain Kyoraku laughed at the idea of her returning to the human world for something so trivial but she flat out refused to rewrite the assessment over 5,000 times to ensure she had enough for each squad member. It became apparent however that Captain Kenpachi had flat out refused to order his men to complete the form, forcing Adeline to leave her office and venture over to the squad 11 barracks, where she had hounded the Captain for weeks.
"Forget it. We ain't got time to be taking no damn test."
"I'm only trying to do my job! If you would just cooperate with me I can leave you to train your men."
"Let's go men, time to run!"
Kenpachi ignored her as he sprinted off with his squad. It became apparent to her that if she was to get his cooperation she needed to gain his favor. Adeline set her pack down by the barracks door and took off the same dirt path as the squad.
"What I'm suppose to be impressed cause you can run?"
"No." She lied annoyed he figured her out. "The thing is Captain, I was ordered by Captain Commander Kyoraku himself to get these files completed. Can't do that without your squad. So how about a compromise? Instead of taking two months to complete it how about you give me a week with group therapy 50 mins each session? 365 squad members three sessions a day I'll be out of your hair for good."
Captain Kenpachi came to a stop. He stared at her. He had to admit he liked her determination.
"Tell you what woman, you beat me back to the barracks and you got yourself a deal."
Adeline laughed at his insane offer.
"You want to race me?" She asked affronted. "You know I ran track in high school?"
"Track? What the hell is that?"
"Never mind." She said smiling. "Let's do this then."
Captain Kenpachi and Adeline took their stances. His squad gathered around cheering him on while someone counted down. At the count of three they took off, Adeline running as fast as her legs would carry her. She felt her lungs filling with air, gasping for breath hoping they wouldn't explode. She felt the air whipping at her hair, a cold breeze stinging her face. She hadn't run in a long time and wish instantly that she had never stopped. Adeline had forgotten the exhilaration she got from running. Her body was growing tired, but she wouldn't stop. She kept pushing herself until she reached the barracks. She had beaten the squad 11 Captain in a race.
"Whooo!" She cried when the Captain came sulking over. "I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning Captain!" Adeline walked over picking up her pack, trying to hurry so he wouldn't see her collapse.
Adeline stopped over at the dining hall collapsing in a chair almost immediately glad she was able to keep up a strong face infornt of the squad 11 captain. Before she went back to her office, Adeline grabbed as much food as she could. Trying to eat slow so she didn't upset her stomach she stuffed the rest in her pack. When she had her fill she made her way over to her small office, the space starting to grow on her. On her way she knocked on Byakuya's door excited to share the good news with him.
"Enter." Came his curt voice.
"Good news Captain! I got Zaraki! Only had to run until my lungs exploded but I got him." She started before she came fully into the room. Adeline looked up startled to see the Captain wasn't alone.
"What are you doing here Kisuke?"
"Looking for you. I want you to meet me here tonight at 8." He said handing her a piece of paper. "It's time to meet your mom."
