DISCLAIMER - see chapter one
"Ulquiorra! What happened? I heard you got hospitalised!" Miaka cried as he entered the classroom. The rest of the girls seemed to be wondering the same thing as they crowded around him. He had to admit he had missed the school in his short absence, though of course to these humans it would seem far longer.
"There was an accident. I am fine now." He replied simply as he made his way to his desk and sat down, Sensei entering to call the class to order. Upon seeing Ulquiorra she headed over and handed him a large pile of papers, which she quickly told him consisted of all the work he had missed in his three week absence. With a simple nod he stowed it in his bag preparing for the first class.
"Alright, art class again. Shift the desks." Sensei ordered as she grabbed a pile of paper and got ready to hand it out as Ulquiorra and the rest of the class began moving desks. Once again he was sitting beside Miaka with Orihime and Tatsuki opposite, the redhead smiling awkwardly as she noticed Miaka's jealous scowl.
Sensei quickly handed out the sheets of A3 paper before fetching paints, coals and chalk pastels. The task for the day was to draw a portrait of the person opposite, but with a slight twist. You could draw them how you wanted, they didn't have to be in school uniform, they could be wearing anything and be anywhere. Before she had even finished with her explanation Ulquiorra had started.
He began with a rough outline, gently drawing in the lines of Orihime's delicate face, taking extreme care to get it right. Her figure he could draw well from memory, tracing the curves of her full and youthful body. It didn't take long for Orihime's curiosity to get the better of her as she tried to glance over the table to take a peek.
"Wait until I have completed the task." Ulquiorra said as he glanced up, watching Orihime's cheeks flush as she sat down again. Going back to the task Ulquiorra scrutinised the outline, turning his head this way and that until he decided he was satisfied. Over the top he began to form clothing, drawing in a long flowing kimono, which took a little longer than he expected with all the folds and contours.
Since her figure was now covered by the kimono Ulquiorra erased the light guidelines of her body and focused on her hands before moving up to her face. Luckily he had the living model right opposite, so taking advantage of this he looked across at her with intense green eyes. At his gaze he noticed a slight flush on her cheeks, her grey eyes shifting across her page as she felt his eyes on her. He watched as she nibbled her lip slightly at the attention, resisting the urge to look up.
Ulquiorra took great care, slowly and delicately drawing in the eyelashes before beginning on her bangs, sweeping down to the top of her eyes. The two six petal flower clips he added once he was finished, adding them carefully above her ears. After rubbing out a few odd lines he looked at the colouring options, settling on watercolour. He wanted to make this beautiful, and for Orihime's soft features the gentleness of watercolour was the only acceptable option.
He decided to start with the dark red of the kimono, leaving the small gold patterns to fill in later, and while the red dried he began on the pale peach of her skin. At the bottom of the kimono her feet were just peaking out and he carefully painted the red zouri, leaving the socks white.
"Wow Ulquiorra! That's amazing!" Miaka praised as she looked across at his drawing. Ulquiorra gave no response but a slight nod as he cleaned off the paint brush and focused on her eyes. He wanted them to be perfect, dark at one edge and then pale on the other with a slight glint in the corners. He bent low over the page as he worked on this small detail and pulled back satisfied.
Seeing that the red paint was dry he went straight onto the gold, which was a slightly thicker paint that he was surprised they had. It wasn't a commonly used colour, and it wasn't the best quality, but it would have to do. He took his time in drawing the vines, leaving them every now and then to touch up other bits while they dried, like the hair clips, hair and fingernails. Finally he sat back and looked at the clock, surprised it had only taken him an hour and a half to complete. He had expected it to take much longer, however his technical ability was above average.
With the extra half hour he began on the background, images from his dreams causing him to settle on a wide open balcony at night with a view of the moon and stars. It was fairly quick and easy since things were mainly the same colour except for shadows, and he was finished, adding in just a few creeping vines around the pillars of the balcony.
"Alright, show the person opposite you and I'll come and collect them up. The top ten will be on the wall after break." Sensei announced, signalling the end of the lesson. Orihime blushed in embarrassment as she handed her chalk pastel picture across the table with a guilty expression, watching Ulquiorra smile softly. It wasn't well drawn, but he already knew Orihime wasn't the best at drawing. However she had clearly put a lot of effort into drawing him.
He was standing in a plain white room, which he guessed was her cell in Hueco Mundo, and he was himself, without his human Gigai. His skin was white, his top lip and fingernails were black and he had his hollow hole. She had tried to get his shape right, though her lines were very sharp and rough. She had his eyes right though, they were deep and green, but seemed more alive than they had been while he was Espada. He was also smiling rather than having a neutral expression.
"Arigato Inoue, you have greatly improved." Ulquiorra complimented warmly, his eyes widening as he noticed the tears sliding down Orihime's cheeks. "Orihime, are you alright?" He asked in concern, forgetting that he had decided only to call her 'Inoue' in public. He got out of his chair and crouched beside her as she shook her head and wiped her eyes quickly,
"I'm just being silly…It's just your picture is so good, and mine's terrible!" Orihime replied sheepishly, blushing slightly at Ulquiorra's soft smile and touch as he reached up and caressed her damp cheek. As their eyes met Orihime paused, unable to focus on anything other than the two perfect green orbs looking back at her.
"Schiffer, Inoue, are you finished?" Sensei's voice asked as she approached, planning on collecting theirs first. With a blush Orihime turned away and held up Ulquiorra's picture for Sensei to see, the older woman immediately recognising Ulquiorra's work. She wasn't sure exactly what it was, whether it was the technical accuracy or perfection, but she just knew it was Ulquiorra's. "Very good Schiffer, brilliant even." Sensei praised as she collected the others, but none even came close to Ulquiorra's almost professional portrait.
"You okay?" Tatsuki asked quietly as Ulquiorra returned to his seat, the redhead smiling and nodding insistently. Tatsuki sighed with a slight smile, seeing that Ulquiorra had already cheered her up, and she wasn't the only one who saw. Miaka's expression had hardened on the tender look on Ulquiorra's face. Her arms were crossed firmly and her hands gripping her arms tightly.
"Alright, time for break." Sensei called as she returned to the front with her pile of paper. "And I want all of you out today, go on." She ordered as she sat down to look over the pictures and choose the best, though first place was clearly Ulquiorra. At her words there were numerous groans as students got to their feet and began to head outside, some waiting for friends by the door.
"Ulquiorra! Can I talk to you?" Miaka asked as he turned to leave, her hand gripping the back of his shirt almost hesitantly. Orihime and Tatsuki watched the exchange curiously while they waited for Ulquiorra's response. As Ulquiorra gave a small nod to Miaka Ichigo and the others arrived to meet them,
"I will meet you in the usual place." Ulquiorra stated simply as he looked across at Orihime, who nodded her agreement. They always met on the roof at break and lunch, though of course Ulquiorra usually stayed with the girls at break, and those girls were all watching closely as Miaka led the way out.
In the corridor Ulquiorra allowed Miaka to lead the way to the end, where they could overlook the grounds. There were students rushing back and forth and Miaka seemed reluctant to begin until the crowd died down. She was shaking slightly, her lips quivering nervously as her skin perspired slightly.
"Are you quite well?" Ulquiorra asked as Miaka leaned on the wall, her hands clutched loosely in front as she fiddled with her fingers. At Ulquiorra's kind words she smiled and nodded, looking around the corridor to find that they were more or less alone. There were just a few people wandering and milling further off, no one to over hear them.
"Hai, it's just…I'm…I really like you Ulquiorra…" Miaka began earnestly as she looked up at him, subconsciously raising her hands to clutch them at her chest. Ulquiorra nodded, but didn't quite understand,
"I like you too Miaka, you are most kind." He replied, watching as Miaka sighed almost helplessly and shook her head in frustration. Ulquiorra rested his hands on her shoulders as she jumped into his chest, forcing him back until he was against the low wall with the windows. Ulquiorra looked down at her bewildered as she looked up with tear filled eyes, her hands gripping the front of his shirt,
"That's not what I meant! I…I…" She trailed of in frustration, tears sliding down her cheeks. Ulquiorra pulled her to his chest and stroked her back, not knowing what else he could do for her. He had no idea why she was so distressed, only that she had wanted to tell him something, "Ulquiorra…I…" She almost whispered as she pulled back a little to look up at him.
Around the corner Orihime and Tatsuki had just come out of the classroom, and Orihime reluctantly followed Tatsuki down the corridor. She didn't like to pry, but apparently Tatsuki had no such qualms as she led the way quietly. As they approached Orihime could just make out a quiet feminine voice, which she assumed was Miaka's,
"I really…" She trailed off, and then there was silence. Tatsuki chanced a peek around the corner and pulled back almost immediately, her expression of false cheer telling Orihime something was wrong as Tatsuki tried to lead her away. The redhead pulled free and stepped round the corner worriedly, but was shocked by what she saw. Miaka was standing on tiptoe, the remnants of fresh tears staining her face as her hands rested loosely on his shoulders. Ulquiorra's arms were around the shorter girl, his back against the window frame as he leaned down to kiss her.
"Orihime." He said as he opened his eyes and caught sight of her, the redhead jerking back to herself long enough to register that they were both looking at her and she was crying before she turned and ran. "Orihime!" Ulquiorra shouted as she ran, moving to follow but stopped by Miaka's grip on his wrist,
"Is this your answer?" She demanded tearfully, both unaware that there was still one person present watching. She knew she should have run after Orihime, but Ulquiorra's response would mean something here. She watched as he paused and slowly moved to take Miaka's hand and look back at her,
"Gomenasai…I cannot return those feelings." He replied quietly, Tatsuki almost wanting to whoop and jump as she listened, not that she really like Ulquiorra, but Orihime did. That was what mattered to her. Miaka slowly released Ulquiorra, watching as he turned and ran after Orihime, allowing the tears to flow down her cheeks.
Ulquiorra ran down the corridor, not noticing Tatsuki as she pushed herself back against the wall, his mind too preoccupied with his current task. Orihime had already turned one of the corners at the end of the hall, so he ran as fast as he could without Sonido to reach the end. Unfortunately she had already disappeared when he reached the end and he leaned on the wall half panting half sighing.
"Are you sure that girl's okay?" A quiet voice asked, Ulquiorra looking up to see a couple of girls walking slowly towards him from the right corridor. Without another thought Ulquiorra ran that way, knowing instinctively that it was Orihime. It had to be. The end of the corridor led outside, where students wandered in their small groups. Orihime…Where are you?
He looked all over the playground, where students were now bundled up against the cold that had suddenly swept in, but then it was the middle of winter. December had already arrived. It made things slightly easier though, since Ulquiorra now only had to look for a redhead in a shirt, while the rest of the students wore their grey blazers, and the more sensitive had coats on over the top.
There! He thought suddenly as he caught sight of a petite figure running across the grass, her long orange hair whipping out behind her. Ulquiorra jumped the steps leading down to the concrete and took off after her, not shifting his gaze for a moment. In the process he barged quite a few students, only having enough time to shout a simple apology.
"Orihime!" He shouted as he slowly caught up, seeing her turn her head slightly before trying to run faster, but she was already breathing heavily. Seeing her weakness Ulquiorra pushed on and slowly caught up until he was close enough to catch her, reaching out to grab her wrist. Once he had her he pulled, watching as she stumbled, her body turning as he pulled her back and caught her against his chest. Before she could get over her surprise Ulquiorra wrapped his arms around her,
"Ulquiorra, what are you…" Orihime trailed off as she looked up at him, her heart pounding as he reached up and wiped her tears away gently, his green eyes filled with warmth as he looked down at her. His other arm remained around her, caressing the small of her back as his other moved from her cheek to the back of her neck.
"It seems I'm always doing things to make you cry…" He said with a smile as Orihime looked up at him with slowly drying eyes, which were filled with confusion as she stared at him. Orihime didn't move an inch as Ulquiorra leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead and breathed in the light scent of her hair.
"Ulquiorra…" Orihime breathed as she looked up into his green orbs before leaned her head on his chest and allowed him to hold her as the winter air made her shiver. She felt Ulquiorra's chest hum against her as he chuckled, moving to stand beside her with his arm around her shoulders,
"Let's go in and get your jacket." He said simply, Orihime blushing slightly as she walked along beside him. As they walked he pulled her closer so that her small body was pressed against his, making it slightly harder to walk without tripping, but he was so warm and that air was so cold that at that moment she didn't care.
"Nice save." Tatsuki muttered as she suddenly appeared at Ulquiorra's side, the Arrancar stopping to look around at her. The ebony haired girl gave him a grin before making herself known to Orihime, "Orihime, the others are waiting for us." She said as she stepped a little ahead so that Orihime could see her.
"Hai, I just have to get my jacket." The redhead replied as she pulled away from Ulquiorra, giving his back a gentle touch before walking ahead with Tatsuki. Ulquiorra smiled and put his hands in his pockets, following the girls at a slight distance in case they wanted to talk privately.
"Ulquiorra! Hurry it up!" Tatsuki called as she stopped, the two girls waiting for Ulquiorra to catch up and allowing him to walk between them. It was strange, walking beside Tatsuki, but surprisingly she didn't seem to resent it. She even asked his opinion on their topic of discussion, which at the moment seemed to be her kickboxing tournament that was coming up.
"I am not a kick boxer, but perhaps Yoruichi would help. She is a skilled fighter, so if you require assistance with training she would be a good person to ask." He suggested as they headed for the roof, all three now wearing their grey blazers, Orihime and Tatsuki tugging their red neck ribbons into place at their neck of the jackets.
"Hm, I guess I could ask…Maybe I'll stop by sometime." Tatsuki replied as they reached the bottom of the steps leading to the roof, where they could already hear the voices of Keigo and Ichigo as they argued about something.
"You can ask Saturday when we go skating!" Orihime exclaimed excitedly, missing Ulquiorra's sigh and slightly helpless look. He couldn't believe she was actually looking forward to it. Is this really what humans do for fun? He wondered, quietly hoping that it would be raining on Saturday, though he wouldn't put it past Orihime to want to do it anyway.
"Hai-hai." Tatsuki replied with a smile as they reached the roof and stepped out to find the others sitting around the corner, where they were sheltered from the wind. Tatsuki took the place beside Ishida, who was talking to Rukia about the Christmas Ball rather unenthusiastically,
"Oh! You don't know about that yet!" Orihime exclaimed as she sat beside Rukia, leaving a space for Ulquiorra beside her. Looking around Ulquiorra could see the rest of their group scattered about. Sado was tuning his guitar a few feet across from Ulquiorra, leaning his back on the wall as his brown eyes looked across the roof, where Keigo and Ichigo were arguing. It was impossible to hear what about, but since it was Keigo Ulquiorra doubted it was important, and on Tatsuki's other side Mizuiro was busy texting as usual.
"About what?" Ulquiorra asked as he looked back at Orihime, who smiled brightly as she clapped her hands excitedly. Ulquiorra had never seen Orihime so excited, he could only guess that this 'Christmas Ball' was something very special.
"It's a dance that happens every year, like the Halloween Ball or the Prom at the end of the year!" She began, Ulquiorra nodding his understanding. He had never attended one himself, but in his strange dreams he had been in a ballroom watching. He knew it would be different in this time, but the basic idea was the same. "Everyone wears Christmas outfits, with red or green or white, some people wear holly patters, or snowflakes or tinsel!" She continued happily, her grey eyes bright as she looked up at Ulquiorra, who was slightly taller even while sitting.
"Slow down Orihime, he probably doesn't understand half of that!" Tatsuki laughed as she looked across at her friend, deciding to take over. "The basic dress code it suites for guys and gowns for girls. Every year at the ball there is a contest for who is crowned the Snow Queen and Snow King, just a competition for fun. The main part that the girls like are the few days before the ball when the guys ask them out." She added strongly, giving Ulquiorra a significant look, but it seemed it was lost on him.
"It's when a boy asks a girl to accompany him as his date. It doesn't necessarily mean they are in a relationship." Ishida supplied from his place beside Tatsuki, "For instance Ichigo has accompanied Tatsuki for the past three years." He added, watching Tatsuki quickly look at Rukia with an embarrassed flush, while the Shinigami giggled under her breath,
"That was in Elementary! We were friends!" She said defensively, pulling a carton of strawberry milk from her pocket and putting the straw in,
"Exactly my point." Ishida said with a sigh, wondering whether Tatsuki had been listening to any of his explanation. This didn't surprise him, she was a lot more like Ichigo than she would ever let on, and Ichigo never listened.
"When is it customary to ask?" Ulquiorra asked curiously as Mizuiro finished typing and put his phone away, for a few moments at least. They all knew it would come out again within a few seconds of the reply.
"Any time, but most begin in December. You can also invite people from other schools and stuff, as long as you buy a ticket." The young boy replied, pulling his phone out again as it bleeped. Ichigo and Keigo, having finished with their argument quickly rejoined the group. It didn't take them long to pick up on the thread of the conversation.
"And don't forget to ask in private. Most girls prefer it that way." Tatsuki added, many of the others nodding their agreement. Ulquiorra didn't understand this, but there were many things about humans, particularly women, that he didn't understand.
"You should ask quickly too, otherwise the girl you like might already have a date." Rukia advised as she looked across at Ichigo, how raised an eyebrow with a hint of incredulity. Ulquiorra nodded thoughtfully, secretly quite puzzled as to why this Ball seemed so important.
Ichimaru sat up slowly from where he had sat hours ago, against the wall opposite the thin window. He was sure he could hear someone shouting down below, a woman. He got up, his back and legs aching from sitting hunched up for so long, forcing him to hobble rather than walk to the window.
"Let me through damnit!" She cried, the voice now discernable as he looked down. At first he couldn't see in the bright sunlight, but the strawberry blonde slowly came into focus as the two Shinigami guards timidly forced her back. Rangiku had always been a force to be reckoned with when she was angry. "Gin! You liar!" She cried as she looked up at the black windows trying to find his face.
"Ran-chan! What're ya doing here?" He called back weakly, hoping that his voice would carry that far. He was a little stronger now that he was being fed regularly and could see the sunlight, but he still wasn't his usual self. He needed to save his strength for the execution anyway.
"What do you think? You said you didn't know when you were scheduled! Why did you lie to me?" She demanded, clutching the crossed staffs of the men blocking her way, both of them feeling awkward about this. The prisoner wasn't meant to see anyone, but there wasn't a lot they could do about the shouted conversation,
"Gomen, I'll see ya tomorrow!" Gin called guiltily as Rangiku looked up at him with her accusing blue eyes. Gin really didn't know what to say in this situation, and was secretly grateful when Toshiro appeared. The young Captain took Rangiku's arm gently and looked up at her tear stained cheeks,
"Matsumoto, you will be able to see him tomorrow." He said gently but firmly, not wanting to use force on his vulnerable Vice Captain. Slowly she nodded and released the staffs, stepping back a little as she looked up at the window, where she could just see Gin looking down at her. His face was a little more pale than she remembered.
"You had better see me tomorrow!" She called, sure that she could see one of Gin's smiles ghost across his lips. Gin himself did smile as she looked up at him. Same old Ran, always needing assurances, though since it's me I'm not surprised…
"I promise!" He replied, watching as she nodded and turned to follow her captain back to their headquarters.
"Hinamori-san?" A familiar voice called from the door to the Fifth Squad office, where Hinamori was leaning over a pile of papers. At the sound of the deep and slightly gravelly voice she looked up with a slight blush on her cheeks. She hadn't expected to see Hisagi until the next day, and even then only in passing,
"Hisagi-kun! Ano…How can I help you?" She asked awkwardly as she put her brush down. She knew it wasn't necessary in this new age where they were so connected with the human world, but she liked the feel of the brush and the smell of the paint. Looking up she saw that Hisagi was holding a large pile of papers,
"Hitsugaya-taicho asked me to deliver these." He replied as he walked over to her desk and carefully put the stack down. Toshiro! She thought in annoyance, though it didn't show on her face. She was actually smiling softly at the stack of papers, all of them completed documents that Toshiro had done in her absence.
"Arigatou gozaimasu!" She thanked as she got to her feet and did a small bow, Hisagi laughing awkwardly as he waved it off in embarrassment.
"You really don't have to say that, I just happened to be passing by." He replied, noticing Hinamori's cheeks had a slight flush to them. She was cute. He'd thought that when he first laid eyes on her when she was much younger and he had been in charge of training her and the rest of her year. She, along with Renji and Kira, had saved him from a Hollow that day. She was much older now, and had filled out nicely.
"Well, thank you just the same." She said, pulling him out of his trip down memory lane. Looking around he caught sight of Aizen's desk, still untouched with his chair neatly tucked beneath it, his Captain's haori hanging over the back. Judging by the amount of dust Hinamori hadn't had the heart to touch it.
"How are you?" He asked as he looked back at her, watching her expression turn from surprised to incredibly sad and then happy all within a few seconds. He could tell the happiness was false.
"I'm fine." She replied simply, dropping her chocolate eyes to the papers on her desk, her own work for the day half finished already. She hadn't been able to sleep much the night before, so she had come into the office early, at about four O'clock, to get a head start.
"You've done a lot…Feel like a break?" Hisagi asked as he noticed her distraction. The smaller girl looked up sharply with a slight blush, "We Vice Captains haven't been in the same place for a while, so some of us were going to meet up, go drinking, sit by the river, spar, you know, just hang out…Ichigo and Rukia will be there too." He added, forgetting for a moment that they weren't ranking officers, though he felt Rukia should be. Hinamori dropped her eyes to the desk and nibbled her lip slightly, feeling a little indecisive. It would be nice to see Renji and Kira again, and she hadn't seen Rangiku for ages.
"Well…I guess I could…" She replied as she looked at her pile of papers again, feeling slightly guilty for leaving them unfinished. With a decisive look she walked around her desk and led the way out, her eyes drifting to Aizen's empty chair as she walked by. Even after all these months she still couldn't stop the pang that went through her.
"I'm glad you're coming; Kira was worried you wouldn't want to. He seems eager to catch up, and I know Renji will be too, once he gets here. I told him about this meet up just before we left." Hisagi said as they walked, his dark eyes shifting to the small girl beside him. Her hair was up in its usual bun with the light turquoise silk cover over it with frilled edges and thin blue ribbon tied neatly at the bottom. When did she stop wearing bunches? She looks much older now…
"So am I! I haven't really seen them since…" She trailed off, not waiting to say anything about Aizen out loud, but Hisagi seemed to understand. At the drop in her expression he looked around, hoping to find something to take her mind off it. Suddenly he saw it,
"Hey look!" He said, pointing ahead, where Kira and Rangiku were walking along together talking quietly. Suddenly Rangiku let out a loud howl of laughter, and Hinamori had no doubt that she and Kira had already started drinking. Rangiku was never this loud unless she was drunk.
"Rangiku-san!" Hinamori called as she and Hisagi hurried over to the pair ahead, who had stopped to wait for them. As they approached Kira smiled at them gratefully, Rangiku could be a handful when she was drunk. Seeing Hinamori Rangiku grabbed her tightly, the smaller girl suffocating in her breasts,
"Hinamori-chan! You're looking so much better!" She exclaimed as Kira and Hisagi worked quickly to pull her off the young girl. At their insistent tugs Rangiku paused in her yammering to look down at the struggling young girl, who she released and watched gasping breathlessly. "Gomen Hinamori-chan!" She apologised earnestly,
"Ah! No! I'm fine! I'm fine!" The smaller girl insisted brightly as she caught her breath, giggling occasionally. Rangiku smiled and wrapped her arms around Kira and Hisagi's shoulders, loudly leading the way to the meeting place they had chosen. A small drinking place inside Seireitei with low sitting tables and a single bar, where modestly dressed serving woman stood waiting to serve. Upon seeing the Vice Captains the serving women glanced across at each other until two gained enough courage to walk over.
"Konnichiwa. How may I help you?" One of the young woman asked politely, holding a serving tray to her chest as she bowed. The second woman, slightly younger and a lot more shy it seemed, bowed as well. Hinamori smiled at them, hoping to ease their nerves as Rangiku sat back and looked around.
"Two jugs of sake with four serving bowls." Kira ordered politely with a smile of his own. The serving women bowed once more and backed away, hurrying to the bar to order the rice wine. Looking around Hinamori could see quite a few members of her own squad milling about quietly in groups at the tables, not that they had anything else to do. Her squad was still on down time, and she was beginning to wonder if they'd be able to continue their duties at all.
"Hinamori…Are you alright?" Kira asked as he noticed her slightly downcast look while she stared at the people around the tavern. At Kira's voice she turned back to the table, finding Hisagi and Rangiku looking at her too.
"Hai…Looking around and seeing a lot of my squad just made me think about things…" She replied, Kira looking around to see a lot of his squad too. He wasn't surprised either, nor was Hisagi. He didn't even both to look around since he had spotted most of his squad on the way in. Since they didn't have captains Yamamoto had tried to keep their activities to a minimum unless they were needed, and since there wasn't much happening they weren't.
"I know what you mean." Hisagi sighed as he folded his arms on the table and leaned forward. He was fed up with it, though he still had a few duties, like the weekly magazine of what was going on in Seireitei and the paperwork. How he managed to have paperwork when his squad wasn't doing anything he just couldn't work out.
"I wonder when we'll be assigned new captains…" Kira said thoughtfully, though he couldn't think of anyone who was qualified to take over yet unless they lowered the bar and allowed vice captain level Shinigami to take over. In that case it would be more sensible to promote Hinamori, Hisagi and himself though, and that just wasn't acceptable, even to him.
"I guess it depends on when someone attains Bankai and stands for Captain…" Hisagi replied, unable to think of anyone he knew. Yumichika he had fought before, but he knew for a fact that, though he was strong and crafty, he wasn't captain level. Ikkaku he didn't really know either, though he sparred often with Iba. Neither of these Squad Eleven members were strong enough though. Renji was the only one he knew who had Bankai, and he had already decided to remain under Kuchiki in Sixth Squad.
"In a way I hope it's soon, but then…" Hinamori trailed off, Kira nodding his understanding. It hadn't been that long ago that the three of them had been happily serving captains they thought they could trust. Kira had already been betrayed by his second captain too. Though the circumstances had been different it didn't change the fact that he had been betrayed.
"Since our squads don't need us, I'm thinking of seeing Yamamoto about being assigned to the human world for a longer period. Why don't you two ask too?" Hisagi suggested as the serving women returned. Hinamori and Kira thanked them as Rangiku dived into the sake, filling her first bowl and draining it effortlessly. Turning back to the table Hinamori poured herself a bowl and sat nursing it gently, not being a big drinker.
"Maybe…" She replied, quietly wondering if she was really ready to be back in the field, though she had been back once already. She had played her part in the war, so perhaps she was ready and needed to be more confident in herself.
"Finally!" Ichigo sighed as they stepped out of the Senkai Gate and into Seireitei, Rukia and Renji breathing deep the familiar air of their home. No matter how many times he did it Ichigo still disliked walking through the tunnel between worlds, even without the cleaning system trying to kill him. It was a long dark tunnel which could collapse or close on them if something went wrong, so he wasn't in control.
"It is good to be back." Rukia admitted as she looked across the small hilltop towards Seireitei, less than a few minutes walk away. She couldn't wait to get there and see some of her other friends, catch up with her captain, sleep in her own futon at the Kuchiki estate. She loved sleeping at Ichigo's, whether in the closet or in his bed, but there was something about returning to her own bed that she was looking forward to.
"Alright, let's go! The other's are waiting!" Renji exclaimed as he led the way towards the streets. Ichigo and Rukia followed with a smile, both of them knowing he had been looking forward to this. Ever since he had invited them along he couldn't stop talking about meeting up with Hinamori and Kira. They rarely got together with Renji posted in the human world.
"Has there been any word on prospective captains?" Rukia asked as she and Ichigo walked just behind Renji, the redhead sighing as he led the way across the grass towards a long building on the edge of Seireitei.
"No, no one's stood for any of the posts yet." He replied as they reached the building, Renji jumping up onto the sloped wooden roof. He understood, and respected, why Ikkaku refused the post. It was similar to his own reason, wanting to remain under the man he respected most. The problem was that more and more time was going by, and gradually the Fifth, Third and Ninth Squads were becoming obsolete.
"Why don't you? You have Bankai…Okay, it needs a little work, but still, you're a strong contender." Ichigo pointed out as he followed, Rukia right beside him. Renji sighed as he stood at the top of the slanted roof and looked over his shoulder with a tired look that told Ichigo he had told this story before,
"I don't want to be Captain. Not until I've surpassed Kuchiki-taicho." He replied firmly, his dark eyes determined as he hopped down the other side of the roof to the path below. Ichigo sighed as he followed,
"If you won't take the post then who will?" The orange haired boy said as Rukia hopped down beside him. Renji ignored the question, secretly knowing that Ichigo was right, but he knew for a fact that he wasn't ready. To be worthy of the title he would need to fully master his Bankai. Right now Ikkaku was the only qualified man for the job, and very few knew about his Bankai, and that was how his bald friend wanted to keep it.
"Where are we meeting anyway?" Rukia asked to change the subject, both Renji and Ichigo grateful for the change. Renji led the way, somehow instantly recognising the area. Ichigo still had no idea how the redhead did that; each path looked the same to him. Even Rukia seemed to have a little trouble at times, especially when she had been in the human world for a while.
"There's a little place near Fifth Squad. We'll meet there and head down to the river." Renji replied as they turned a corner into a slightly busier street, where Shinigami were rushing back and forth completing a few minor duties. Just down the street was the tavern they were looking for.
"Renji-kun!" Hinamori called from the low sitting table as she waved at him. Ichigo and Rukia followed quietly as Renji grinned and hurried over to sit on Hinamori's free side, her other side occupied by Kira. With a simple wave Hisagi drew the serving maid's attention and received three more bowls and another jug of sake. He and Rangiku had already drunk three between them, while Hinamori and Kira lagged on three quarters of a jug.
"How about taking this to the river?" Hisagi suggested, knowing that the tavern owner would let them as long as they returned or replaced the jugs later, they were good friends. Considering the amount he had drunk Hinamori and Kira were surprised he could speak so normally.
"That sounds nice." Rukia seconded as she looked up at Ichigo, who nodded his agreement. It seemed that this was enough for the others as they rose to leave, Kira and Ichigo supporting a very drunk Rangiku while Kira, Renji and Rukia followed with the bowls. Hinamori stayed to help Hisagi with the jugs, deciding to take the full one and leave the lighter two for Hisagi,
"Let me." Hisagi said politely as he went to take the jug from her, but the petite girl backed away with a smile, hefting the heavy jug as she did so.
"I'm alright, really." She insisted as she hurried on slightly ahead while Hisagi grabbed the other jugs and followed. He called to the barman on the way out, the young man nodding and waving as he passed.
"I told you you should have let me take it." Hisagi chided lightly as he caught up to Hinamori, who was clearly having trouble with the weight of the ceramic jug. She smiled at him all the same, cradling the jug firmly in her arms as she padded along beside him. He was amazed at how light her step was, much quieter than some of Second Squad, and they were the stealthiest group. I guess she'll move to Soi-Fon taicho's squad if Fifth is disbanded…
"Is something wrong? You were looking serious for a moment there." Hinamori pried gently as she smiled up at the dark haired man at her side. At her words he broke into a grin and shook his head, pushing all negative thoughts aside. He wanted today to be a relaxing break from worries like that.
"Nothing, just thinking a little too much." He replied, watching the others as they gradually headed out of Seireitei and into the open fields. The forest wasn't far off, and the river was only a few minutes within the trees. Hinamori and Hisagi laughed as they saw Rangiku fling her arms out, knocking both Kira and Ichigo to the ground as she laughed and span before falling on top of them.
"Is everyone alright?" Hinamori giggled as she hurried forward. Renji passed the bowls he was carrying to Rukia, who balanced them haphazardly as the redhead lifted Rangiku into his arms. On the ground Kira and Ichigo got to their feet, massaging various bumps and bruises. Ichigo helped Renji get Rangiku to the ground as she began laughing and wriggling in his arms.
"I think so." Kira replied lightly as Kira took three of the bowls from a grateful Rukia, who had been battling to keep all six balanced. It wasn't that much further to the river, and they were all grateful to arrive, especially Ichigo and Renji, who had carried Rangiku between them.
Hinamori placed the full jug down with a relieved sigh, Hisagi smiling as he put his down beside it. Looking around she could see Rangiku leaning against a tree trunk, her eyes half closed as Renji and Ichigo plonked down to her right in a patch of sunlight. Rukia and Kira were handing out the bowls. Looking up through the trees there was a clear blue sky, and Hinamori was surprised by the good weather. Their winters were never as harsh as the human world's, but they still got one.
"We were so lucky. I really thought it was going to rain last night." Hisagi said as he straightened up, accepting his bowl from Rukia as he did so. Hinamori nodded as she sat against another tree trunk, not far from Rangiku. Hisagi followed and sat a little way off, close to Renji and Ichigo in the sunlight.
"Here." Kira said with a smile as he held Hinamori's bowl out for her. Hinamori took it with a smile and shifted a little so that Kira could take the place beside her, which he did with a smile. It wasn't long before Rukia sat with Ichigo and Renji discreetly crawled over to Hinamori and Kira while Hisagi shifted a little closer to Rangiku.
"Something wrong?" Renji asked as he noticed Hinamori's slightly downcast look as Hisagi and Rangiku poured more sake for themselves, talking animatedly. Hinamori quickly smiled and shook her head while Kira chuckled knowingly. He had been there when Hisagi had saved her, and hadn't missed the glances she had been giving him all afternoon. Unfortunately Hisagi was oblivious.
Despite the closeness of Hisagi and Rangiku the afternoon passed smoothly for Hinamori. They relaxed by the river, Hinamori eventually deciding to shift closer to the edge and paddle while Kira and Renji sprawled across the grass on either side. After a while Kira and Renji decided to spar while Hinamori watched before deciding to join in herself.
She was off form, having not trained since her recovery. She had immediately immersed herself in paperwork, all thought of training forgotten. She was grateful as Renji, Kira, Ichigo, Rukia and Hisagi helped to get her back on track. At one point even Rangiku joined in, the group deciding to hold a no-holds-barred. Considering she was drunk Rangiku performed extremely well, knocking both Kira and Hisagi out of the running. She was eventually hit out by Hinamori, who was pleasantly surprised to find that she was in the final three with Ichigo and Renji, having taken out Rukia herself.
"Come on Hinamori-chan!" Kira cheered, Rangiku and Hisagi taking her side too, not that the boys resented it. The problem was that neither of them wanted to hurt her, though if they didn't she would likely defeat them.
"Sorry about this Momo-chan." Renji said as he whipped out Zabimaru, the sections separating and stretching out to hit her sword, which she held defensively across her. During this fight she had noticed her technique was back, and she could move effortlessly the way she used to with Aizen when he trained her.
"Hit back!" Hisagi shouted, Hinamori's eyes shifting to him for a slit second, in which Renji sent a swing her way. Hinamori turned back just in time to block, using Shunpo to run down his stretched blade and get a clean hit on his body with her own spiked Zanpakuto.
"Looks like I'm out." Renji sighed as he sheathed his blade, bowing slightly to Hinamori before he went to join the others. This left Ichigo in a situation he didn't like one bit. He hated it when he had to fight women, even just sparring. He didn't even feel comfortable fighting Yoruichi, and he knew he would never land a hit on her.
"Looks like it's just us." Hinamori said with a sweet smile as she walked over to Ichigo with her released Zanpakuto at her side. Ichigo nodded as they saluted before going into a defensive stance and circling each other. Looking at her blade Ichigo frowned. So far, though she had released Tobiume, she had yet to reveal its power. The blade had extended and had prongs along the sides, and though they could cause damage it didn't seem enough for a vice captain Zanpakuto. She's hiding something…
He found himself proved right as Hinamori moved into Shunpo. As she ran Ichigo could just keep sight of her, and around her blade a pink light formed. It was the light of her reiatsu forming into an energy attack. Ichigo jumped back and held Zangetsu across his body as her sword clashed with his, the energy heating his blade.
"I had a feeling you had a trick or two up your sleeve." Ichigo complimented as they separated, the petite girl smiling brightly. She certainly seemed more confident now that she had fought her way to the final two. The majority of the group were on her side, and Ichigo had to admit he was rooting for her himself. He hadn't met her before now, but already the small girl was growing on him. He could see why Renji treasured her so much.
"I'm still waiting for you to reveal yours." She replied cheerfully, her cheeks slightly red and glistening from the work out. Ichigo wasn't much better himself, they had been fighting for quite a while. Ichigo grinned as he wiped his forehead with his sleeve, knowing that Hinamori wasn't the type to take cheap shots.
"Getsuga Tensho!" Ichigo cried as he released a black blast of energy, which took the shape of a crescent moon as it flew towards a surprised Hinamori. The petite girl wasted no time in unleashing her own attack in response,
"Hajike! Tobiume!" She cried as she swung her blade, a ball of pink energy blasting from the tip of her blade. She had aimed it perfectly and waited anxiously as it flew towards the black energy, a bright smile lighting her face at it cut through the centre of the attack. Ichigo's attack divided and hit the ground either side of Hinamori while her own attack continued to hit Ichigo's chest.
"I won?" Hinamori stuttered in disbelief as she looked around at the others, who were as speechless as she was. Once he got over his surprise, and the pain in his slightly burned chest, Ichigo broke out into a grin. "I won!" Hinamori cried as she jumped up and down excitedly, Kira and Renji stepping forward to hug her and pet her head proudly. They had been responsible for a vast amount of her training, and for her to win against Ichigo, even though it was a gentle bout, was a definite point of pride.
"That was a good move, I never saw it coming." Ichigo complimented as he walked over, massaging his sore chest. Her energy blast hadn't been that strong, and most of the energy had been lost cutting through Getsuga Tensho, so he wasn't in agony. It just stung a little.
"Arigatou Ichigo-san!" Hinamori replied with a modest bow. Before he could move another inch Rukia was with him, examining the almost circular burn mark on his chest, "Ano, I hope I didn't hurt you too badly Ichigo-san…" Hinamori added guiltily as she noticed Ichigo's wince at Rukia's gentle touch,
"Don't worry about it, I've had far worse." Ichigo replied, wondering if it were possible for Hinamori to look any more adorable than she did at that moment. Her chocolate eyes were filled with guilt and worry, she was nibbling her lower lip anxiously and her fingers were fiddling with her haori sleeve like a child. At Ichigo's assurances Hinamori brightened and seemed to relax, all of them returning to lounge by the river.
"Man this was a great day!" Renji sighed in contentment as he rolled onto his back, folding his arms beneath his head as he looked up at the darkening sky. There were many enthusiastic murmurs of agreement as they sat quietly watching the sky, all of them knowing that the day was coming to an end.
"Next time you should bring your guitar." Kira said, directing this at Hisagi, who had improved greatly with Sado's tutelage. The dark haired vice captain was laying with his legs and arms crossed, lifting his head slightly to grin at Kira.
"Yeah, I've really been practising." He replied enthusiastically, his crossed leg bobbing contentedly. At his words Hinamori propped herself up on her elbows where she had been lying on her stomach,
"That's true, I've heard you play." She said, giggling at Hisagi's horrified and embarrassed look.
"When? How?" Hisagi asked as he lowered his legs and propped himself up on his elbows looking puzzled. Hinamori blushed a little and coughed as she looked across the river,
"I was just passing by once." She replied evasively, though Hisagi missed her hesitance and accepted her excuse. "And you know it's really not that far from Fifth Squad…Sometimes I can hear you from there." She added, which was true. She had to open her office window and sit on the sill, but it was worth it.
"Gomen, I didn't know it carried that far." Hisagi laughed apologetically, though if he thought about it his barracks were really not that far from hers. Even though they were numbered they weren't based in any particular order. Byakuya kept Sixth Squad close to his own estate, and Fourth Squad was on the outskirts for the benefit of patients who needed relaxation in the open air. Second Squad were also on the outskirts quite close to a mountain area. He could only assume it was convenient for stealth training.
"It's fine! I really like it!" She insisted, folding her arms and lying down once more, her chocolate eyes closing as a small smile graced her innocent features. With a smile of his own Hisagi too laid back where he had been before and watched the sky.