[[ Hey everyone! I'm not dead, haha.
But man, it's been so long, I'm so sorry for all those of you who actually enjoyed this story.
I'm slowly trying to get back into the ease of things and the plot for this story,
so please bear with me! I managed to get one out of the gutter for you guys!
I'll be back again soon, hopefully!
I also apologize for any mistakes, just getting over a cold haha.]]
"Kisumoto-San! Kisumoto-San!" Hajime, who was deep in thought, was called back to reality as her professor was repeatedly calling her name. "I have some news for you, you're being promoted to Zanjutsu 2 and Kido 4, congratulations, at this rate, you'll be graduating in no time. Here's your new schedule."
"Thank you, Sensei." As Hajime looked at her schedule, she released a long heavy sigh.
It's been a week since White Day and she has yet to make contact with Byakuya. Their training sessions were unofficially placed on hold and they have been avoiding each other ever since.
Making her way to Kido 4, she immediately went toward the empty seat in the front as she ignored the looks of her other classmates.
"Welcome to the class, Kisumoto-San! Why don't you demonstrate Bakudo #44 for us?"
Hajime got up unenthusiastically and walked over to the professor, "Bakudo #44: Sekisho." She said.
A wall of reiatsu quickly emerged.
"W-Wonderful!" The professor cried out in surprise, "Now, Takumi, please demonstrate, Bakudo #37 for us please?"
Hajime returned back to her seat and lost all motivation to learn today, Kuchiki-Sama, she thought unhappily as she buried her head into her desk.
. . .
A loud crash erupted from Byakuya's room and as Tanaka swiftly opened the door, he saw a shattered cup on the ground and blood dripping from Byakuya's finger.
"Kuchiki-Sama!" He called out in worry, "Someone, clean this up!" He yelled out to the workers in the hall.
"Don't worry too much Tanaka, it's alright." Byakuya said as he tried to pick up the pieces of glass only resulting in more injuries to his fingers.
"Kuchiki-Sama, please tend to your wound, we wouldn't want an infection."
"I understand." As Byakuya left to head to the kitchen, he bumped into Rukia.
"Nii-Sama, is everything alright?" Rukia observed her brother and noticed the blood dripping from his finger, "Nii-Sama, your finger!"
"You do not need to make a commotion Rukia, it's a small cut, and nothing some ointment wouldn't heal."
"I'll come help you." Rukia insisted as she walked beside Byakuya. The two actually haven't seen each other since White Day and as they were catching up with one another, Byakuya suddenly stopped walking. Rukia gave a confused look at Byakuya and saw that he was gazing timidly at someone, and that someone happened to be Hajime.
"Kisumoto-San…" Byakuya spoke softly.
"Kuchiki-Sama." Hajime acknowledged, Byakuya was about to speak when Hajime quickly cut him off, "I should go, my lunch break is over." She gave a small smile to Rukia and left the hall as quickly as she could.
That was weird, Rukia noted, "What happened between the two of you?"
"Nothing." Byakuya spoke as he continued to walk toward the kitchen.
"Nii-Sama, what happened?" Rukia spoke, causing Byakuya to turn and face her with a conflicted expression.
"As I told you before, your gift idea did indeed make Kisumoto-San happy on White Day but there was another gift I gave her as well. Akane stole a precious keepsake of hers and I managed to return it to her and when I did…" Byakuya brought his fingers up to his lips and the memory of the kiss still burned brightly in his mind, "our lips…" He wasn't able to even finish his sentence.
"Hajime… kissed you?!" Rukia exclaimed in shock.
"The next thing I knew, she already ran out the door. We haven't talked since that day. I feel as if I may have done something to lead her on…"
"Well… How did you feel when she kissed you?"
"Surprised, of course. And…"
"And?" Rukia urged.
"I-I do not know."
"Nii-Sama, I think it's pretty clear that she has feelings for you. And it seems you might have feelings for her too. So, what're you gonna do?"
"Rukia, I am married, Akane and I are celebrating five years of marriage in just a few months and the fortunetellers told us that a child is to be conceived-"
"I know." Rukia spoke as if she was being selfish, "But I just thought you'd finally get a chance to experience love and be truly happy."
"Thank you Rukia, but you do not need to worry about me."
. . .
Back at the Academy, Hajime went to her Zanjutsu 2 class and was greeted by a familiar orange haired friend.
"I-Ichigo?!" The bright haired male gave a large grin in Hajime's direction.
"Yo, Hajime! Glad to see you're doing well!"
"What-What're you doing here Ichigo?"
"Well funny you should ask-"
Before Ichigo could even explain himself, the professor stepped in and spoke for him, "Kurosaki Ichigo is our special guest today. With his Zanjutsu skills being one of the best we've seen, it's such an honor to have him here!" The professor said loudly as he praised Ichigo, "Alright guys, get into your groups, Kurosaki-Kun here will be helping you all train today."
Hajime was paired with a rich male student that didn't really care much for the company of others and since Hajime's Zanjutsu skills were still lacking, he used her as a stepping-stone to get noticed by the famed Kurosaki Ichigo.
"Ah, mind if I spar with Hajime here?" Ichigo asked the student, who was obviously angry that Ichigo took interest in Hajime instead of him.
"Didn't think I'd see you become a Shinigami, Hajime. How's it going?"
"I'm doing well in every class except for this one." Hajime stated with a sigh.
"Eh? I thought Byakuya was helping you train."
Hajime was caught off guard as she was swinging her katana at Ichigo, "Where did you hear that from? Wait, let me guess: Rukia?"
"She's really proud of how far you've come."
"Well, I don't think I'll be going any farther, I totally screwed my chances of training with Kuchiki-Sama again."
"What do you mean?"
Hajime hesitated; Maybe I'll feel better if I talk to someone about it.
As their swords clashed and they were within a few inches of each other, Hajime blurted out, "On White Day, I kissed Kuchiki-Sama."
"What?!" Ichigo cried out louder then expected, catching the attention of all the other students. Giving the other students a large smile, he scratched his head embarrassingly, "Haha, I was just surprised at Hajime's skill level here, don't mind me." Walking closer to Hajime and putting his arm around her shoulder, he placed his face close to hers and spoke, "It's been a week since then, what happened after?"
"N-nothing… I mean I kind of ran away and we haven't talked since."
Ichigo let out a sigh and put his palm to his forehead in disappointment, "This isn't good Hajime, you should really go talk to Byakuya. How do you think he's feeling right now? You need to go talk to him! Today!"
Hajime sighed, "Alright, I'll talk to him when I return to the manor. Thank you, Ichigo." –
As Hajime returned to the manor, her schedule was cleared until nightfall since Akane and her mother went shopping for decorations for the ball in a few months. Hajime slowly made her way to Byakuya's room and paced in front of his door for a good minute.
Ah, I don't know if I can do this but Ichigo was right. I need to talk to him, clear the air. Finally mustering up the courage to talk to Byakuya, she knocked on the door and after not hearing an immediate response; Hajime thought it would be best to leave. As she was about to set off, the doors slid open and Byakuya looked at her in surprise.
"Kisumoto-San? Is there something I can help you with?"
Hajime slowly turned around and gave a small smile, "I think we should talk."
As Byakuya welcomed Hajime into his room, the two of them sat on the floor facing one another, though; neither of them knew what to say.
"Kuchiki-Sama… I-I'm sorry for k-k-kissing you!" Hajime gave a deep bow to Byakuya and as he tried to have her sit up, she wouldn't budge, "I-I wasn't thinking clearly and I'm really sorry if I offended you! I-I-"
"Hajime." He spoke her name gently and it felt as if daggers were stabbing into her chest. Please, don't call me by my name. It will only make this harder than it has to be.
Hajime sat up and looked Byakuya in his eyes, "Kuchiki-Sama…"
"I have already forgiven you, you do not need to apologize so many times. However, I think it may be best we try to distance ourselves from one another as much as we can. I wouldn't want you to get hurt." As Byakuya was explaining his stance, Hajime lowered her gaze as to not show her wavering eyes. I'm afraid that if I get any closer to you, Hajime, I will destroy everything this union stands for.
"I understand." Hajime spoke as she looked at Byakuya with a gentle smile, "But we can still spar together right?" Hajime took out a piece of paper from her Academy uniform and showed her schedule to Byakuya, "I got into Zanjutsu 2 thanks to you."
"Of course. I made a promise that I would help you graduate as early as possible; I intend to keep my promise.
August 15th:
Hajime has been in the Academy for almost a year now and she still has a long way to go. Hajime was already promoted to Kido 6, Zanjutsu 4, and Shunpo 4, and she was starting her internship at one of the Squad's soon. She was eagerly awaiting her assigned squad form, as she was finishing up her paperwork in the administration's office.
"Okay, Kisumoto-San, looks like we only have two Squad's left for you to choose from, the other students got their forms into me first thing this morning." Hajime's advisor, Takahashi Haruka, spoke as she gave a form to Hajime, "We have Squad 9, where you will be studying under Assistant Lieutenant Hisagi Shuuhei who was quite a prodigy here at the Academy, or you have the option of working with Assistant Lieutenant Hinamori Momo, she was quite the Kido star as well, maybe you'd like some pointers from her?"
"Ah, I've actually heard so much about both of them and I've always wanted to work under Hisagi Fukutaichou, I feel as though I have a ton to learn, so I'd like to study with Squad 9 please!"
"Of course, I will send this over to Squad 9 right away, and remember that this is a one month internship, so pack accordingly."
"Eh? P-Pack?"
"Ah yes, I neglected to tell you. You will be rooming with Squad 9 for the duration of your internship; the whole point of this internship is to open your eyes as to what Shinigami do. Don't worry, this is everyone's favorite time of year, you'll have fun, trust me."
. . .
When Hajime walked back to the manor, she saw Akane in her room trying on multiple gowns in front of her mother. She wanted to tell Akane that she'd be taking a month off but she doesn't know if telling her about the internship is worse than simply leaving without giving any notification.
"Kisumoto." Minako spoke firmly, as she spotted Hajime outside Akane's doors, "Come here and look at these gowns, help Akane choose one for the ball next month."
"Eh? You want me to choose?"
"Just pick one." Minako said, "Which do you think will catch Byakuya's eye?"
Hajime walked over to Akane's bed where see saw three distinct gowns lay out; there was a blue dress, a red dress, and yellow dress. All three gowns were made from expensive fabrics and they all had a beautiful design but Hajime was attracted to the red dress; it was refined, clean, and one of a kind, just like Byakuya.
"Hmph, I guess the red it is then," Akane acknowledged while giving a scoff, "Send the swatch to the servants and have them decorate the ballroom to accentuate my gown, I want to look my very best. I also have a list of things for you to do as well."
"Ah, Akane-Sama, I actually have something to tell you." Akane didn't answer her, as she was still admiring the gowns in front of her, "I'm starting my internship tomorrow so I won't be present for a month's time."
"What?!" Akane and Minako cried in disapproval.
"Did you forget that before I became your personal maid, I was an Academy student? This is one of the requirements I need to complete in order to graduate. I'm sorry but you'll have to find somebody else to help you." And just like that, Hajime brought the swatch to one of Akane's maids and proceeded to her room to pack for her internship. While packing, Hajime received a surprise visit from Byakuya.
"Ah, Kuchiki-Sama, is something the matter?"
"No, not at all. I was simply reminded that the Squad internships are underway and you will be gone for a month's time. I just wanted to wish you good luck, you're in good hands with Hisagi Shuuhei." Byakuya explained as he extended out his hand to give Hajime a farewell handshake.
"Thank you, Kuchiki-Sama, I'll be back soon."
At Squad 9's Barracks, a group of five students were standing outside of the barrack doors filled with excitement, Hajime being one of them.
"Alright everybody!" A voice called out as the doors were beginning to open, "I'm sure you know who I am but for those that don't, I'm Assistant Lieutenant Hisagi Shuuhei and you'll be under my care for the duration of this internship. Come inside, we'll get the tour started."
The students quickly bustled inside and the members of Squad 9 greeted them warmly; everyone was excited about the internship course. After about two hours of going through the barracks, each student was shown to their rooms and was allowed to settle in before heading out to the field to train.
Each room was small enough to accommodate one person and as Hajime didn't have much belongings to begin with, she settled in much quicker than the others and headed to the training field first where Hisagi was already waiting.
"Yo, I remember you, Kisumoto, right?"
"Ah, yes! It's an honor to work under you, Hisagi Fukutaichou."
Hisagi gave a small chuckle, "Well since you're the first one out here, why don't we do some warm-ups?"
"Warm-ups?" Before Hajime was even able to finish her question, Hisagi quickly lunged at her, and Hajime managed to swiftly block with her katana.
"Ha, you got good reflexes." Hisagi noted as he lunged backward.
"Well, I was taught by one of the best," Hajime spoke with a proud smile.
"Oh? And who would that be?"
"Kuchiki Byakuya." Then, before Hisagi was able to notice, Hajime disappeared and managed to strike Hisagi from behind. Though, Hisagi managed to evade the attack with no injuries.
"Ah, so you're the one I've been hearing about, the one Kuchiki Taichou is sponsoring."
"You-you've heard about me?"
"Of course I have, I've been keeping an eye on you ever since I spotted you taking the entrance exam, I wanted to know what kind of Shinigami you'll be."
"And so? Do you have your answer?"
"Not quite yet, but I hope when it's time for you to choose a division, Squad Nine will be on your list."
The four other interns seemed to have settled in quickly and were heard making their way to the training field, excitement oozing from every muscle.
"Alright everyone, today's first task, you'll all be teaming up to fight against… her." Hisagi pointed his katana at Hajime who looked at him with wide eyes, "State your name and year."
"Kisumoto Hajime, year 4."
"Kisumoto, you're today's target. If you can survive an hour without getting struck by one of these guys, you'll be excused from tonight's dinner preparations. However, if one of these guys lands a hit on you, they will be the one excused. Everyone understand?"
Everyone nodded as they prepared to attack Hajime.
Let's see how you fare against these four, Kisumoto Hajime. Shuuhei thought as he observed the five interns.
At Squad Six's Barracks, a confident looking girl pushed her way through the other four members of the group and gazed at Byakuya.
"I'm Hatsutori Miku, it's an honor to finally meet you Kuchiki-Taichou!" She gave a deep bow, as if she was a 90-degree angle.
"Ah, yes. Welcome to Squad Six everyone; I'm glad to have you all here with us. Come inside, we'll begin with a tour of the barracks." As Byakuya was guiding the students, they bumped into Renji, who Byakuya then forced to tag along with the tour.
"Everyone, as you may have already known, this is Abarai Renji, my Fukutaichou." All the students grinned at Renji, they all admired him and his strength.
After the tour was over, the students were shown to their rooms and were told to gather in the dining hall when they were all finished packing.
A banquet was prepared to welcome the hardworking students and before they began to eat, Akane stormed into the dining hall. "Honey!"
Renji gave a sigh, and all the students looked at Akane with interest.
"Akane, is something the matter, you don't usually make your way to the barracks." Byakuya walked toward Akane and whispered, "I also thought I told you that the internships were starting today. I won't be home as often this month."
"Yes well, that Kisumoto girl is also on internship, and without my personal attendant, how am I suppose to get things taken care of at the manor?"
"Akane-"
"Excuse me?" It was Miku that spoke, "Akane-Sama, I've heard a lot about you, and you are one of my role models. If you need help, I would be honored to help you in my free time during this internship. After all, I will be bunking here in these barracks. Of course, if that's okay with you, Kuchiki-Taichou."
"My, what a thoughtful offer, what do you say, darling?" Akane spoke in a tone with which Byakuya couldn't argue.
"Hatsutori Miku, am I correct? Are you sure you're willing to be my wife's personal attendant? With the combination of both our schedules, you will barely have a free moment in the day."
"It's no problem at all! I'll be glad to help!" Miku exclaimed with a smile.
"Excellent, now if you'd come with me, we have many things to prepare for for the ball next month!" Akane explained as she dragged Miku away from the crowd.
"Are you sure that was a smart decision?" Renji whispered from behind Byakuya.
"Hatsutori Miku is different from Kisumoto Hajime with just one glance, I'm sure she and Akane will get along quite well."
"That's a good thing then?"
"The opposite actually, besides her mother, she'll have someone else on her side."
"Ahh, two is bad enough already. Let's hope Hajime comes back quick!"
"haa, haa, haa." All the students interning at squad 9 were all out of breath and time was up. Hajime managed to defend herself against four of her classmates and was excused from making dinner for the night.
"Alright, Kisumoto, nice job!" Hisagi exclaimed while clapping, "Alright everyone, you all can get cleaned up and the four of you will be in the kitchen tonight." All the students packed up their gear and returned to their dorms, except Hisagi called after Hajime to talk to her before she left, "Kisumoto, let me ask you something, why did you decide you wanted to become a Shinigami?"
"Eh? Ah. Well, I wanted to get stronger; I didn't want to rely on others to save me. I want to save myself and I want to protect those that I care about."
Hisagi gave a smile, "Good answer. Alright, meet you at dinner,"
All these students, they sure are working hard, it's going to hurt when they find out, at the end of this internship, only one student in this group gets a guaranteed spot in Squad 9.