Author's Note: So I know it has been like twenty millions years since I've last updated. (You guys deserve better.) I'm really really really really sorry. Hopefully this chapter will make it up to you guys a little bit. It was really fun to write actually. This might even be my favorite chapter so far. Anyways, on to the story!

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. 'Nuff said.


Hisagi's POV

She was still, just a pale face that lay against the linens of the cot. Her body was complacent. The only sign of life was shown by the slight movement of her chest.

Up.

Down.

Every breath was so deliberate, as if she believed each one counted.

Her breathing rattled her frail body. Yet, she was fine aside from the few minor cuts. Her forehead had been bandaged. And the blood that had been seeping down her face had been cleaned.

The way the deep red liquid stood out so vividly amongst her light lavender hair and gossamer skin had made me jerk uncomfortably. It seemed so unnatural then, to actually see her bleed. This sight of a bleeding comrade alarmed me more than it usually should.

I watched on with restrained awareness.

I should be leaving soon, I thought. There were still many things left to do.

The room in which we were in was small. It was a run-of-the-mill nursing room for immediate and minor injuries within our division. The medical assistant had said she was in good health. All she would need were a few mineral supplements and rest. It was probably the shock that had affected her he most.

Still, the feeling of guilt plagued my mind. She had gone up and above her call of duty during her short time here. Then she risked her own safety because of my lack of attentiveness. My responsibility was to make sure that my squad members were safe. I had failed. And I felt fully responsible for her injuries.

An exasperated sigh left my body and I rubbed my aching forehead. My captain would not have let something like this happen.

My eyes traveled to her face. She was like a small meek animal. So demure. The way her soft brown eyes would dart away when they met mine. Then she would retreat into the safety of her sleeve. Or how her voice would flutter and dance with modest elation or compassionate alarm.

I was reminded of that walk home after the bar. At that time I had not been familiar with Ayame. Our first interaction had been swept from my mind and was a faint memory. But the image of her face was embedded in my brain like an awful hangover. We had talked, or at least, I had talked some. Our conversation had been interesting. Two acquaintances speaking of such abstract subjects like grief, and isolation had been strange. However it was oddly easier to do it with someone I had not known as well. The sentiment of judgment did not loom over my head. Her eyes only disclosed the look of complete interest in my ideals and in what I had to say.

I felt comfortable chatting that night. A little too comfortable for what was appropriate but I blamed that on the liquor.

Weeks afterward I was shocked to know that she, of all the people, would be assisting me with this mission. I tried my best to act normal and that we were just two people working together. I also tried to forget about that conversation under the moonlight. Nevertheless, every time I saw her face that was the only thing I could think about.

She was jut so…different.

Why was she like that?

Even now she seemed to disappear within the folds of the blanket. A tingling sensation developed in my hand. I wanted to touch her face. Just a small quick touch. As if touching her would confirm that she was real and that all her uniqueness would be explained and understood. My cheeks reddened.

Why am I thinking this way? She's my assistant.

I clenched my hand by my side quickly discarding the split impractical thought that had passed my mind.

If anything, I felt the urge to at least tell her how I was grateful for her help.

"Lieutenant?" The nurse opened the door and another shinigami entered.

I got up from my seat.

"Yes?"

"Your documents for Soi Fon are ready."

"Ah, thank you,"

I glanced back at Ayame out of the corner of my eye before leaving the room brusquely.

Maybe I'll come back here later.

Ayame's POV

I looked at my reflection in the mirror. The gash in my forehead had been gauzed and wrapped. I sighed.

Look on the bright side! At least I'll have a cool battle scar to show the guys.

The thought intended to cheer me up failed to do so.

I hadn't seen Hisagi at all seen I last entered the medical room. My disappointment was difficult to hide. Then again, this was also something to be joyous about. At least he wouldn't have to see me bandaged up.

The pain on my forehead had lessened to a dull throbbing. My body was a little sore and I felt a bit light headed. I wondered what Hisagi was doing at this moment and what he thought of me. I had fallen behind and gotten myself injured.

If I had tried harder, I would have been fast enough to dodge that incoming hit. But I hadn't been. And because of me the Lieutenant missed out on chasing after that monster. Hisagi did not need someone who was going to get hurt every five seconds.

Maybe I'm slowing him down.

I fingered at the bandage wrapped near my ankle.

Sitting helplessly in the medical ward made me feel useless.

My mind reminisced over the event right before I fainted in his arms. What an embarrassing moment had that been.

I would have never imagined being so close to Shuuhei. The way he held me tightly in his arms curled up against his warm broad chest. The faint sound of his heartbeat pumped like a ghost in my ears. I blushed. I should not be thinking that way. Even though I tell myself to stop daydreaming about him I cannot help myself.

Why did I have to faint?

I took my pillow and hit my head against it realizing that a chance of a lifetime had passed me by because of my unbridling nerves. After a few pathetic whimpers I placed the pillow back on the cot.

I got up from the bedding and put on my shinigami uniform. After getting dressed, I walked outside.

What if Hisagi is mad at me? That could be the reason why he has not seen me yet. Then I shook my head. That cannot be the reason could it. I had tried my best didn't I?

But was my best enough?

I saw a single shinigami walking past.

"Um, e-excuse me."

He stopped his stride and turned to face me.

"Yes, Ms. Sato."

Ms. Sato?

"Uh, do you know where Lieutenant Hisagi is?"

"He's currently off the premises."

"Oh,"

I felt the shinigami's eyes travel to my forehead bandage. It made me feel conscious.

"Is there anything else that you need Ms. Sato?"

This level of respect felt unfamiliar to me.

"Oh, uh, nothing. I'm okay. Thank you."

He left hesitantly, probably feeling uncomfortable to leave me own my own looking unguided.

I contemplated on where Hisagi could have gone but could not find a plausible answer. I had overheard that if he was not out at the bars by himself he would slip away to a cliff among the woods. These escapades were less frequent now that he was so busy but they still happened every so often, as his subordinates had said.

The sun hovered directly overhead. I loosened my uniform to air out my body.

"Ayame" The sultrily playful voice called.

Was I hearing things? I asked myself.

I turned around, only to be smothered by two large mounds of bouncing flesh.

"Mmmfgjfg" My muffled voice muttered as I tried to wedge myself away from the woman's boobs.

"I was passing by and I had to come by and see-wait, what happened to your face?"

I looked up at Matsumoto, who stood with one hand placed casually on her hip.

"It's just…an injury is all." I waved off casually. Explaining the situation was not something I wanted to do at the moment.

She crossed her arms and eyed me in mock suspicion.

"Shuuhei better not be working you too hard, because if he is I can always punish him for you." She winked.

"N-No! That won't be necessary." I laughed nervously.

"All right,"

"Uh Matsumoto, sorry for asking but why are you here?"

"Call me Rangiku, and I was just here to check up on someone. But the real question is why haven't I heard from you? "

"W-well, I've just been busy is all with training and stuff…"

"You're starting to become like everyone else. Soon I won't see for another ten years."

"But it's only been a couple of-"

"You can make it up to me by taking me out to lunch."

She grabbed my arm and pulled me to the Ninth Division's cafeteria.

When we got there we got our food and took a seat farther out on a bench outside.

"I heard about your training with Yumichika and Ikkaku."

"Yeah,"

I blushed.

She smiled and placed a sushi roll covered in horseradish sauce into her mouth. I resisted the urge to puke at her strange taste in food.

"So how's the Ninth Division? I heard they had some pretty cute guys."

I blushed once more and dropped my chopsticks into my bento box.

She raised her eyebrow inquisitively.

"Has anyone caught your eye?"

"Y-yes. I mean, n-no! I'm supposed to be here for important matters not b-boys…"

Matsumoto huffed and rolled her eyes.

"Come on, Ayame. There has to be some guy who you've met who was your type. I know your shy and all but every girl has a crush."

She casually rolled her noodles in between her chopsticks and placed them in her mouth. Even while she was eating saucy messy food she was elegant and clean. Me however, ended up using both hands in an attempt to guide the disorganized floppy noodles to my mouth. I failed horribly, having the noodles spill out my mouth and fall into my lap.

Curses.

"Well," I began but stopped.

I couldn't tell her.

"Yes?" She leaned in attentively.

"Never mind, I-I-I-It's dumb." I turned my head away from her big baby blue eyes.

"So you do have a crush on someone, right?"

Curses!

"Erm, maybe," I sighed slightly defeated. Hopefully she would be satisfied.

"Just tell me." She urged.

"I-I don't know…"

"Come on Ayame I won't make fun of you."

"But,"

"We're friends,"

I couldn't tell her that I liked Hisagi. That would be too embarrassing. And I wouldn't know how she felt about him. I was still unaware if there was something going on between them.

I felt anxious and looked for a way to derail the conversation.

"Is it a guy?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I'm just asking. You never know,"

Matsumoto was getting a lot more aggressive in her questioning. She should have taken a job as a psychological torturer or a detective.

"This is so exciting! Is he cute?"

"…Yes,"

"Is he someone I know?"

"…Maybe,"

"Is he in this squad?"

I thought for a moment. What should I say? Matsumoto seems to visit these barracks all the time. Maybe if I tell her the wrong information she won't be able to check.

"…No,"

"Then which division is he in?"

Just pick a random number, I thought.

"Division? Um, third?"

Rangiku smiled to herself. I did not understand why she enjoyed making me suffer so.

"What color hair does he have?"

I watched a yellow daffodil sway in the breeze in a bush not too far off.

"Yellow, I think."

"Have you seen each other often?"

"Well we've both been busy so we haven't really seen each other." I said nervously.

"I think I know who it is." Rangiku said confidently and got up from the bench.

"Y-You do?"

She placed her arms on either side of me, closing off any means of possible escape.

"You've got a thing for Kira don't you."

"N-No!"

"Don't try to persuade me otherwise Ayame. I knew something was up with you whenever we hung out with the guys. Besides, who else has blonde hair, and is in the third division that you and I know?"

I sighed. Matsumoto believing that I liked Kira was better than her finding out who I really liked. If she already 'knows' who I like, then she will no longer pester me about my love life. It could actually turn out for the better. Giving in would be the best choice in the long run.

"It's true," I said quietly.

Matsumoto brought me into her arms and squeezed me tightly. My bento box and all its contents crashed onto the floor.

"Oh~ My little Ayame is growing up! And there's still so much I need to teach you about boys."

"Joy," My smothered voice groaned. She released me and I fell back onto the floor.

"This is perfect. Now you guys can go to the Hanabi Festival together."

"W-wait. I don't know about-"

"Don't be silly Ayame. I don't mind setting you guys up for a date."

"B-But,"

This wasn't good.

"What's the problem?" She eyed me strangely.

I got up and wiped the noodles off the front of my uniform.

"Well, I have to work and…I don't have any clothes or anything and his probably busy…"

"You're just making up excuses. If there's a guy you like then you should just ask him. That's what I do." Her voice was soft and motherly.

But I'm not gorgeous like you, I thought dejectedly. The guy who I really like almost certainly would never go with me.

"You're cute Ayame, you just can't see it. All we would have to do is pull your hair back and give you a little makeover…"

"N-No, I don't think that's cut out for me."

"But I thought you wanted to go,"

"I changed my mind. I have to do…things tomorrow. Sorry."

She stood there looking sympathetic.

"Fine. If you just want to hide here moping and working all night while we're having fun I won't stop you."

She crossed her arms and the tone of her voice became indifferent.

"Huh?"

"I said I won't stop you. So I guess I'll see you later. Bye."

She waved and left.

I was shocked.

"B-Bye Ran...gi…ku,"

But she was already gone.

Was she really leaving? Could it really be that easy? I thought perplexed.

Usually, Rangiku would never take no for an answer. They way she spoke seemed as if she no longer cared anymore. I hoped that I had not hurt her feelings. Being mean was not something that I was aiming for. She was right when she had said that I wanted to go. Now, the urge of seeing the lights was just a small need. I felt as if I did not deserve to go. Especially if I had to leave Hisagi to work on his own.

Moreover, I couldn't imagine myself all dolled up attending a social gathering with a male. It was completely incomprehensible. Matsumoto did not know me. That event would never happen.

I stared at the bento box whose food was strewn against the ground. It looked so pathetic laying alone on the hard ground with its food dumped out and a cracked in two.

What use is a bento box when it's broken?

Hisagi POV

"Lieutenant Hisagi?" She was surprised to see me for the third time today.

"Did you see the patient leave here?"

"Ah, you mean Ms. Sato."

"Yes."

"She had been doing well so we released her. She left some time ago."

"Oh,"

"Would you like me to call or her?"

"No, that's fine. Thank you."

It was obvious that she would have left already, but the question was, to where?

I wondered if she was upset over yesterday. Hopefully she would not decide to leave because of the incident. It would be too much trouble to get someone else to replace her.

After I had left the Sato's room that morning I had traveled to my place of thought. It was the cliff, the same place where my captain would usually venture to when he needed to reflect.

I was aware that it was selfish of me to do so. I had a commitment to my squad. There was also a lot of paperwork that needed to be done.

Still, I needed time to think, to recompose myself. I could only continue my constant façade of being sure, alert and ready for so long. I was not a perfect leader, even though I tried to be.

The pressure of having so many souls depending on me seemed to constantly weigh me down. Every decision and word was weighted carefully. So many watching eyes. Who would know the consequences of my actions? So many people hoping for my downfall. So many people wishing for my success.

How can Captains possibly handle this type of pressure?

There were times when I wished I could just let the wind swipe me away for just a moment, so I would not be able to feel anything. I won't have to be conscious. Yet, every time I drink away my nights I always find myself stopping before I get too far wasted.

Maybe I should find Ayame before it gets too late, I thought.

Ayame's POV

"You w-wouldn't have happened to see Lieutenant Hisagi, would you?"

The shinigami shook his head and left.

"Ok,"

I checked his office and he was not there. I was beginning to feel anxious.

What should I do? I asked.

Crawl into a hole and stay there.

I ignored my zanpakuto's snide comment and walked behind the office building. There was a garden there, slightly enclosed within the thick trees. There as a small fountain leading out to a little pond. Surrounding the pound was a collection of trees and flowers which had pleasant scents. I inhaled taking in the tingly aroma of the fauna. I looked around the area of the garden checking to see if anyone saw me enter.

I sat on a bench and stared at the fountain bubbling out water into the pond. Then I looked at the trees planted around it. They weren't as pretty as the ones in the Eighth Division but they were nice just the same. I wondered if Hisagi was the one who had this garden planted. Then I discarded that thought seeing as how Hisagi did not appear to be the one who had time to gaze at nature. I concluded that this enclosure probably belonged to the ex-Captain. For someone who was blind he surprisingly had an 'eye' for beauty. Then I sniffed. Or smells.

My thoughts returned to the festival. Matsumoto's words were still fresh in my mind.

You're cute Ayame, you just can't see it…just making up excuses…If there's a guy you like then you should just ask him…hide here moping…

Matsumoto's advice was interesting. The festival did sound romantic. I sighed and pulled my knees up to my chest.

The feeling of going hand in hand with Hisagi clouded my imagination. I could not remember the last time I wore a kimono, except that one time with my mom at a cousin's wedding. Excluding that one time I do not think I even owned one. So even if I wanted to go I couldn't. And even if I owned one it would probably look ridiculous on me. This made me feel better about choosing not to go.

I kicked the dirt below me.

Even if the kimono did not look that ridiculous I still wouldn't be able to ask my crush to go with me. It would be inappropriate and selfish to do so, especially at a time like this when he's so busy. I probably won't even see him today or tomorrow.

But he did say he might go.

I itched at the bandage on my head.

Maybe.

Maybe I could ask him. I could try at least. Just see if he is actually going. Just to see.

Footsteps echoed against the pavement. I bolted from my seat on the bench. I had been caught.

I looked around idly for a place to hide.

"Ayame?" The voice was yielding and distant.

I turned behind me. Hisagi was standing next to a tree his face shaded by the shadow of the leaves. He seemed surprised to see me as I was surprised to see him.

"Lieutenant! I um, I-I-I-I-I," I bowed apologetically but I did not know why. I had not committed a crime.

He walked up to me in the midst of my babbling. I stood stone-still while his musky scent overpowered my senses.

If only I didn't have this stupid feelings. If only I was braver. Then I would not be so weak and so scared. Then I could do my job like a normal person.

He face conveyed no anger like I expected. He simply eyed my forehead bandage.

I couldn't stand the silence. So my mouth started moving without thought.

"I'! I understand if you want to get someone else. I was slow and-"

Hisagi looked confused.

"It was my fault. I'm the reason why you got injured."

I stopped to think over his words.

"But, it was my fault I got hurt, that's why you should get someone else."

"You put your wellbeing on the line for me. Why would I get someone else?"

"B-but, I'm s-slow and…" I blushed. My eyes could not keep focused on his steely grey silvery ones.I looked at his chest at which I was eye level with.

"Listen I was looking for you earlier today." He scratched the back of his head. Then he turned to look at the fountain.

Hisagi was looking for me this whole time? I thought in bewilderment. My heart skipped a beat.

"I thought you might have…well I wanted to let you know that…"

He stopped to gather his words in his head. There seemed to be turmoil within his brain about how he would phrase his sentence. I tugged on the hem of my sleeve uncomfortably.

He coughed into his fist and his voice took on a calmer and more professional tone.

"I wanted you to know that you have been very supportive to the Ninth Division these last few days. And I would hope that you won't decide to leave because of the last incident."

He wants me to stay? For what reason though? What could I offer that he couldn't find anywhere else?

"But I…I'm not strong or…fast like…."

"You're good at following directions, and you're kind, and you're hard working. You also handled that situation pretty well. What else would a shinigami need to have?"

"Oh," I stared at him blankly, not knowing what to say.

He searched my blank stare for a sign but then continued.

"I think you're a really good shinigami, Ayame. You have a lot of potential, so, please…don't change."

He called me a good shinigami.

"Yes, Lieutenant," I almost whispered. We were standing quite close. So I unconsciously took a step backwards.

I saw his hand twitch. It rose to my arm and landed on my shoulder. My legs were threatening to give way but I forced them to be strong. He swallowed as if holding back whatever else he had to say.

"Well, you should get some rest tomorrow. When you're ready I'll be at my office."

He patted me on the shoulder and then brought his hand back slowly to his side.

Then he left me in my state of stupor. I stood there for a while my mind a buzz. Did that just happen? Or did I just imagine that happening?

I went back to the bench and sat there for the rest of the evening, unable to keep the small tiny small from creeping onto my face.

….

….

I may have not been able to ask him about the festival but that was okay. I was in too good a mood to think about anything. All I wanted to do was plop down on my futon and write in my diary.

Upon arriving to the door to my room I put my hand on the handle. Then I noticed that there was a small if slight level of reiatsu coming from behind it. Maybe it's just an animal.

Or…that guy waiting in my apartment again.

I hoped it was not that guy. I knocked on the door, a silly action to do when wishing to enter your own place of living. There was a suppressed giggle followed a harsh sharp whisper. The possibility of the sound coming from my neighbors was minimal seeing as how I did not have any on the top floor.

"Um, Hello? Is someone in my room?" I heard another short burst of whispers that stopped suddenly.

"No need to be scared. Just go in." I told myself. I opened the door quickly, my hand hovering near my hilt just in case. The room was dark and I was pulled in suddenly. My arm flung out in defense unsure of what was going on. It made contact with something soft behind me which responded with a fling of curses.

"My face!" The familiar voice rang out. Then a flash of pink jumped off my body and towards me. The small being, no bigger than I, landed on top of my stomach and pinned me to the floor. My first instincts were to scream out but I stopped once the light made it able to see things better.

A young girl with short pink hair looked at me with her round auburn eyes from her position above me. I tried to wiggle free but she for someone who appeared so light she felt as if she weighed a ton.

"Hi! I'm Yachiru." She said in a cheerful manner giving me a big grin.

A candle was lit. It flickered and illuminated Matsumoto's face, who stood by the now closed door, giving her an eerie look.

"Ayame," Her voice sounded mischievous.

The small girl jumped up from her seat on my chest allowing me to stumble upwards too. She placed her hands behind her head and walked over to where Rangiku stood.

I looked behind me and saw Yumichika checking out his nose in the mirror.

"Wha-What are you guys d-doing in my room? W-What's going on?" I was completely confused.

"We're taking you to the Hanabi festival tomorrow silly." Matsumoto explained.

"Yeah, now get in this sack." The little girl named Yachiru added eagerly holding up a potato bag in one hand and a stick in the other.

"No Yachiru, I said no bags." Matsumoto reprimanded.

"Aaaaaw." She dropped the items on the floor disappointedly, her shoulders slumping.

"It was going to be a beautiful surprise, until you hit me in my face." Yumichika glared at me from his spot in front of the mirror.

"B-But I thought you…" I stammered still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Rangiku, Yumichika, and this unknown girl were in my room.

"You didn't think I would just let you off that easily do you? I can tell you really wanted to go."

"B-But I-." Rangiku placed a well pedicured finger to my lips.

"You can thank me later but we have to get some rest and wake up early tomorrow so we can go shopping and give you a makeover, right Yumichika?"

"I'll see what I can do, now can we leave already?" He sighed impatiently.

"M-Makeover? But-"

"Don't resist. We'll take you by force if we have to."

"So you're going to kidnap me?"

"Exactly,"

"Yea for kidnapping!" The pink haired little girl leaped for joy.

"Yachiru, let's take Miss Ayame back to my place shall we." Matsumoto said while placing her hands onto her hips.

"You got it Melons!" The girl skipped towards me and lifted me, to my shock, onto her shoulders. We left the room and entered into the night air. I, being in a state of shock, was only able to think of one thing.

I hope this little girl doesn't drop me.


Author's Note again: So yeah…Tell me what you think! Did you like this chapter? Are you excited for the next one? Did you think it was funny (because sometimes I don't really think I'm funny but I try)?

Reviews and Critiques are always welcome!