I do not own BLEACH, nor Aizen, though I very much hope I did, or at least his Zanpakutou. Oh, of course I do not own the other characters as well. The only thing I own is my OC here Aki-chan. The rest goes to Kubo Tite, the guy who kind of broke my brain.

Thanks, Kyuubi-Demon, mungedgunther and GrimmyGrimm666, for adding Petals Rain as your favorite and alert!

Yuzuki0429: Thank you! I was rather afraid that chapter.9 was hard to understand.

Mysticbreez: Aizen would do anything to ensure his plan runs well. Evil!

Inuyoshie: Thanks for adding Petals Rain as your favorite! And also for the comment! I'll update regularly don't worry! :D But if you can get them, can I have Aizen's undies? XD

(All thoughts of the characters are in 'this is thinking' this single inverted comma and italic format.)

Chapter 10 – Petals shower.

In the infirmary…

Ukitake had been frequenting the Squad Four barracks much more than he usually does.

One reason being Chiaki hospitalization. And another being Chiaki's condition worrying him sick.

Literally.

For the past one month, Ukitake had been coming over to her ward as long as his duties and illness allowed. He will sit by her bed, hold onto her fragile hand, and talk about many things.

Today is just another one of those days.

"Yo, handsome man. You're early today." Kyouraku greeted Ukitake as he enters the ward. "Any improvement?"

"I just arrived too." Ukitake then sighed and shook his head. How many times had he done that since the day started, he doesn't even know anymore. "And no… No improvement at all."

"Well well that is really troubling. Unohana-san did say that her health seems to be in good condition. Wonder just how long she plans to sleep." Kyouraku shifted his straw hat a little. "Oi, wakey wakey yo Aki-chan. You're getting fat sleeping there for so long."

Ukitake laughed bitterly. "Let's hope saying that might work. She will get so agitated by it."

"Maybe we should get Sousuke-kun to say that instead. The impact's greater. Speaking of Sousuke, where is he? He's usually here when I visit at this hour."

"I'm right here Kyouraku-taichou. Went to spoke to Unohana-taichou and then fetched some water so I'm a little late." Aizen had just entered the ward with a small basin and towel in his hands. "Good afternoon Kyouraku-taichou, Ukitake-taichou." He went forward to put the basin on the bedside table and soothes Chiaki's hair with his fingers, gently pushing them out of her face and spoke softly to her. "Good afternoon to you too, Aki…"

He soaked the towel in the basin, squeezed the water out, and started cleaning the face of Chiaki, the face that he could stare at forever and not get sick of. When he was finished with her face and wanted to proceed with her hands, Aizen noticed his lover's hands were occupied. They were in Ukitake's hands, and God knows for how long had he been holding onto Chiaki. But Aizen didn't care if it was just five seconds, five minutes or even five hours. He just didn't like that.

"Ukitake-taichou, how is your health?" Aizen tried speaking to Ukitake in his usual calm tone, as he points to Chiaki's hands. "May I?"

"Oh. Oh I-I'm so sorry." Ukitake let go of Chiaki's hand. "Please go ahead. And I'm fine, thank you."

Aizen took Chiaki's hands over and smiled warmly at Ukitake. "Sometimes I think I'm such a failure. Always troubling others to worry about and take care of my girlfriend." Aizen find there was a need to emphasize his possession of Chiaki, as he sighed again and continued, "If not for you Ukitake-taichou, she will still be in the Detention Unit. I wonder who did such a horrible thing to her in there…"

"Don't say that Sousuke-kun. Aki is my best friend and student after all. I know this will be a hard time for you, but please don't give up. I'm sure Aki will wake up soon, and you two could be like before again."

"And you should know that Ukitake is much more compassionate than any of us." Kyouraku added on. "Always caring for others and not taking care of himself." He pats on Ukitake's shoulders. "Right handsome man? Anyway, we should be leaving too."

"Why so early Kyouraku-taichou?" Aizen asks as he place Chiaki's hands onto her sides after he was done wiping them. "You just arrived."

"Yama-Jii asked for us. Probably to talk about Aki-chan."

"Oh yes I almost forgot." Ukitake scratched his head. "We'll update you about it Sousuke-kun."

"Yup, if Yama-Jii decides on something we'll update you. And we better leave you two love birds alone. Just looking at you two makes me so jealous. Maybe I should find Lisa-chan." Kyouraku made a fake crying face. "Oh where's Lisa-chan when I need her. Let's go, Ukitake."

"Good-bye Kyouraku-taichou, Ukitake-taichou." Aizen bowed down and only straightened himself when he heard the door click shut. He sighed and turned back to look at Chiaki as he settle himself down on the chair Ukitake sat on just awhile ago. It was still warm, and the warmth was making Aizen rather disgusted.

"Do you like it? When Ukitake holds onto your hand like this." Aizen picked up one of Chiaki's hand. "Do you prefer his touch much more than mine now?" Aizen frowns at the thought of her possible answer. "Right now you must be hating whatever I do or say. Do my words irk you?"

With the other hand, Aizen caressed Chiaki's neck, the part where Szayel gave her the injection, even though there was no sign of a jab at all.

"I'm sorry Aki, but you'll have to bear with it. It's all your fault. If you had been a good girl and followed Szayel back to Hueco Mundo, then I won't have to do this. Please forgive me…"

100 years ago – Soul Society.

Fifty years had passed, and Chiaki was still in her coma. Her friends had decided that worrying and being depressed wouldn't help at all, and so life had gone back to before. Ukitake and gang still visit her every now and then, but just not as frequent as before. The academy and Seireitei are both getting more established than they ever did, and each year more students are enrolling and graduating, making everyone busier compared to decades ago.

Aizen though, still made sure he visited Chiaki daily. And he had brought along a new friend recently.

Ichimaru Gin, the prodigy who he sees potential in and recruited him to be his Third Seat. He figured that if Gin were to become their ally in the future, then he will have to meet and get to know Chiaki. Gin was very unlike Tousen Kaname, who is loyal, obedient, quiet and hence easy to manipulate. Aizen had to pay extra attention to this child, bringing Gin along with him everywhere, like how Hirako Shinji treated him. Because Gin seems to be able to read just what Aizen has in his mind, and that was something new to Aizen.

"Gin, can you please help me gather some cherry blossoms from the garden into this pouch? Aki likes those a lot."

"Not again. Aizen-fukutaichou, neechan can't even see em'. It's silly."

"It's not Gin. Aki would love you for that. She cannot see but she can smell them, I'm sure. Now be good and go."

"Why not ya bring er' outside?" Gin shrugged. "I dunno. She could get some sunshine shower, or petals shower, since she likes em that much. Adults say it's good fer ya."

Aizen thought about it for a moment. "You wait here while I go talk to Unohana-taichou about it."

When Aizen was away, Gin started poking gently at Chiaki's cheek. "Aren't ya bored sleepin' fer so long? Why not ya wake up and help me wit' my paperwork? Heard ya were da Fifth Seat. A strong one. Da current one's lousy." He then proceeds to twirl Chiaki's red hair with his small, slender fingers. "Yer hair's long again. Didn't Aizen-fukutaichou had someone ta help ya trimmit' recently? Hope he dun do that again tho'. I like it long. It's pwetty."

"I heard my name, Gin." Aizen was suddenly in the ward again, a coat in his hand. "Speaking ill of me behind my back?"

"Ya bet. But too bad Aki-neechan decides ta keep a secret bout'it fer me."

Aizen chuckled and went to lift Chiaki to sitting position and squatted down himself. He uses his body as a support for Chiaki's limping body, as he help Chiaki put on the coat.

Gin was very excited about it. This was something new to him. "So ya bringin' er' out? Can I go, can I go? Pwetty prease!"

When Aizen was done with the coat, he turned around, still squatted, and placed Chiaki's hands over his shoulders as he lifted her up, piggyback style.

"Since this was your suggestion after all, let's go."

Soon, Gin became rather fond of Chiaki. How someone who cannot speak nor move appeals to him, he doesn't know. Maybe it was all the fun stories Aizen shared with him that sparked his interests, or maybe because Aizen tend to look especially loving, kind, gentle and had more patience when he was tending to Chiaki. Even though Chiaki could not move nor could she talk, but Gin knew that as long as he sticks near to Chiaki, Aizen would never punish him for creating troubles. At first Chiaki's ward was just a shelter for Gin to hide in when he was in trouble. But as he grew older, on days when Aizen was held down by work, duties, or simply Shinji's suspicions, he would volunteer to visit Chiaki. And during winters, he even brought her persimmons, even though he clearly understands that she can't eat them.

50 years ago – Soul Society.

In the infirmary...

"Neechan! Lookat tis! Lookat tis!" Gin, who had grown very tall and strong over the years, rushed into Chiaki's ward excitedly and patted onto the wooden badge tied to his arm. "I'mma fukutaichou now! And lookat Aizen-taichou! Doesn't he look good wit' da Haori?"

"That's right Aki. I did it. I'm the captain of our squad now. Wonder what took them so long to realize and accept the fact that Hirako Shinji had become history since decades ago." Aizen sat on the edge of the bed. "We're another step closer now. Aren't you proud of me? I know you must be. Oh and your old friend Urahara and former captain Tessai? They seem to be indirectly helping us with our research in the real world too. If you had been awake, you're probably the Kidou Corps' Captain now. Or maybe even Squad Twelve's Captain. The current one, Kurotsuchi Mayuri? He's testing my patience with all the tests he does on you."

"Someone's comin', Aizen-taichou."

"I know. I sensed it too." Aizen smiled. "Your admirer is coming to see you, Aki."

The door opened and Ukitake came in. "Yo Captain." He saluted jokingly.

"Good afternoon Ukitake-taichou." Aizen smiled at him instead of bowing to fake a casual atmosphere.

"Yo Ukitake-taichou." Gin greeted him too, as he stepped to the back so that Ukitake could stand closer to Aizen and Chiaki.

"I haven't been able to congratulate you guys properly for the promotion. So I thought I'll be able to catch you guys here. You both deserve it. Aki and Shinji will be proud of you guys."

"Hopefully." Aizen sighed. "I'm worried I couldn't do a good job like Hirako-taichou did."

At the back, Gin's grin became wider when he heard what Aizen just said. 'Oh Aizen-taichou, ya and ya perfect bullshit.' He thought.

"Don't worry Sousuke-kun, I'm sure you will perform just as well. Chiaki will be rooting for you too."

Aizen smiled bitterly. "I'm just afraid how she would react, when she wakes up and find that many of her friends are gone."

Ukitake sighed. "She will have to know. Let's hope for the best. I got to go for my routine check-up with Unohana-taichou now. See you later."

"See ya Ukitake-taichou." Gin waves to Ukitake as he exits the room. He waited till Ukitake's Reiatsu had gone further before he continued. "My my Aizen-taichou, ya a scary person."

"I am? I'm honored. Thanks for telling me Gin. I hadn't noticed before. It's all thanks to you."

"Yer too humble Aizen-taichou." Gin chuckled. "Ya scary, wasn't that decided since a century ago?"

"You think I should work harder on that aspect to bring it to an even higher level?"

"Ya bet. There's always room fer improvement."

"Sure. By the way Gin, remember what I said about selecting a few kids to help us out?"

"Hm…" Gin pondered for a moment. "I guess so. Ya have people in mind already?"

"Not yet. But since we will be testing our new 'products' on the first years' upcoming field trip, we can keep our eyes open for potential ones."

"Gotcha."

"One thing though. Never, ever bring them here or tell them about Aki. I don't want her sleep to be disturbed. Ukitake alone is enough."

Years later after Ichimaru Gin had became the captain of Squad Three, both Aizen and Gin had successfully gotten themselves obedient pets as their vice-captains. But the young ones were never told about Chiaki and her past. If it is possible, Aizen would very much like Sakamoto Chiaki to be forgotten by the whole of Soul Society.

2 months ago – Soul Society.

"I'll be back soon to fetch you Aki. So be good like you had already been for a hundred and fifty years." Aizen kissed Chiaki on her forehead. "I won't be able to visit you until I've settled things down in Las Noches and destroy most of Soul Society's power. But I'm sure Ukitake would come and talk to you endlessly. Active, cheerful, loving guy, isn't he?"

"Forgive Ukitake-taichou, Aki-neechan, I heard old people feels lonely easily, and they just can't stop naggin'."

"Don't be rude Gin. That is what we call being 'fatherly'." Aizen chuckled. "We still need him to take care of Aki for some time. So let's be nice, while we still can."

Gin pretended to pout. "But I was being nice already, Aizen-taichou."

"We have to go now Aki. Let's get going Gin. We can't possibly let the Central 46 wait for too long. And I can't wait to see my dead body too."

"Hinamori-chan would be so depressed. Her face would be priceless!"

"Thanks for reminding me Gin. I can't wait to see that poor child's face as well. See you soon, Aki."

"Be right back! Neechan!"

Things became a huge mess ever since that day, much to Aizen's amusement. Ryoka had intruded into Soul Society, and Aizen's 'death' only added on to the panic everyone was feeling. Ukitake was so shock about Aizen's death. How could he ever tell Chiaki about it? The more he thought about it, the further his illness worsened. Then there was Kuchiki Rukia's execution being brought forward, that didn't help either.

Despite the problems all coming to him at once, he still decided that he should help Rukia. Following what your instincts and morals think is right, protecting your students and subordinates. Those were the things he had learnt from Chiaki over all these years. If he succeeds in helping Rukia, he shall finally tell Chiaki about Aizen's death. Even though Chiaki can't hear it, but simply having to face her and tell her about Aizen's death is a hard thing to do.

But then that moment never came. Ukitake had successfully stopped Rukia's execution, but what followed was Aizen, Gin and Tousen's confrontation about their plans. Ukitake realized that he is now in a new situation instead. If Aizen died because he was protecting Soul Society, then Chiaki would still be proud of what he did. But right now, how is he going to tell Chiaki that Aizen is planning to overthrow Soul Society? And on top of that, how could he ever tell that to Chiaki, who is now in her bed, staring at him and smiling?

Yes, after one hundred and fifty years, Sakamoto Chiaki is finally awake, to everyone's surprise. Even she herself was rather surprised about it.

Ukitake had been hoping to see that very smile again since a hundred and fifty years ago. But right now when Chiaki is awake and doing just that, he became lost at what to do. Ukitake thought he would let Chiaki adapt and recover more before he tells her what had gone on recently, and two days had passed since then.

Chiaki on the other hand, had guessed that Aizen must have already either made his move, or he had been caught and executed. Since there was no sign of Aizen or any traces of his Reiatsu. No one has mentioned about Aizen to her as well.

"Ukitake-taichou…" Chiaki called softly, now lying on her side, facing Ukitake. "Where is Sousuke…?"

Ukitake was shocked at how suddenly Chiaki raised this question. "Aizen… He…" He took in a deep breath. "Aki, promise me that you'll remain calm as I tell you what had happened, okay?"

Chiaki nodded softly. She had prepared for the worse ever since she woke up.

"Aizen… Together with two other captains that you hadn't met before, had betrayed Soul Society. They are planning to overthrow Soul Society and the King, Aki. Saying that he would become God himself..."

"Oh." Was all Chiaki said. She had no expression on her face. No sadness, no fear. She was just staring blankly at Ukitake, accepting what was thrown at her.

"I'm sorry Aki, I couldn't stop him."

"It's not your fault, Ukitake-taichou."

"Why are you so calm?" Ukitake was feeling very uncomfortable about Chiaki's overly calm reaction.

"Well, you told me to stay calm." Chiaki laughed bitterly, as she turns to lie on her back, now staring at the ceiling. "What kind of reactions did you expected me to give?"

"Cry Aki. If you're sad, cry. Scream, shout, if you're angry."

"Not now Ukitake-taichou… Not now…" Chiaki sighed and said, covering her eyes with her arms, what she always do when she is troubled and wants to be shielded from reality. "My brain's not working right. I can't think… So don't make me… please."

Maybe Aki wasn't sad, maybe she wasn't angry, she can't decide.

But she knows she's hurt.

Deeply.

Because it is painful. Her heart was full of pain. She wasn't able to stop Aizen back then, and now that Aizen had made his move, what should be the right reaction to that? She doesn't know anymore. Aizen had spoilt her and made her forgot what pain was, how being hurt felt like. Aizen protected her from everything, gave her everything. And then now when everything was suddenly snatched away from her by the same person, she became lost.

She became empty.

She had fallen down from the Heavens, and landed in a painful way. She concluded that Heaven isn't somewhere unreachable. It's just that she had indulged in it too much, that she lost her way.

She lost her way, in the Heaven. The Heaven Aizen Sousuke led her to.

"Ukitake-taichou…"

"I'm sorry Aki."

"Stop apologizing, please."

"Then how can I help? Tell me... I want to help…"

Help? Does she need that? Can she be helped? Chiaki wondered for a moment. In this pathetic state, she wonders who could still help her.

"I don't know Ukitake-taichou…" Chiaki removes her arm from her face and held onto Ukitake's hand. "But right now… just stay here with me. Just stay, like this."

Ukitake hands were cold. Very cold. Probably due to the weather. It's mid-winter after all. But that was what Chiaki needed. The coldness that reminded her that she is still alive, reminded her that someone is still there for her. And reminded her that she still have someone that she needs to protect.

A month went passed since Chiaki woke up from her coma. Winter is coming to an end, and spring is coming soon. Ukitake knows Chiaki would love to get out of this lifeless place and go enjoy her favorite season. He wants Chiaki to freshen herself up. And so Unohana had finally released her from the infirmary upon Ukitake's request. Chiaki had been very cheerful, just like she was a hundred and fifty years ago, and Ukitake is very glad about it. He did not like it when Chiaki had became respectful to him after her demotion long, long ago. Now that Chiaki could finally talk to him again like a friend would, he will try his best to maintain this relation, even though Chiaki still addresses him as Ukitake-taichou, rather than Juushirou-dono, which he prefers so much more.

Everyone who knows Chiaki was surprised at how fast she healed and adapted. Not physically wise, but more of psychologically. She is healing so well that some people feels that she is faking it and that she probably chose not to face reality. Her body was still a little weak due to the lack of movement in her muscles all these years, but those were nothing much of a problem to her.

One little problem though, is where could she go now? Is she still a Shinigami? Still a prisoner of Maggots' Nest? Or still the Fifth Seat of Squad Five?

'Shit. All these stupid problems when I could finally get out of here.'

"Yo Aki. I see you're all ready to leave." Ukitake was at the doorway, smiling at her. A weird, long, green bag in his hand.

"Oh Ukitake-taichou. I am, but I have one silly, or maybe not, question."

"What is it Aki?" Ukitake tilted his head.

"So what am I now?"

"Huh?" Ukitake raised his eyebrow.

"So do I go back to be jailed in Maggots' Nest? Do I go back to Squad Five? What is my status now? Where do I go? What do I do? Will I-"

"Hey you said one question!"

"Opps."

"Well, Genryuusai-Sensei had a discussion with us-"

"Wow, he? Open to discussion?" Chiaki rolled her eyes. "That's new."

"Aki…" Ukitake sighed.

"Fine! I got it, I got it. Hey relax!"

"As you know, manpower here in Soul Society, especially captaincy wise, is very weak right now. So he actually nominated you to become the captain of Squad Five." Chiaki opened her mouth to say something when Ukitake stopped her. "No, listen to me first Aki. I knew you would definitely reject this offer, even though I very well wished you would accept. So… I thought I'll persuade Genryuusai-Sensei to allow you to do something you enjoy, before you… maybe… change your mind?" Ukitake smiled and shrugged.

"Something I enjoy? Am I on endless full-pay leave? I'll gladly do it!"

"You wish Aki. It's teach. Aki. Teach Kidou. You liked that job didn't you? So I figured you will be happy with a teaching position. Plus teaching uses less energy than running Shinigami errands and missions. It's better for you. And you will get a personal room at the teacher's dorm block."

"Really?!" Chiaki's eyes were sparkling. "Did he agree? Did he?"

"Yes. But he added something else."

"Oh I don't care if he wants me to clean the toilets, as long as I can teach."

"Not that Aki. Something much bigger. You're assigned to be the Head of Kidou Department in the academy!"

"Erm, wow? You mean… Soul Society is that deprived of manpower?"

"Aki! Stop fooling around!" Ukitake crossed his arms. "So do you want to do it or not?"

"Of course I do! Pay raise. My personal room. And I get to teach. What's more perfect?"

Ukitake was surprise at how easy Chiaki accepted the offer.

"But before you start though, you will be staying at Ugendo for this week until spring officially comes and the school term starts. Until then I'll bring you around and update you on many things. Though we won't have time for you to meet and get to know everybody, but at least I can supervise you."

It was Chiaki who raised her eyebrow this time. "Was there a need to emphasize? You know I can't do much right now, in this... pathetic state."

"I can't be sure about that Aki. Here you go. It's collecting dust in my room, so I better hand it over to you soon." Ukitake went forward and handed her the green cloth bag. When Chiaki untied the knot, she gasped when she found a new set of Shinigami uniform, as well as Ninjouhime.

"Thank you Ukitake-taichou."

Chiaki traced the red sheath of her sword repeatedly, and recalled who was it who managed to get her out of Maggots' Nest, and now out of the infirmary. Who was it who helped her requested for a teaching position. And who stayed by her side all this while in the infirmary, keeping her company and encouraging her. "Thank you so much… for everything."

"You're welcome." Ukitake ruffles her hair. "Now go get change and let's go."

End of Chapter.

Ugendo is where Ukitake stays and recover. His personal chamber that is surrounded by water. Remember the place he slept in when Kiyone and Sentarou first told him about Aizen's death? That's the place.

Writing about Gin was fun! *shrugs* I find this character very intriguing. Maybe if I have a new idea after this series end I'll work on a Gin fic? A-ha-ha!

This is the last chapter of flashbacks. Quite a fast-forward eh? Hope it wasn't too confusing. Next chapter onwards we'll be back to the "real time". Will be waiting for your R&R. (^_^)