[[ Another chapter for you lovelies, enjoy!
Please leave a review and let me know what you think! ]]
In Akane's chambers, Sakura was summoned for a favor.
"You want me to what?!" Sakura asked in a tone of surprise.
"You heard me. You had loads of influence on your classmates back in the Academy and I want you to spread the word that Kisumoto Hajime is sleeping around to get to a higher status. I mean she's practically all over my husband when I'm the one that's paying her every week. I'm sure, coming from you, everyone will believe it in a heartbeat. Word is already spreading that she's trying to steal Byakuya-Sama from me."
"Aka-Nee, you know she wouldn't dare cross you like that."
"Of course I know but she's already ruined both mine and my husband's name. I'm just teaching her a lesson. She needs to step away from Byakuya-Sama and start working as my personal attendant. Now go, I understand your Kisume friend is also in the same class as her. Get the job done."
Sakura gave a small sigh, bowed at her sister, and left the room.
"I knew she was crazy, but she wants me to do what?! I can't do that, not to Hajime…"
"Do what, Sakura?" A sudden voice asked behind her.
Sakura jumped in surprise as she turned around to see Byakuya before her.
Crap, of all people to overhear me…
"Eh? Byakuya-Sama? What do you mean? Do what?" Sakura asked playing dumb.
"You said you couldn't do something to Kisumoto-San, are you in some sort of trouble?"
"Ah no, I just… needed some advice on something and I thought about asking Hajime but I know she's busy with the Academy and tending to Aka-Nee's needs so I thought I'd just leave her be." Sakura said with a smile, Man, I really can't stand lying to Byakuya-Sama, it's like he can see right through me.
"Well, I'm sure Kisumoto-San would be pleased to help you. You are friends after all, isn't that what you do for each other?"
Now that hurt. What was Sakura supposed to do now?
"Actually, Byakuya-Sama, can I… ask you something?"
"Of course."
"If you fell in love with someone while married to Aka-Nee, would you go after them? Even if it means destroying your reputation, undoing the union, and having her go through such obstacles… Would you put your loved one through that? Or, would you push her away to not hurt her?"
"Where is this coming from so suddenly? Have you fallen in love with someone, Sakura?"
"No, I was… You and Akane, we both know you don't love her, and the same can be said for her. I was just wondering if you ever ended up falling in love with someone, what would you do?" Sakura asked out of curiosity.
"Have you been speaking to Rukia? She said the same thing to me not too long ago. I'll tell you the same thing I told her, love is not a luxury I can afford Sakura. My fate has already been decided and that is with your sister. Yes, we do have our differences at times but there are times where we… tolerate one another." It sounded as if the words were being forced from his mouth.
"Aka-Nee… wants me to spread a rumor about Hajime."
"What kind of rumor?"
Sakura hesitated.
"Sakura?" Byakuya's gentle voice nudged on.
"She wants me to say that Hajime's sleeping around to build herself up. Rumors have already spread that she's staying here because she's trying to steal you from Aka-Nee."
"Is that true? How ridiculous. Hajime is only here because she works as Akane's attendant to pay for her education. How did these rumors start?"
"Byakuya-Sama, there are many who look up to you and would love to be in Akane's shoes. If anyone even tries to get close to you, they will be targeted. As for Hajime, she's the target this time."
"I see. It seems I've done some damage then. That must have been why the other students were a bit offensive at yesterday's training session. Thank you for your honestly Sakura, I'll have a talk with both Hajime and Akane when I'm able to. Please, return home, you shouldn't stay here longer then necessary."
"Hai, thank you and I'm sorry." Sakura left the manor and headed back home while she thought about whether or not she did the right thing. All she knows is that she's going to get an earful from Akane later.
Byakuya decided to talk to Hajime first and when he reached her room, she wouldn't answer his calls from beyond the door.
"Kisumoto-San? Are you there?" He tried calling out one last time. There was no response so he decided it was time for him to leave but then the sudden creak of the door was heard.
"Ah, Kuchiki-Sama? Sorry, I fell asleep. Did you need something?" Hajime asked as she rubbed her eyes.
"Have you been studying?"
"Yes, I've been reading about zanjutsu and about connecting with our Zanpakuto's spirit. Yesterday's battle, I realized my zanjutsu skills weren't good enough. I thought I'd read up on some techniques before I tend to Akane-Sama."
"About Akane, there is something you must know." Byakuya told Hajime what he recently learned from Sakura and surprisingly; Hajime didn't look shocked at all.
"She's punishing me. You and I know already know about her distaste in me. Don't worry about me Kuchiki-Sama. I can handle her. Don't you remember the first time we met?"
Byakuya had on a small smile, as he remembered how Hajime spoke up to Akane in a way no one has ever attempted to, "That may be true but remember, she is paying you for your work as her attendant. Just be careful."
"Thank you, Kuchiki-Sama. I'll be careful. I should probably head to Akane's room, it's getting late, she'll probably need me to run some errands for her before she heads to bed." Hajime bids Byakuya goodbye and makes her way to Akane's room.
"Kisumoto-San." Byakuya called out to Hajime.
"Yes?" Hajime turned around to face Byakuya.
"When you finish your duties, will you make a stop to my room as well?"
"Eh?"
"I shall wait for you." Byakuya said as he left the hallway.
. . .
After six hours of tedious tasks, Akane finally decided it was time for her to sleep. Hajime was relieved of her duty at 3 in the morning. She was told by Byakuya to drop by his room but could he still be awake?
"I shall wait for you," His gentle voice popped up in her head as she started to smile unintentionally. "Ah, what am I doing? If he's still awake, maybe I'll bring him some tea then." Hajime prepared tea in the kitchen as some of the cooks were already up preparing for breakfast in a couple of hours.
Hajime finally made it to Byakuya's room and now that she thinks about it, it's her first time visiting since she's stayed here. She quietly knocked on the door, secretly hoping he was asleep as to not bother him but her hopes were crumbled when his voice told her to come inside.
"Kuchiki-Sama, don't you have an early morning tomorrow?" Hajime asked as she placed the tea on the table he was sitting at.
"I took a short nap earlier in the day so I am not too fatigued. Thank you for bringing me tea, you didn't have to."
Liar, I can see the bags under your eyes, you've barely gotten any sleep. "I'm still a maid." Hajime declared with a small smile, "It's no problem. So, did you need me for something?"
"I wanted to know how the Academy has been treating you."
"Eh?" He asked to see me just to ask me how school's been going? He couldn't do that in the morning?
"To be honest, I had Rukia divulge the truth about your past to me a while back. I am very sorry for everything you have gone through but I can tell you've grown into a very strong woman."
"Ah, yes, thank you. My mother's words, they gave me strength."
"I'm glad to hear that. You see, when I found out that rumors have been spreading around about your situation here, I grew worried that your classmates may look at you in a different light and start to target you."
He stayed up late just to tell me he was worried about me?
"Kuchiki-Sama…"
"If any problems arise, do know that I will do my best to defend you, Hajime." He spoke her name with such a gentle voice, her heart started to beat at a faster pace.
"Thank you, Kuchiki-Sama, for everything. I am really indebted to you."
"It's pretty late and you have class in a few hours, you should try to get some sleep. My apologies for keeping you up longer than needed tonight. Sleep well, Kisumoto-San."
"You too… Kuchiki-Sama." As Hajime left his room and closed the doors, she put her hand on her chest.
No, you mustn't, not again. He's married and to Akane at that. You mustn't react, please! -
The next day at school, Hajime's schedule started with zanjutsu training. Today's lesson also had a special guest and it was Hitsugaya Taichou. Being known as a prodigy and getting to Captain level at such a young age, everyone was excited to learn from him, including Hajime.
"Alright everyone, Hitsugaya Taichou is here today to assist in our zanjutsu training. He will observe all your skills and give you pointers if necessary. Do try your best, okay? Now, get into your pairs and we'll start with Shouta!"
…
It was finally time for Hajime to spar wither her partner; a brunette named Tomiko who was dubbed as the class' most popular girl. Tomiko was not only pretty but she was smart, strong, stubborn, and most of all, she has a bad attitude. She always gets what she wants, you can say she's like Dia; Hajime's old bully and as Dia's close doppelganger, what does that make Tomiko, you guessed it, a bully.
"Ready, start!" With the blow of a whistle, both girls took their fighting stance.
Her stance is full of flaws, Hitsugaya thought as he observed Hajime, and she's too cocky, she'll never improve that way, Hitsugaya commented as he looked at Tomiko.
The fight wasn't much of a match as Tomiko quickly overpowered Hajime, "And you want to be a part of the Gotei 13? Haha, how did you even get to the accelerated classes? Oh that's right, you're sleeping around, and what else did I hear, you're trying to seduce Kuchiki Taichou?" Hajime's eyes widened, did Sakura actually spread the rumor? No… She couldn't have, if she was going to, there was no point in telling Kuchiki Taichou about it.
The classmates were silent, as well as Gengoro and Hitsugaya, everyone was in shock and they didn't know how to respond.
"Gengoro-Sensei, she must have totally cheated to get here, we should have her re-do the tests." Tomiko declared.
"That is unnecessary." Hitsugaya spoke out, "One look at this girl and you can see that she has an impressive amount of reiatsu. Whatever the circumstances are, she was ruled to be in the accelerated class and it's already too late to transfer her out." Hitsugaya walked toward Hajime who was knocked against the floor thanks to Tomiko's aggressiveness and held out a hand to help her up.
"I can get up myself." Hajime said as she picked herself off the floor and grabbed a hold of her katana.
"How rude, Hitsugaya Taichou offered his help and you refused it like that? She's such rubbish." Tomiko spoke out once again.
"Tomiko, enough!" Gengoro spoke out, shutting her immediately.
The bell then rang, indicating that it was time for the students to head to their next class. As the students were leaving, Tomiko walked out while purposefully bumping into Hajime. Other students followed suit while other simply stared and whispered.
"You, what's your name?" Hitsugaya asked, as Hajime was about to leave.
"Hajime. Kisumoto Hajime."
"I see, Kisumoto, you may be lacking in zanjutsu but I took a look at your chart, and it was very impressive, especially the scores you received when we did outdoor training. Don't let them knock you down, you have the potential to become a captain yourself, I look forward to meeting you again after you graduate, Squad 10 would love to have you as a part of the group."
"Thank you for your kind words, Hitsugaya Taichou."
. . .
The day went on and it was time for lunch. Heading her way to the cafeteria, Hajime saw Kisume and sat next to him, however, he seemed to be ignoring her.
"Kisume, what's wrong?"
"Sorry Hajime, I can't be seen with you anymore."
"Eh? What do you mean?"
"My parents heard about the rumors, you know what everyone's calling you now? A prostitute. My parents would kill me if they find out I was friends with you."
"Kisume, you know me, you know that I've never done anything like that!"
"Even if that's true, no one would believe you. It's not enough for me to believe in you anymore. If we stay friends, I'm going to be a target too and I can't have that and my parents nagging. Sorry Hajime but I can't be seen with you anymore. Good luck with everything."
"Yeah, you too Kisume." Hajime said with a saddened tone as she bid goodbye to the only friend she had left.
Hajime now sat alone in the cafeteria and ate her lunch, it's high school all over again.
"Yo, Hajime!" A familiar voice called out.
"Renji? What're you doing here?"
The red headed Fukutaichou sat with Hajime and picked at the fries on her tray, "Hey, if you want food get in line, these fries are one of the best things to eat here at the Academy."
"Haha, sorry. I forgot, never get between a woman and her food. So, what're you doing sitting here all by yourself, you sick or something?" Renji asked while picking at her fries once again.
"No," An anime like vein appeared on Hajime's forehead and she pushed her tray to the side, away from Renji, "I just thought I'd try to get some peace and quiet for once. Between Akane and school, I just need a breather." She lied, "So, what're you doing here?"
"I came to get your help with something, Rukia's birthday is on January 14th, and I need help getting a present for her. You two are friends, do you know what she'll like?"
"Something Chappy related?" Hajime answered quickly.
"Haha, that's right, she's obsessed with Chappy. You think you could come to the mall with me and help me pick out a few things? I thought the best person to shop for a girl would be a girl."
"Wait, you said the 14th, that's tomorrow!"
Renji scratched his head embarrassingly and gave a sly smile, "Haha, yeah, just a little of last minute shopping is what we need, huh? What do you say, Hajime, please?"
"You're lucky today's Friday, I have tons of homework piled up that I suppose I can finish during the weekend."
Renji had on a large grin, "Ah, you're the best Hajime! Then we'll meet at the Sixth Division Barracks when you get out of school, okay?"
"Okay, I'll see you soon."
Class has ended for the day and Hajime made her way to the Sixth Division Barracks as promised. Multiple Shinigami greeted her, while on her way to the common room to look for Renji. Hajime has been to the Sixth Division Barracks so many times; it was almost like a second home to her.
"Yo, Hajime! How was school?" Renji asked as they met up again.
"It was fine." Thinking back to the second half of class, with kido training and flash step training, her classmates still treated her like an outcast. They threw words like: prostitute, home wrecker, and cheater at her. However, she decided that it would be best not to tell anyone else about her experience.
"Okay, let's go."
. . .
Hajime and Renji made their way to Shinigami Mall (how original, I know), and saw that there were, surprisingly, quite a handful of stores that were dedicated to Chappy. There were Chappy plush toys, makeup, stationary, art supplies, and even cookware.
"I didn't know Chappy was such a popular figure." Hajime stated as she looked at the various stores with an overwhelmed look.
"Well, that'll make shopping for Rukia even easier, don't you think? Why don't we try going in here." Renji pointed to an arts and craft store that was decorated with Chappy merchandise.
"Rukia likes to draw?"
"Well, you can say, she likes to attempt to draw. Haha."
Hajime gave a smile and observed the various paints and canvases in the store. Despite everything being Chappy related, the quality of the products was actually pretty high-end. She admired the products as she always wanted to own them but her family, or rather, her father, never allowed her to spend money on such "selfish things."
"Hajime, what do you think about this?" Renji asked while he was holding onto a drawing pad that was Chappy shaped. Hajime didn't answer, she was too immersed in the art supplies. "Hajime?"
"Ah, sorry Renji." Hajime said with an embarrassed smile.
Renji looked at the art materials behind Hajime, "It seems the one that likes art is you, isn't it, Hajime? I can buy something for you if you want."
"No, it's okay, I just like looking and we're only here for Rukia, remember?"
"So what do you think about this drawing pad?"
"I think it's cute, maybe add these pencils too?" Hajime picked up a pack of colored pencils that were decorated with Chappy designs and it came with a soft pink pencil pouch with a large face of Chappy as well.
"Okay, sounds good. Let's get these and maybe something a bit nicer as well."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I think I'm going to confess to Rukia tomorrow. I wanted to get her something nice." Renji explained with a slightly flushed look.
"You mean, you didn't confess already?" Hajime asked with a smile, "Hehe, then let's go find a gift suitable for Rukia."
Hajime and Renji continued to roam around the mall for until they spotted a small jewelry store. On the display was a necklace with a sparkling snowflake pendant, it caught Hajime's eye quickly.
"Ne, Renji, what about this? It suits Rukia doesn't it? She's gentle and unique but she also possesses a sort of an icy air, similar to a snowflake don't you think?"
"You, Hajime, are brilliant. It's perfect."
Renji purchased the pendant and got it placed in a small blue box tied with a white ribbon. "Good luck tomorrow, Renji. I'll be rooting for you."
"Haha, thanks. I think I'll have to try to sneak her away from the party tomorrow and I'll give her the pendant."
"Party?" Hajime questioned, as she heard no news about a party in the manor.
"Yeah, every year, Kuchiki Taichou throws a party for Rukia. He usually gets everything done by himself so that's why you probably didn't hear of it."
"Ah, I see."
"Well, it's getting late, I don't want to keep you from your duties, I'll see you tomorrow!" Renji said as he shunpo-ed away.
The next day
Hajime was already up at five in the morning, to prepare the bath for Akane and help bathe her. After drying Akane, Hajime had to dress Akane, and she changed multiple times a day. Going through three different outfits, Akane decided to wear a lavender dress for today's party. As Hajime rolled up her sleeves to clean up the bathroom, Akane noticed the lavender ribbon Hajime had tied around her wrist.
"That ribbon," Akane spoke, "Give it to me."
Hajime stopped what she was doing and looked at Akane, dumbfounded, "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you."
"That ribbon," Akane walked closer to Hajime and untied the ribbon around Hajime's arm, "I'll be taking this today, it matches my outfit."
"Surely, I can go buy you one, just please, give that back to me."
"If you can just buy one, why do you need this?"
"I've had that ever since I was a child, my precious friend gave it to me before he died, please, I'll get you your own, just give it back to me!" Hajime lunged for her ribbon in Akane's hands and ended up splashing soapy water at her by accident.
"How dare you!" Akane scolded as she slapped Hajime across her cheek, "Now I suppose I'll keep this as well. Once you finish cleaning the bathroom, clean it again and then clean my room. By that time, it should be time for the party, you can show your face then." Akane glared at Hajime and left her room with a smirk.
"Che. Akashi…" Hajime threw the cleaning supplies on the floor and rubbed her wrist, she felt empty without the comfort of her ribbon.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Akane quickly returned her room and headed towards the bathroom with a slip of paper in her hands, "this week's pay." She said coldly as she threw the check at Hajime's feet and walked out once again.
Picking up the check, Hajime saw that she was only paid $20 for her services. "Just $20? I figured she would jip me off with my pay but if she pays me like this, I'll have to work under her forever." Then it hit her, "If I'm her slave forever, she really will make my life a living hell."
. . .
Given her orders of cleaning the bathroom, twice, and cleaning up Akane's bedroom, Hajime finally finished her chores just in time for Rukia's party to start.
"Hajime!" Rukia called out, "Where have you been? The party's just starting, I have a present for you!"
"Eh?" Rukia grabbed Hajime by her arm and took her to Rukia's room that was right down the hall.
"What do you mean you have a present for me?" Hajime questioned as Rukia was rummaging through her closet looking for something.
"It's your birthday Rukia, I-"
"Ah, found it!" Rukia exclaimed, cutting Hajime off.
From her closet, Rukia pulled out a pale blue dress with beautiful lace details.
"That's beautiful…" Hajime said as she admired the dress.
"I knew you'd like it, here, put it on."
"But something so pretty, shouldn't you wear it, it's your party."
"You've been here a while and the only clothes I ever see you in is the Academy uniform or the Manor uniform. Every girl deserves at least one nice dress in her closet. I saw it and thought of you, go, try it on!" Rukia threw the dress at Hajime and pushed her towards the bathroom.
Hajime walked out of the bathroom to see Rukia in a dress of her own. Rukia wore a nicely fitted yellow dress that flared out at her knees as well as white wedges.
"Whaa, I've never seen you like this before Rukia." Hajime commented at a frozen Rukia. "Rukia? Ah, is it this dress?" Hajime asked, feeling embarrassed and ashamed, "I knew I wasn't suited for such a nice dress, I'll go change out of it."
"No!" Rukia exclaimed as she grabbed onto Hajime's wrist, "You look really beautiful, you should dress up more often, Hajime. These types of clothes suit you well. Look." Rukia pulled Hajime closer to the full-length mirror and Hajime was surprised at her own appearance as well.
Hajime's dress was of a soft pale blue fabric with an overlay of lace details. Her dress possesses a short sleeve off the shoulder top, a fitted waist, and it flares out upon reaching the knees. "I- I don't even know what to say."
"I'm sure you'll be able to attract some eyes at the party." Rukia stated teasingly. "Let's go!"
The two girls quickly made their way to the banquet hall located in a separate building behind the Manor, where the party was starting to begin. As the guests laid eyes on Rukia, everyone yelled, "Happy birthday, Rukia!" in unison.
"Thank you!"
The banquet hall was full of Captains, Vice Captains, Rukia's friends from Squad 13, the Manor staff, and other nobles that Rukia was close with.
After a few hours of mingling, eating, dancing, and playing games, it was now time for Rukia to open her gifts. She was seated at the end of the room with a large pile of gifts behind her. The first gift she opened was from Byakuya, he gave her a purple flower hair clip with intricate designs and small crystals scattered about. One can tell how valuable the pin was and Rukia accepted it with a genuine smile as she placed it in her hair.
…
Finally reaching the last gift, the staff of the house proceeded to place the items in Rukia's room until further instruction and Renji decided it was finally time to make his move.
"Good luck Renji!" Hajime cheered on as he began to get nervous.
Clearing his throat, Renji made his way to Rukia, "R-Rukia, can we talk? In private?"
"Sure, let's go outside." Hajime observed the two friends leave the hall with a smile on her face, "Must be nice…" She whispered to herself.
"Kisumoto-San?" A familiar voice questioned from behind.
"Kuchiki-Sama." Hajime bowed.
"You look lovely today. It's nice to see you dressed in something different."
"Ah, yes… Rukia gifted this to me, I still feel a bit guilty wearing this though."
"You have no need to feel such feelings, that dress is best suited for you." Byakuya stated with his usual gentleness.
Hajime blushed a little and gave a smile.
"Oh, you are not wearing your ribbon today?"
"Eh?" Hajime quickly reached out for her wrist as she forgot about her ribbon.
"I've noticed that you wear it every day. It was quite special to you, wasn't it?"
"Yes, it was. I simply put it away for today, it didn't quite match my dress." Hajime explained with a small laugh.
"I see. Have you seen Rukia? I wanted to speak to her about something."
"She and Renji are having a conversation outside."
"Oh, is that so? I'll have to speak with Rukia at a later time I suppose." At this time, the band started to play a slow melody for the guests to dance to. Many pairs flocked to the dance floor and begun dancing to the melody, Hajime observed with a small smile.
Byakuya put out his hand in front of her and asked her if she wanted to dance.
"Kuchiki-Sama?"
"It would be an honor if you'd allow me this dance, Kisumoto-San."
"What about Akane? Shouldn't you be dancing with her? She's your wife."
The two turned to look at where Akane was and men, whom she was obviously flirting with, surrounded her, "As you can see, my wife already has the company she needs."
"I-I don't know how to dance. I would only embarrass you."
Byakuya took a hold of her hand, despite her protests, and told her, "All you have to do is follow my lead, I will guide you, Kisumoto-San."
She looked into his eyes, and her heart reacted. No, please. You can't… Especially not with him. Please stop reacting!
The two of them slowly begun their dance and just as they began, Hajime stepped on Byakuya's foot.
"Ah, Kuchiki-Sama, I'm so sorry!" She began to panic, "I told you, this wasn't a good idea."
"Kisumoto-San." He spoke softly, "Do you trust me?"
"Of course I do."
"Then simply follow my lead." The two started up again and this time, Hajime was doing much better, "See, you have already improved."
"Yeah, thanks to you."
The two exchanged smiles and finished with their dance.
. . .
Meanwhile, in the gardens, Rukia and Renji were sitting beside a fountain, talking.
"So, Rukia, I know you've already opened your present but… I still have one more present for you." Renji took out the small blue box from his pocket and handed it to Rukia.
"Renji, what is this?" Rukia untied the silky white ribbon and as she opened the box, her eyes widened in surprise.
The snowflake necklace glittered as it reflected the light of the moon and as Rukia picked it up and observed it under better lighting, its sparkles resembled that of the stars.
"This is beautiful… Renji, thank you." She said with a smile.
"Here, I'll help you put it on." Renji took the necklace from Rukia and stood behind her to put the necklace on. As he clasped the necklace around her neck, he lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "Rukia, I know I told you this before but I'm going to tell you again. I-I love you."
Rukia was in shock. She turned around to face Renji, and the light of the moon made Renji's crimson hair burn brighter today. "Renji…"
"I know I've made a ton of mistakes but the person I've always loved, was you. Now that the air has cleared with Hajime, will you let me protect you and love you, for the rest of our lives?"
"You fool." Rukia stood up and looked Renji directly in his eyes.
"Rukia, do you…"
Rukia kissed him.
As they broke away, they didn't share any words. They continued to gaze into each other's eyes.