Chapter 10: Festival
"Blue birds the sky light up,
Heart felt a little firefly light,
You will be something special,
You are the key to everything."
-Donna Lewis "Heaven Sent You"
There was a gentle thump of a stack of books on the circulation desk, and a familiar voice that spoke to her. Judging by the stack of books, she half expected it to be Captain Aizen, but the voice that spoke to her was entirely different but very familiar all the same.
"It's been awhile since we've seen each other, huh?"
Nina removed the topmost book to reveal the face of her longtime friend, Amaya Edogawa, who grinned at her roguishly. Both women hailed from Rukongai, though they did not occupy the same district, and met in the academy. Amaya, in Nina's opinion, was striking. She was tall and lean with waist-long red hair with a small braid hanging on the left side of her face that ended with a set of silver beads and a white feather. At the crown of her head, she wore the feather of a red tailed hawk. Her eyes were as green and bright as the purest emeralds, and, unlike Nina, Amaya wasn't shy about anything and was very much a no-nonsense type of person.
"Amaya-chan..." Nina trailed in surprise. She smiled warmly. "It has been awhile, hasn't it? I meant to visit you..."
Amaya waved her hand dismissively. "Pfft. Don't worry about it. I I've been pretty covered up lately with work." She offered an eager smile. "How are things in Fifth Division?"
"Things are going well, thank you. I'm guessing that you being busy is why these are all overdue?"
"Yep. That would be why. I have my fine money in my pocket." She fished around for a few coins to pay her fine. "I heard you were promoted, and I'm sorry I didn't come to congratulate you sooner. Captain Komamura had me leading some night duties in Rukongai, so lately my schedule has been flipped."
"It's fine. I understand." She sighed. "I wonder whether this promotion will keep me as busy as you are."
Amaya had been a member of Seventh Division since their graduation from the Academy. Nina considered her friend a far more talented officer, and that fact was proven when Amaya was promoted to Third Seat three years ago. Since Amaya's promotion, Nina found it a bit of a challenge to spend time with Amaya like she used to. Their daily visits were more often limited to weekly visits on Amaya's day off or short visits a few evenings a week over dinner.
"I think it really depends on Captain Aizen and how much he expects out of you," Amaya replied. "Captain Komamura tends to push us a little harder." She smiled. "But my schedule should be returning to normal after tonight. I get to have a few days off to readjust to a daytime shift again. I'll also try to visit more in the evenings."
Nina giggled. "You always say that, but you never do."
"Hey, I try, but I just can't help I'm always busy. Lieutenant Iba always passes off the stuff he doesn't want to do to me."
"I remember back when we were being selected, you said you were hoping to get Thirteenth Division."
"I was, but honestly, everyone wants Thirteenth. They say the captain of Thirteenth is really laid back. I like where I am, though. I mean, I wanted Thirteenth so I could work my way up to that abandoned lieutenant's seat."
"Which you are now aware has been vacant for fifty years, and it doesn't look like their captain is filling it anytime soon."
Amaya shrugged. "Doesn't mean that one can't dream, but I admit, Seventh Division was a good second choice. I think it's where I'm meant to be. Besides, everyone covets that abandoned lieutenant seat in Thirteenth." The redhead leaned casually against the desk. "So, are you going to the summer festival?"
"I haven't decided whether I am going or not."
"Well," Amaya said mischievously. She pushed her books aside, came around the counter, and sat on the extra stool next to Nina. She then leaned in closer to her. "I bet you could score a date, considering the rumors that have been flying concerning you."
Nina's eyes widened. "M-me?!" she squeaked. "What's being said?"
"Well, a good number of people have been spotting you out with some guy named Yumichika Ayasegawa. Is this true?"
Nina flushed. "Y-yes...but we're only friends! He works downstairs in the Archives Room."
"Just friends, huh?"
Nina's face reddened even more, and she scowled. "I beg your pardon, but you shouldn't be the one to talk about attractions. You had a crush on the Academy music teacher."
The redhead blushed, but she brushed off Nina's statement. "It wasn't a crush – he was just a very special mentor!"
Nina smirked mischievously. "Is that what they call it now?"
"Speaking of mentors, I bet Captain Aizen is a great mentor." Amaya's smile radiated evil. "I mean, he is kind of attractive, if you're into the scholarly types."
"You can not be serious about that, Amaya."
Nina glanced up to see her own captain waiting in line to check out his books. Her face froze and turned about ten shades of crimson before Amaya turned and grinned up at Aizen.
"Hello, Captain Aizen," Amaya greeted. She cast a sly look in Nina's direction.
"Good afternoon," Aizen responded pleasantly. "Have you come to relieve Seito-san?"
Amaya raised her eyebrows, and Nina caught the impish glint in the redhead's green eyes. In the years they had been in the Court Squads, Amaya had never actually met Captain Aizen, though she had seen him plenty of times.
"Oh, no. I'm Nina's best friend," she replied. She elbowed Nina. "Aren't I?"
Nina sighed and stamped Aizen's book. "Unfortunately."
The smile never left Amaya's face. She knew she had Nina good and annoyed. "We have not formally met. Amaya Edogawa, Third Seat, Seventh Division."
"Oh, a Third like Seito-san? Did you graduate with her?"
"Yes, I did, and I am very proud of my friend for making it to Third Seat," Amaya said.
"Considering you are the same ranks, one can assume you are evenly matched as far as your abilities, then. I'm certain Captain Komamura made a wise choice in selecting you for his Third." He offered a devastating smile at Nina who blushed. "Just as I made the right choice in promoting Seito-san. Don't let your captain down, Edogawa-san."
She smiled. "I don't intend to."
"I should be going now. It was a pleasure to meet you, Edogawa-san." Aizen glanced at Nina. "Take care, Seito-san, and thank you. I will see you bright and early tomorrow on the training field."
"O-of course, Captain Aizen. Anytime."
Aizen left, and Amaya hid a wide smile behind her hands. Nina's pink cheeks had not gone unnoticed. Nina glared at her friend who then burst out laughing, her giggles cutting through the solemnn quiet of the library.
"Don't you have anything better to do?"
"Other than tease you? Never!"
The remark earned another red-faced scowl from Nina.
Amaya picked up her stack of books. "Alright, alright. I know when I'm not wanted. Let me know if you're going to the festival later, okay? I plan to perform, and I'd love for you to see it."
Nina nodded as her friend left, wondering just how much of the conversation Aizen had heard. Yumichika and Hinamori soon approached the desk, Hinamori with a book to return and one to check out.
"Who was that, Seito-san?" Hinamori asked.
"That was my best friend, Amaya. She's the Third Seat in Seventh Division."
"She seemed like she was teasing you," Yumichika observed. He frowned. "She's noisy."
"That's Amaya for you," Nina said, taking Hinamori's return and stamping her check out. "But, really, she's a great person."
"She does look kinda familiar," Yumichika remarked. "It's rumored that she's pretty tough."
Nina offered a soft chortle. "That she is. She fights like she could be in your division, Yumichika-san. She's one of the toughest women I know, that's for sure."
Hinamori picked up her books that Nina pushed toward her. "Seito-san, are you going to the festival next week?"
"Amaya just asked me the same thing," Nina responded. "I told her I haven't decided whether I was going."
"Oh, I see," Momo responded. Then she smiled. "Well, I'm going but I need to finish working on a banner I was making. If you have free time, I'd love for you to help me."
Nina nodded. "Sure. I can bring some supplies, too."
"That sounds good. Thank you and I'll see you at training later!" she said cheerfully as she left.
Yumichika watched her go for a moment and then he hesitated a little. "Um...Nina-san?"
"Yes?"
"Well..." he began, rubbing his hand at the back of his head. "I...I was hoping you would agree to go to the festival so that we could, you know, go together."
Nina blinked. "You want me to go with you?"
He smiled nervously. "Y-yeah. I mean, just as friends, of course." He faltered again. "You don't have to go with me of course..."
"N-no! That is a generous offer, and I accept. Thank you."
He smiled happily. "Great! I'll be looking forward to it!"
Yumichika and Nina sat at an outdoor table sharing a small plate of Division Eleven's famous rice balls. The evening was sultry yet pleasant as people from the different divisions mingled. This was a rare evening free from wearing standard issue uniforms, with the exception of those on the night watch.
Yumichika glanced at Nina as he took a second rice ball from the plate; she was a stunning sight to behold. She was wearing a white yukata with blue and purple morning glories and green leaves patterned over it. A red and gold obi held the garment closed, and her hair had been left down when usually it was pulled back. A chunk of Nina's long black hair was held out of her face by a silver dragonfly barrette.
She glanced at Yumichika in his dark blue yukata with little gold dragons patterned over it and ventured a small smile. "Your division really does have bragging rights when it comes to these rice balls."
Yumichika offered her a drink and he returned her smile with a warm one of his own. "I told you so, and they taste even better when shared with a favored friend."
Nina giggled and blushed. She accepted taking the cup of sake he had brought her.
"Seito-san." A pleasant, deep, yet familiar voice greeted her from behind, and she turned her head. Captain Aizen was approaching her with a warm smile as another man, one with a broad grin and silver hair, followed him.
"Yumichika..." Aizen trailed as he turned to face the Fifth Seat.
Both captains were wearing summer yukata as part of the festival tradition in Seireitei. Aizen wore a dark green yukata with a golden keisou obi, and Ichimaru wore a loose-fitting dark blue yukata with a silver keisou obi.
"Seito-chan!" Gin greeted as well. "My, what is Yumichika doing here with you? Won't Yachiru get angry?" he teased.
Yumichika smiled, pleased that he was out with Nina. "In this case, I don't think she will mind."
"C-Captain Aizen..." Nina blushed. She glanced up at his silver-haired companion whom she had seen but never formally met.
Gin, however, seemed to notice Nina's discomfort and sensed the general awkwardness. "Ah! I apologize. How careless of me!" answered Gin. "I'm Captain of Third Division, Gin Ichimaru. It's nice to finally meet you!"
He extended his long slender arm wanting to greet Nina with a handshake. Aizen simply stared at Nina, noticing that her hair was left down and how attractive she looked in her yukata. He also noticed, and oddly to his dismay, that she was in the company of Division Eleven's Fifth Seat.
Nina hesitated. What did he mean by 'finally'? His grin was strange, to say the least, but his gesture toward her seemed friendly enough. She finally took his hand and greeted him. "H-hello, Captain Ichimaru. Nina Seito, Third Seat." She glanced at Aizen, and the lights from the festival lanterns illuminated the silver dragonfly clip she wore to accent her hair. "I didn't know I was worthy enough to merit conversation between captains."
Aizen turned to Nina and smiled at her, "Well let's just say Gin tends to follow me around," he replied with a small laugh. He rested his gaze on Yumichika. "This is a surprise. What are you doing with Seito-san, Ayasegawa-kun?"
"Seems to be happy hangin' 'round Seito-chan," Ichimaru commented.
Nina blushed at the implication that statement seemed to make, especially since Amaya had told her that rumors were flying around about her and Yumichika.
"He works with me in the library, Captain Ichimaru. We're friends," Nina replied.
Yumichika glanced up at Captain Aizen, and he could not figure out whether he was getting in trouble for being on a date with his Third Seat or if there was no implication in it at all.
Finally, he resorted to a pleasant smile. "Nina-chan's my date - a friendly date. We hang out about every week." He paused. "Is there something wrong?"
Gin's smile grew to a wide grin, while Sousuke narrowed his dark brown eyes. "Oh. No reason really, it just seemed rather strange to find you here without your usual companions."
Nina made the mistake of taking a good look at her captain; he was as handsome without his uniform as he was with it. His smile this evening was devastating, and while she did not know him well enough to understand his true implications, she did find that she was strangely embarrassed that he had found her with Yumichika when she had no reason to be embarrassed. How could she be attracted to her captain like this?
She cleared her throat and ventured a small smile up at him and said nothing, but Yumichika spoke with a slight laugh. "Ah, Ikkaku is manning the rice ball booth, and Yachiru abandoned him. She does that every year and he's not happy."
"I see," Aizen replied after a moment.
"Well, what's Fifth Division selling, Captain Aizen?" asked Gin. "I hope it's something that goes well with dumplings. Wonder if Kira-kun is done with those..."
"Do you mind if we join you?" asked Aizen, ignoring Gin for now and directing the question more at Nina rather than at both her and Yumichika.
Nina hesitated. Really, she was supposed to be on a 'date' with Yumichika, but how could a Third Seat and a Fifth Seat refuse a captain? Not only would it be rude, but it was an honor for lower seated officers to have a captain in their company.
She glanced at Yumichika, searching for approval, but he offered no help whatsoever. Instead, he just shrugged.
"Well, um...sure. I suppose," she finally responded. He had only responded to her questioning gaze with a flummoxed look of his own. "You really should try Eleventh Division's rice balls. They are very good."
"It would be a shame to let go of the opportunity to try something new, wouldn't it Captain Aizen?" Gin remarked suggestively. He took a seat next to Yumichika, and Captain Aizen sat next to Nina, though he was careful to maintain an acceptable distance from her.
"Yes, it really would," Sousuke replied, understanding Gin's real message.
"Well...I can get all of us some if you like," Yumichika offered, standing up, though I may warn you that it might take a little while with Ikkaku manning the booth by himself and all."
"That would be nice. Thank you," Aizen responded pleasantly.
Yumichika smiled and wandered off to get a second helping of rice balls leaving Nina in the company of the two captains.
"So, Seito-chan, are you enjoying your time as a seated officer?" asked Gin as he took a rice ball from Yumichika's plate and took a bite. "Bet Captain Aizen makes you train hard, eh?"
"Yes, I am, Captain Ichimaru," Nina responded. "Though I have to admit that I did not think I had enough skill to merit the position."
"Please don't talk with your mouth full, Ichimaru-san," Aizen lightly chided.
The reprimand earned an amused glance from Nina. "I didn't think captains scolded other captains."
"I've known this one for quite some time now, and while his position may have changed, his manners have not," Aizen answered.
"It's good yer enjoying yourself," Gin grinned at Nina. "Being a captain is too much work, and that's why there's a Lieutenant for each one," Ichimaru said taking another rice ball.
"Have you been giving your paperwork to Kira-kun again?"
His silver-haired companion merely stuffed his mouth with the food and shrugged.
"All that paperwork kind of makes me glad I'm not Lieutenant, honestly," Nina admitted. "I've seen all the work you and Hinamori-san have to do, and it doesn't look at all fun."
She paused and glanced up at Aizen for a moment. Yumichika was gorgeous by all accounts, but he lacked Captain Aizen's presence. And why on earth was she comparing the two? There should not be any comparison since Captain Aizen was decidedly off limits.
Aizen turned to her and stared at her again, he had to admit that she really did look beautiful, and the colors of her yukata suited her well.
"Hard work, yes, but it is rewarding to see my subordinates progress and grow," he replied warmly.
She smiled softly up at him. "I hope at least my seat will help people in our division do just that." She shifted on the bench, and her fingertips grazed his without meaning to.
"I expect great things from you Seito-san. You certainly have the potential," Aizen told her as he stared at the starry sky above. He felt the brush of her fingertips, and it felt so...warm and delicate, and he somehow could not bring himself to pull his hand away from it.
"Where's Yumichika? He sure is taking his time," Gin said poking the empty plate.
"Well, he did say that Ikkaku was short on help," Nina said.
Just then Yumichika came back with a plate of steaming hot rice balls for all of them to share and set them down in the middle of the table. "I'm sorry that took so long, but Ikkaku has a lot of people to serve. I was almost considering going and giving him a hand, but I don't want to abandon my date." He paused. "Or make my hair smell."
"How 'bout we keep her company? I think that would be a smart choice now, eh?" Gin suggested glancing at Aizen.
"Ah, yes, what a good suggestion and how true. You can attend to Eleventh Division for a while and meet us later," Sousuke added. "Don't you agree Seito-san?"
Nina hesitated a moment, and she glanced at Yumichika. Finally, seeing how Ikkaku was in a pinch, she relented. "Oh, it's alright. Ikkaku-san needs a hand."
Yumichika looked surprised as he eased himself up from the table in hesitation. "Are...are you sure? I mean..."
Nina shook her head dismissively. "Go before Ikkaku blows something up or burns something down."
"Well, uh...okay, but I promise I'll find you later," he responded, leaving Nina alone with Gin and Aizen.
"Would you like to eat something else, Seito-san?" Aizen asked. "I can buy you something if you wish."
Nina blinked, taken aback by the offer. She was really getting quite full, but she was not sure whether declining her captain's offer would be rude. She chewed her lip, wondering for a moment what to do here. It was awkward enough to be in the company of two captains, but the fact that he'd just offer to buy her something...
"Well, I suppose I could go for a small bowl of ramen, though I really wouldn't mind paying for it myself," she finally ventured. "But thank you."
How silly she felt stumbling over her own words. Conversation with Yumichika always went so much smoother than this, so why was she getting so flustered now? He was just her captain.
"I would not have you do any such thing," Sousuke told her kindly. "I insist."
Sousuke glanced back briefly to Gin and then stood, extending his hand to Nina. Gin did the same, and offered his hand as well. Aizen gave him a strange look – more like a scowl.
"What? I want to follow your example, Captain. After all, you're the one who said my manners didn't change."
The gesture on Gin's part also earned an odd look from Nina, and she took her captain's hand instead. Her captain's hand was so warm and smooth, and she wondered what reason he could possibly have for wanting her company out of all the people from which he could have chosen.
"Division Seven is selling the ramen bowls," Nina told Aizen. "Amaya is working that booth, so perhaps she can do us a little under-the-table favor, if you know what I mean." She ventured a tiny, mischievous smile toward him.
Sousuke smiled softly and chuckled. "Of course. Should we get going then?"
Nina started into the throng of people loitering about. She thought Aizen was following her as she made her way to Division Seven, but as she turned her head to speak to him, she discovered he was gone. She paused for a moment to wait for him to catch up, but she could not see him in this mass of people.
"Captain Aizen?" she called, knowing that her voice had more than likely been drowned out by the crowd of people. She suddenly felt a hand grab her sleeve, and she turned her head.
"Ya shouldn't wander off like that Seito-chan. Ya might get lost," Gin said.
"He's right. Seireitei is a big place, and quite crowded," Sousuke began as he excused his way through the throng of people. "Why not hold on to my arm so you don't get lost again?" He suggested this with a warm, courtly smile as he made eye contact. "Seito-san."
"I...um...yes, I think that would be wise. I'm sorry, but I thought you were right there. The crowd must have gotten in our way," she responded as she hooked her arm into his.
Honestly, this was going far - almost too far. She didn't want people to start thinking things or rumors to be flying that were not true. But the suggestion had been wise in itself, and Nina figured that she would simply let go of him once they got to where they were going.
"So are we really going to Seventh Division's stand?" asked Gin as Aizen walked on ahead with Nina by his side.
"Yes," he replied curtly.
"Heh...I see. I'll be heading over to Tenth Division then."
"To annoy Captain Hitsugaya, I presume?"
"Captain Aizen, please! Ya know I would never even think to insult the likes of the Boy Genius! Just visiting a friend that's all," Gin replied before vanishing into the crowd.
Nina watched Gin disappear, and a sense of awkwardness suddenly washed over her. She was alone with Captain Aizen.
They arrived in Division Seven and stood in line to await their turn at ordering ramen bowls. The problem was that Aizen didn't seem to be showing any sign of letting go of her arm now that they were in a thinner crowd.
"Captain Aizen."
"Captain Komamura," greeted Aizen as he led Nina to take a seat next to him. "It's good to see you. How have you been?"
Nina looked up at the massive figure of Captain Komamura and his helmeted face; his voice was pleasant and kind. It seemed that Amaya had been right that he was really a gentle giant.
"Good, good. What brings you here?" Komamura asked.
"Oh, I'm keeping my Third Seat here company until her friend is relieved at his booth," Aizen explained. "That and to have some of that ramen I've been hearing so much about."
"Are you here to try out the ramen I made, Nina-chan?" asked Amaya as she approached her captain and his company.
Nina ventured a genuine and relieved smile at the sight of her friend. "Amaya-chan! How did you know I was coming?"
The redhead grinned. "Mah, I've known you long enough to know that you'd come visit me. Besides, you can't resist a ramen bowl." She nodded toward Captain Aizen. "I thought Yumichika was your date, Nina-chan."
"Was he?" questioned Sousuke looking down at the girl.
Captain Komamura glanced up at the booth; it was getting crowded again. "I had better go. We're getting another wave of people."
He left Aizen and Nina to talk with Amaya.
"Um, sort of," Nina responded truthfully. She quickly changed the subject. "So that was your captain?"
Amaya smiled. "Yes. He's helping me with the ramen booth until Lieutenant Iba gets back."
Just then Komamura's deep voice called to her. "Edogawa-san!"
"Oops, got to go. See you later!"
Amaya ran off to assist her captain leaving Nina in a very awkward position once more.
"Are you hungry?"
"After pushing through those crowds, I could definitely go for some food. Frankly, I'm relieved to be out in the open once more. Large crowds make me claustrophobic."
"I see," he replied with a small laugh. Aizen then ordered two small bowls of ramen, and they were soon prepared and served at their table. He smiled and handed her a set of chopsticks. "Eat, Seito-san."
Nina took the chopsticks and began to eat her ramen; it was as good as she had been hearing, and she noticed that her bowl came with a dog-shaped cookie wrapped in white paper. "Ah, Amaya and Captain Komamura did great on these. What do you want to do after we get done, Captain Aizen? I hear Division Thirteen is selling candy."
"Candy? Well, it is Captain Ukitake," Aizen replied, amused. "Would you like to go there next then?"
"Only if you want to," Nina told him. "I've heard quite a lot about this Captain Ukitake. Amaya had actually hoped to get into Division Thirteen when she graduated the Academy. She used to covet that empty lieutenant spot, but she's kind of lost interest in that now that she knows there's likely no chance of it being filled."
"Oh, I see...well, yes, that will be rather difficult. Captain Ukitake was very fond of his previous lieutenant," Aizen explained. He narrowed his eyes. "And then that happened." He kept quiet to himself, almost dazed as in lost in thought for a while. In the end, he broke the silence. "Let's go, shall we?" He stood and offered his arm to Nina once more.
Nina was finished with her bowl, and she stood as well. She was unsure about taking her captain's arm again, but she thought that after they had gotten separated earlier, she figured that she ought to. And so she did, though Aizen's remark about something happening to Division Thirteen's previous lieutenant had her puzzled. It was rumored far and wide that whomever held that position fifty years ago met an untimely demise, and she wondered what could have happened.
Still she offered up a smile and let her captain lead her down past Division Eleven, which was the farthest she had ever been, and to the Division Thirteen compound. The atmosphere here was warm and welcoming, and the people at the booths seemed friendly and eager to please.
"Ah! Hello, Captain Aizen!"
Nina looked over to see a tall, pale man with long white hair coming toward them. He was smiling brightly and waving to them as he approached.
"Captain Ukitake," greeted Sousuke. "I heard you were selling candy."
Ukitake smiled happily. "Ah, yes, we are. You should go see Kiyone and Sentaro if you want some." He glanced down at Nina. "Who is your friend?"
"She's my Third Seat, Nina Seito," he answered, looking at her.
Nina clasped her hands in front of her and gave a proper bow. "Good to meet you, Captain Ukitake."
He smiled brightly. "You as well, and congratulations on making Third Seat."
"Thank you, sir," Nina responded.
"You don't have to be so formal with me," Ukitake said, grinning. "I won't bite." He was carrying a basket and handing out small chocolates to people he came across, and he held out a piece to Nina. "Would you like one?"
Nina politely nodded. "Yes, please."
Uktiake looked at Aizen as Nina ate the sweet. "I hope she's working out for you. I heard many of our promotions this year are quite talented."
"She is very talented, as I've said before to her. I expect great things out of Seito-san," Sousuke said smoothly. "How are things going for you, Ukitake-kun?"
Juushiro's smile never wavered as he answered his comrade. "I am well and have been feeling much better. I think it's the atmosphere of the festival that's got me so energetic, but after my illness struck last week, I have a mountain of paperwork to catch up on."
"That's too bad. I am glad to see you're feeling better. At least you have your Third Seats to help," Sousuke said with a small smile.
"I don't know what I'd do without them. Bless those two; they're so energetic," Ukitake responded genuinely. "Anyway, you'll have to excuse me. I have many rounds to make. Stop by and have tea with me sometime next week."
"Of course," Aizen said and then looked at Nina. "Would you like to return to Division Eleven?"
Nina nodded. "Yes, I think we better see if Yumichika's done, yet." She paused and then smiled shyly. "Not that I'm not having a nice time with you, of course."
"I'm glad," he said, returning her smile. He led her back to Eleventh Division as they passed the crowds of people walking side by side.
A very strange thing was happening on both their parts, but more so on Aizen's than Nina's. For one, he had felt pangs of jealousy every time Ayasegawa had been brought up. He had decided, that yes, he was quite attracted to Nina. Sousuke did not want to admit, however, that a fire had started and it was dangerously close to blazing out of control and developing into something like feelings toward this young woman.
He walked her toward the rice ball booth, and Yumichika came running up. "Hey! I was about to come find you. I just finished, and hopefully, Ikkaku will be set for the night." He glanced up at Aizen and then around. "What happened to Captain Ichimaru?"
"He left to visit Tenth Division," Aizen replied. "Have you had anything planned Seito-san?"
The fireworks show will begin in a few moments, he thought.
Nina glanced at Yumichika. "Um...no. I don't think so, unless you did, Yumichika."
Yumichika shook his head in response. "I was just going to go to the fireworks display."
Nina glanced at Aizen. "Why do you ask?"
"Oh...no reason really," he told her, wondering why he had even asked such a question in the first place. Nina is here with that Fifth Seat, he reminded himself. Why should I care what they do?
"Oh, well, alright, then. If you're going you shouldn't be late, and neither should we," Yumichika said as he took his date back from her captain. He looked up at Aizen and smiled gratefully. "Thanks for taking care of her while I was gone. I can't think of a better person to leave her with." He turned to Nina. "C'mon. Let's grab a good seat for the display."
"I had a nice time, Captain Aizen. Thank you," Nina told him as she rejoined her date. "Good night and see you tomorrow."
Nina left with Yumichika, and Aizen stared after them deep in thought. How could something like that bother him? It wasn't any of his business who she dated, but it was so infuriating, for some reason, to see her with such a feminine man when she could have - and deserved to have - so much better. This was not supposed to happen. But it was much to his surprise and chagrin at the same time, it was happening and he was at a loss as to how to rid himself of these maddening yet baffling feelings.
He sighed. The sky was dark, and the moon was out. Lights guided his path as he made his way back to Fifth Division.
"Ice cream?" asked Gin holding two cones each with one scoop.
Ignoring Gin, Aizen continued on his way.
"Oh? Don't tell me you had a bad time?" Ichimaru said. "How can the nicest captain in all of Soul Society have a bad time?"
Sousuke continued to walk and then stopped unexpectedly. The sky glowed with lights above. He narrowed his eyes at the sky. "It's nothing. Completely nothing."
"Heh," Gin snickered as he licked his ice cream. "Completely nothing, indeed."