Disclaimer- I don't own Bleach

Chapter 10

Visitors

Senna blinked her eyes a few times and slowly raised herself up on to her elbows in her bed. Her wounds had been cleaned and dressed she noted vaguely. She was in a clean uniform as well.

"Ugh..My head," she muttered, raising a hand to massage her temples.

"You shouldn't be up yet. The nurse said you should rest for the day."

Jolting with the realization that she wasn't alone, she blinked and turned to see Hisagi sitting in a chair a few feet away from her. She frowned upon noticing the bandages over his eye and wondered if his vision would ever return to normal.

"I'm fine," she replied tartly.

"If you were fine then you wouldn't have had three broken ribs and you probably wouldn't have passed out either," he retorted.

"Whatever," she grumbled stubbornly, pushing herself up and ignoring the very small amount of pain in her left side. "I'll live, so I don't really need any rest."

"You really are stubborn," he mumbled blandly, turning away from her to shake his head.

"And?" She asked, annoyed with him and her pounding head.

"What was that technique you used to create the barrier?"

"I don't know what you're talking about. It was kido, a simple spell," she replied with a shrug, looking away from him.

"That's a lie," he shot back almost harshly. "What was that light surrounding you?"

Having had enough of his questions, especially on this topic which was rather touchy for her, she snapped out an angry response. "It isn't your business. Shouldn't you be thanking me, not questioning my abilities?"

Hisagi stared at her with his dark eyes, assessing her and her words.

"So it's an ability?" He asked after a moment of silence.

"What does it matter? Why are you so interested?" She inquired, raising her voice threateningly.

"I've never seen anything like that before, or heard of anyone being able to do something like that with kido. I don't think you lied about it being kido, but it wasn't simple."

"It isn't something I like talking about, so can we please not talk about it," she hissed, sending a glare at him. With a sigh, she ran her hands through her hair to notice that it was down, a fact that confused her. 'I didn't take it down, where are my chopsticks?'

Letting her hazel eyes flit about the room, she scanned the room and shelves, but didn't see the red objects anywhere. Then she remembered that she hadn't had them when she blacked out in the world of the living either.

Hisagi noticed a distant, even sad look in her eyes as she ran her hands through her loose hair and he dropped the subject of her abilities.

It went quiet as Senna lay back and remembered the day she had been given the hair sticks.

She lay in the soft, cool grass outside of the Twelfth Divison's main research lab. She was watching the clouds float lazily by and thinking back to the week before.

She had lost control of the Hotaru technique, it wasn't the first time, but it was by far the worst.

She remembered how she had clung to Shinji when he had knelt next to her in the crater she had created.

She sighed at the memory. It was a nice feeling, feeling protected, safe. She had never looked for that type of comfort anywhere, she was capable of protecting herself, she didn't need someone else to do it. The sensation the memory stirred within her was strange to her, she felt an odd sense of warmth and a sort of flutter in her stomach that she didn't fully understand or like.

'You like him, you fool,' she heard her zanpakuto's airy voice say.

'Yeah, right,' Senna replied sarcastically in her head.

'You like him, admit it,' Kuro pressed.

'I do not, now be quiet, Kuro,' she scolded the cat.

'No, not until you admit you like him,'

'Hn, just because he felt the need to comfort me and I allowed it doesn't mean a damn thing,' she replied irritably.

'That's not what I remember happening,' Kurohineko's voice said teasingly.

'Oh, shut up would you?' Senna answered grumpily. 'I'm trying to rest here.'

'Not until you admit your feelings for the boy. You like him, it's obvious.'

'Oh, how so?'

'Well, you did get jealous over that little Ayame girl hanging on to him,' Kurohineko replied matter of factly.

'I wasn't jealous, I was helping the fool,' Senna responded a little too quickly and growled when she heard a small chuckle from Kurohineko.

'If you say so. There's also the fact that you like spending time with him, you blush when he's around anymore and you clung onto him. It isn't like you to cling on to someone and you enjoyed the closeness, didn't you?'

'I was injured and not thinking straight, alright? I do not like him Kuro, now drop it.'

'I refuse to leave you in peace until you realize your feelings for the boy, you may be dense, but even I know you're not that dense. Just stubborn.'

Senna remained silent for a little while, then sighed as she finally stopped denying what her feelings and emotions were telling her. The truth was rather clear, much to her annoyance.

'I like him, happy?'

She heard a snicker from Kurohineko, ' Yes, so what are you going to do about it?'

'Nothing. I may have admitted that I have feelings for him, but I don't have the desire to act upon those feelings.'

'And why is that?' the cat asked.

'Because it means trusting someone in a way I'm not sure I'm capable of.'

'Your distrust of almost everyone is irritating.'

'Maybe, but to love is to know betrayal.'

'So you're afraid then? What a shame. Living in fear and not enjoying your life.'

Senna lay quietly, contemplating the words that had passed between her and Kurohineko. She had never thought of her distrust of others as a fear, she had thought of it as a defense, a barrier so to speak. Now she was questioning herself, wondering if it really would be so bad to trust another person. There were currently three people she trusted completely; Kisuke, Ukitake and Kaien.

'No, I'm not afraid,' she finally replied.

'Talk to the boy,' Kuro replied.

'No,' Senna replied shortly.

'Oh, you're no fun, little one,' Kurohineko purred. ' You two would make such a cute couple.'

Senna sighed tiredly. "Whatever, just be quiet."

"I haven't said anything yet."

Senna gasped and jumped a little from her spot on the ground, her eyes flew open to see the gray brown eyes of the man just mentioned, starting curiously down at her.

"Jumpy, are we?" He remarked with a grin.

"Well, you shouldn't sneak up on people when they're talking to themselves," she grumbled.

"I got somethin' for ya."

Senna sat up and turned to face the blond.

"Oh really, why do I get a bad feeling about this?" she replied as she looked at him curiously.

"Here ya go," he said tossing her a thin black box tied with red ribbon. She eyed it warily. "It won't bite. I just thought you might like something besides those pencils, they're not very attractive," Shinji said smiling that wide smile of his.

She raised her eyebrows. "What pencils?"

"Just open it, moron," he answered impatiently, shoving his hands in his pockets.

She slowly untied the ribbon and slid the top off the box. Sitting in the box on top of some tissue paper were two red chopsticks with little black jewels. She stared at them in surprise and understanding, now she got it. She always wore her hair in a bun, using pencils to secure it.

"Thank you, Shinji," she said, smiling up at the grinning man, he seemed proud of himself.

"Anything for my first true love," He replied.

She rolled her eyes, 'Ok, that kinda killed it'.

'You really are dense, little one,' she heard Kuro say in her head.

"Huh?"

Shinji looked at her a little funny, she had spoken out loud and seemed confused.

'He called you his first 'true' love, not just his first love,' she said as if it were completely obvious.

Which it had been, Senna had just entirely missed the subtle yet blatant admission.

"Wait, what?" she questioned, looking up into Shinji's eyes that were regarding her with amusement.

"You heard me," he said turning and walking away from Senna, who now had a light blush on her face.

The door to the room creaked open and Momo poked her head inside and smiled.

"Oh, you're awake," she chirped when she saw Senna lying on the bed, her eyes open and staring blankly at the ceiling.

"Yup. Can I leave now?" Senna asked, snapping back to reality and pushing herself back up.

"Not until the nurse over there says so," Renji answered, walking in behind Momo and gesturing at someone behind them in the hall.

"Like I'm gonna listen," she snorted, swinging her legs over the side of the bed and standing up.

"Stubborn fool," she heard Hisagi mutter.

"What was that, Hisagi? Did you say something?" She asked, narrowing her eyes at the man and putting her hands on her hips.

"Nope."

"Didn't think so. Now if you don't mind I have more important things to do," she said, strolling towards the door.

"She's definitely fine," Renji muttered to Hisagi. "Just a stubborn ass."

Senna shot him a warning glance and bumped into someone as she was walking out of the room.

"Would you mind..." Her order for the person in her way to move trailed off as she blinked up to see Kaien standing over her. "Kaien?" She inquired uncertainly.

"Yeah, that's right, me. Now what are you doing out of bed? You're supposed to be resting, that nurse said you were to stay in that bed until tomorrow morning," he spoke authoritatively, glaring down at her.

"I'm fine," she huffed and tried walking past him only to be blocked by his arm.

"I don't care, I'm not gonna deal with Captain Ukitake if he found out I let you wander around injured. Now get back in that bed," he ordered.

"No," she said, crossing her arms indignantly. "I feel fine and I'm going back to my.." She paused, seeing an evil glint in Kaien's eyes. "What are you.. You wouldn't dare," she hissed.

The three people in the room just watched, a bit confused by the scene in front of them. Renji and Hisagi were biting back laughter at the look of defiance on the girl's face. Momo just stared at the two fighting in the doorway, not sure what to think.

"Oh, yes I would," Kaien replied with a grin.

"Try it," she growled.

He grinned and went to grab her arm, but she slapped his hand away before he could touch her. She backed up into the room a few steps, Kaien following her in, leaving the door open for escape.

"See ya," she sang and sprinted for the door. "Ahh!" She yelped when Kaien grabbed her around her waist and tossed her on his shoulder. "You jackass, I'm injured remember? Now put me down," she ordered, trying to wriggle her way out of his grasp and punching his back.

"Oh shut up," he said with a big triumphant grin on his face.

The two other men, Renji and Hisagi, finally couldn't help it. Their laughter quickly filled the room and Senna glared at them. Momo seemed a little confused, but was chuckling too.

"I am so gonna kill you two!" Senna yelled, pointing a finger at the two men laughing hysterically at her, which only caused them to laugh harder. She was still slung over Kaien's shoulder, pounding on his back for him to put her down.

He flopped her on to the bed and she glared angrily up at him.

"It's not my fault you look cute when you're being an obstinate ass," he remarked with a grin.

Without warning of any kind Senna punched him in the face.

"Ow, that hurt!"

"It was supposed to, you idiot!"

Senna grabbed the small table next to the bed and threw it at the two men that were still laughing, it hit Renji in the chin, but missed Hisagi. Renji wobbled but stayed standing, rubbing his chin sulkily as he muttered curses under his breath.

"I'm going to kill you!" She growled at the red head. She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, at least they had temporarily forgotten the events of hours before. They were new to losing friends and she knew it wasn't easy.

"Such a pain," Kaien sighed, rubbing at his head. "Did I mention I couldn't let you leave, bec-"

"Because Ukitake would kill you. I heard you the first time, but he isn't here, is he?" She cut in.

"Who isn't here?" A voice asked from the door way.

Senna looked up to see the white haired Ukitake standing there smiling innocently at her.

"No, because he is here," Kaien said as he rubbed at his sore cheek.

Senna immediately smacked Kaien upside the head, making him fall to the floor from his perch on the edge of the bed.

"You two really need to learn how to get along better. Without trying to kill one another," Ukitake sighed, still smiling.

Hisagi and Renji were silent now, they just stared at Captain Ukitake, it wasn't everyday a captain came to the Academy.

"Hello there, I'm Captain Ukitake, it's a pleasure to meet you all," he said to the three people gaping at him.

"Y-yes, it's a pleasure sir. I'm Shuhei Hisagi, this is Renji Abarai and Momo Hinamori," Hisagi said stepping forward, his normal serious expression back in place. "We should be going, it was an honor, sir."

They all bowed and filed out of the room.

"I think the two of you may have scared those poor kids," Ukitake teased, looking from the angry Senna to the grinning Kaien.

"It was his fault," Senna muttered.

"Me? I have no idea what you speak of," Kaien said in mock innocence.

"Right," she drawled.

"How are you feeling, Senna?" Ukitake asked. "I was told you passed out after protecting four students, I'm guessing those three that just left were part of that group."

"Yes, a Hollow was preparing to fire a cero blast at them, there was no way to get away from it. So I protected them the only way I could." Senna explained, now more calm and relaxed.

"I see. Your Hotaru technique is what you used then?" Ukitake asked.

"Yes, I used Hotaru. It's still easy for me to control if that's what you're wondering. It was just draining since I hadn't used it in so long."

"Well, that's good. That technique of yours gets scary when it goes out of control," Kaien remarked from his seat on the floor.

"Yes, well, she's not the only one to have a technique like that. Yoruichi Shihouin used the shunko, or flash cry technique," Ukitake put in.

"She does, but even she can't control it no matter how hard she tries. That's what makes the two abilities different, because for all their similarities, I can control the energy, or magic, without having to think too much on my actions once I activate it. Of course, both are dangerous if not used properly," Senna said thoughtfully.

"We know all this already, don't we?" Kaien questioned boredly.

"Yes, it's just been such a long time since Senna has used that technique, I was worried for her," Ukitake replied looking at the girl sitting on the bed with concern.

"I'm fine, I already told both of you that," she sighed.

She could understand his worry. After all the technique, or ability, was most likely responsible for her coma and her last vision of Shinji splattered in blood. She couldn't really remember though, but it was the most likely assumption.

"Get some rest, Senna. We'll see you when you have returned home in two weeks," Ukitake said, smiling down at her.

"Of course," she replied with a smile of her own.

The three said their goodbyes and the captain left with his lieutenant following after him.

Senna laid back on to the bed and drifted into a light dreamless sleep.

The next two weeks were agonizing. The days seemed to drag on and last forever and it didn't help that Senna had apparently made some new friends. Hisagi and Renji made it a habit to eat with her and ask to train with her on a daily basis.

Senna wouldn't spar with Renji, much to his annoyance, their skill levels were too far apart is what she would tell him. So he would spar with Hisagi as she observed and critiqued the two from a tree branch in the forest.

"Don't leave your right side so open, dumbass," Senna called lazily.

"Thanks for the tip," Renji grumbled, rubbing at his right arm.

"No problem," she replied, ignoring the glare she received from the red head.

"It's getting late, we should head back," Hisagi said looking towards the distant buildings.

"Yeah, and I'm hungry," Senna added as she stretched and yawned.

"You're always hungry," Renji mumbled, rolling his eyes.

"So I have a healthy appetite."

"For an old lady," he snorted.

"Excuse me?" She asked, raising an eyebrow at Renji.

"Nothing.. old woman."

"What makes you think I'm old?"

"Well, how old are you?" Renji asked.

"You first," she replied.

She heard a grumbled, "One hundred and ten..ish."

"I see. And you, Hisagi?" She asked the man who had remained quiet.

"Not much older than him," he replied with a shrug.

"Interesting. So do you share his opinion that I must be old?"

"It would make sense," the dark haired man responded.

"It would, I suppose, but it would be much less fun," she replied with a mischievous smile.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Renji asked in frustration.

"Nothing," she replied, and proceeded to say, "Old man," under her breath barely loud enough for the two men to hear.

"What did you say?!" Renji yelled.

She blinked innocently. "Hmm, I didn't say anything."

Renji looked like he was about to strangle her, but she just gave him a little grin and continued walking towards the Academy.

"Are you saying we're older than you?" Hisagi asked in a tone that sounded disbelieving.

Senna remained quiet as Renji just spluttered nonsense at her. Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she turned her head to look at Hisagi. "Yes."

"What?! No way!" Renji stopped and pointed at her like she was crazy.

"How old are you?" Hisagi asked.

"A woman never reveals her age."

"Evasive."

"Usually," she responded to Hisagi's casual observation.

"You're lying, right?" Renji asked.

"Nope."

"Then how old are you?!" Renji yelled, he was clearly flustered with Senna's constant dodging of his question.

Again, she just ignored the question making Renji even more frustrated as he followed her and Hisagi into the eating hall.

They ate in silence, mostly, with Renji muttering occasional curses and Hisagi telling him to shut up.

Senna found the situation amusing. She stopped eating for a moment after hearing more mutters from Renji.

"Ninety-seven," she said as she raised another bite of rice to her mouth.

Renji coughed, nearly choking on the food he was trying to swallow. Hisagi just glanced at her and went back to eating.

"What?!" Renji said as his coughing subsided.

"You heard me. Or is your hearing going, old man?" she replied. Hisagi grinned at Renji who seemed at a loss for words as he turned red with anger.

"You leave tomorrow don't you, Senna?"

"Yes, Hisagi, I do," she confirmed.

"Good riddance," Renji muttered.

"You're telling me," she replied, glancing at Renji.

After she finished her meal, she disposed of her trash and headed back to her room to pack her belongings, which didn't take long, she hadn't brought much. After she finished the mundane task she went to bed.

She awoke early the next morning and headed out to teach her last three classes. Luckily the day went by quickly with no major mishaps. After dismissing the last class, she walked back to what had been her room to retrieve her things. As she grabbed her small bag off the bed there was a knock at the door.

Holding the bag in her left hand, she opened the door. Hisagi stood there looking almost lost.

"Hisagi?" She asked.

"Just wanted to say bye," he replied.

His expression wasn't the serious one she was used to seeing on him, he looked a little flushed and nervous.

"Well, bye then," she said as she shut the door and began walking, casting a curious glance at Hisagi who walked beside her.

They walked in silence to the main doors of the building. She threw another side long glance at the dark haired man beside her.

"Ok, so I'll see ya around, Hisagi," she said.

He reached into a pocket of his hakama and pulled out a long white box that had a black ribbon tied around it.

She eyed him, watching uncertainly as he handed the box to her. "What's this?" She asked cautiously.

"It's a thank you gift," he replied.

"Thank you for what?"

"Just take it, would you."

Her hand reached out almost unwillingly and took the box.

"See ya around," he said once she had taken it, he then turned and walked off.

A sigh was heard as she turned to leave the building and head home. As she walked she turned the box over in her hand.

"I suppose I should I open it before I get back to the barracks," she murmured to herself.

She set her bag down on the ground and untied the ribbon on top of the box. Slowly, she lifted the white lid and peered inside.

She gasped at the contents.

Sitting in the box were two red chopsticks. At first they appeared plain, but then she noticed the vines that were entwined around each stick in black paint. The design was actually quite intricate and beautiful.

A look of shock was evident on her face. She hadn't been expecting chopsticks, she didn't know what she was expecting, but this wasn't it. A genuine smile flitted across her features as she twisted her hair into a messy bun and used the two new sticks to secure it.

~A/N~

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