9 days later.

Irregularities detected along western perimeter. Security alert in areas 3 through 8. Repeat. Irregularities detected along western perimeter. Security alert in areas 3 through 8

- what?! What's going on?

/

- Seems like something interesting has happened. Want to check it out? Ikkaku said as soon as the message had finished. Mejii and Yumichika gave each other a quick look.

- Sure but, the ryoka will activate. Areas 3 through 8 is also the white road gate, which means Jidanbo will be the first to greet these intruders. If possible, I'd like to avoid watching him fight. Yumichika said and sighed with a bored expression on his face.

- Why is that? Mejii questioned.

- You've seen him Mejii, all he has got going for him is his size, his way of fighting is so not beautiful. Yumichika answered and continued sipping on his tea.

- He was chosen among the best for this job you know. Mejii said with a friendly smile.

- Though I'm confident I could take him down. She added on.

- Yumichika come with. Ikkaku said, pulling at his friend's arm. When Yumichika made it clear that he didn't want to go, Ikkaku hung his head in defeat.

He started trembling with irritation, finally some action was happening in soul society, and he knew that it would annoy him if he couldn't at the very least see some of it, but his friend didn't want to come with. Mejii was looking at Ikkaku and at his currently weird behaviour, she tilted her head at him.

- Do you want to go that badly?

- Yes! Ikkaku immediately replied.

- I'll go with you then, but we can't really approach without orders to do so.

- Hell yeah! Come on Mejii! Ikkaku said and grabbed her arm and started pulling her along, leaving Yumichika to sip on his tea in peace.

- Ikkaku remember we can't head out there.

- Yeah yeah come on.

/

On the inside of the gate, in a building located at a distance deemed safe enough, a small crowd had gathered to witness what was happening and defend if needed. Shuuhei was standing amongst the crowd of soul reapers. Him and Izuru had been nearby when the alarm went off and were the only two lieutenants so far at the scene. He didn't know what these irregularities were or how many there were, but he was keeping his cool, he knew that a captain was also nearby.

- Shuuhei!

- Huh?

Shuuhei turned around and saw Ikkaku and Mejii running towards him. He noticed how Ikkaku had a hold of her arm and was pulling at her to keep up with his pace. He frowned when the two of them finally stopped in front him.

They were panting and even though they had arrived, Ikkaku still held a strong grasp at her arm, too excited to realise probably. With a quick slap on his arm from Shuuhei, Ikkaku immediately let go.

- What the hell man.

Shuuhei stood in front of Mejii and gently rubbed her arm, he gave Ikkaku an annoyed glare, but Ikkaku was too focused on the gate and had already moved on from Shuuhei's slap.

- Why are we so far away, can't see much from here?

- We have orders Ikkaku. Shuuhei said, getting tired of him already. Mejii simply laughed.

- I'm fine Shuuhei, what's the situation? Shuuhei let her go and explained.

- You heard it right? Irregularities are on the other side; I don't know what kind or how many, but it should be easy for Jidanbo.

- I see, how come you got here so quickly? Were you nearby?

- Yeah, me and Izuru were nearby.

- Is he here to?

Shuuhei didn't say anything, he only pointed to the person next to him. There stood Izuru, now feeling depressed that even though he was right next to the two of them, he wasn't noticed. Mejii placed her hands in front of her mouth.

- Oh, I'm so sorry Izuru!

- No, it's fine, how have you been Mejii?

- I should probably ask you that, how was your hangover from last time we hung out?

Izuru scratched his head whilst laughing nervously.

- I've had worse.

- Speaking of that evening. Shuuhei interrupted, making Mejii turn her attention towards him.

- Let's play with the idea that nothing happens with these irregularities, if so, can I meet up with you later?

Mejii tilted her head.

- Sure, but you seem confident in that statement.

- Because Captain Ichimaru has gone to the gate just in case.

Mejii froze for a split second. Shuuhei noticed and made a mental note of that. Was she scared of him?

Just as captain Ichimaru was mentioned, a battle had commenced on the other side of the gate. Ikkaku was jumping with excitement shouting about how he wished it was him over there fighting. Nothing could be seen from where they were standing, for Ikkaku, it was more about the excitement that something was finally happening. His legs and arms were itching to fight whatever was on the other side and Mejii only sighed at his pitiful attempts to remain where he was standing. She had to applaud him for not actually running over there though.

Shuuhei was visibly tired of Ikkaku already though. He could handle him when they both had been drinking but sober, no. Ikkaku was too tiring for Shuuhei. He leaned over to Mejii and quietly spoke to her.

- Seriously, how do you deal with him?

Mejii immediately knew what he was talking about and couldn't help but giggle.

- I guess since we both enjoy fighting so much, we've grown accustomed to each other.

Shuuhei could only sigh at this, his division is for defending, so it didn't surprise him that he found Ikkaku so tiring. Mejii, however, was different. He assumed it had to do with her intelligence and how she would not let fighting be the only driving force in her life. Although, he was curious how Mejii would act in real fights, would she remain calm and collected or would she twist into something else. He turned his eyes towards Ikkaku, wondering if he had seen a side to Mejii which he hadn't.

- Do all members in the 11th division act like you right now Ikkaku? Shuuhei asked, crossing his arms over his chest. Izuru and Mejii gave him a questioning look.

- Not all members, I guess you could say I'm the one who reacts the most besides the captain. Ikkaku said in almost a proud way. Shuuhei gave a disgusted look to his answer and Mejii patted his arm to comfort him.

- I'd say that we all act differently but we all have the same hunger and yearning to fight.

Shuuhei raised an eyebrow at this response, he felt intrigued.

- Oh? Do you happen to have any examples?

Ikkaku thought for a moment.

- Well, I'd say me and the captain are the ones who will always throw ourselves into the battle first. Yumichika tends to mostly fight alongside me but will often wait for me to have finished my fun. Lieutenant Yachiru is like Yumichika that way, as she lets Captain have his fun. Then you have Goteitaishi and Aramaki who-

- Hmm, seems there is some diversity, what about Mejii? What is she like?

Mejii raised her eyebrow. She was interested to hear how Ikkaku perceived her, but she couldn't help but feel confused as Shuuhei had never spoken much about her fighting. She scratched her chin and gave Ikkaku a simple look.

- I've only seen Mejii in a sparring situation, so I can't tell if she would act like this in front of an enemy, however. She is scary to fight since she is very fast and seems very aware of where to strike to overpower her opponent. I'd say she is probably the type who would jump in along with me and the captain, but she tends to want to observe her opponent first if possible.

- How sweet of you Ikkaku, though I don't need to observe you first, I know how to beat you even before you've drawn your sword.

Mejii spoke with a smile on her face, head tilted to the side slightly. This made Ikkaku smile mischievously.

- I guess sparring is in order later then. Putting one hand on his zanpakuto.

- Or maybe I should. Shuuhei suddenly spoke, getting a surprised reaction from Mejii, Ikkaku, and Izuru.

- Shuuhei? Izuru cautiously spoke. Ikkaku started shaking.

- Why not fight me? Ikkaku spoke.

- I have yet to spar with Mejii. I'm interested to see how she handles herself. I know she is good; I was a supervisor to her class back at the academy after all, however, that was a very long time ago.

Shuuhei turned his attention to Mejii and smiled at her.

- You did agree to hang out with me later, I'll treat you to a meal.

Mejii didn't respond at first, puzzled by his sudden interest in sparring with her. Shuuhei has up until now been very wary of fighting her.

- Oi oi, what would Renji say if he hears you sparred and took her out for dinner?

Izuru butted in, raising an eyebrow at Shuuhei. Shuuhei in turn turned his head towards Izuru, placing his hands on his hips and simply shrugging.

- It's not up to him. I'm asking Mejii. It's fine if she doesn't want to. He turned her attention back towards her.

- No need for shikai form, I'm simply curious how strong you've gotten. I hear you're training new recruits a lot and a lot of people here have huge respect for your skills.

Mejii was still silent. Her face not giving away a single emotion. In all honesty, she was very surprised by Shuuhei's words.

- If nothing else happens with these irregularities, I'll take you up on that, I am curious though, you've been very adamant on not fighting me, why the sudden change?

Shuuhei scratched the back of his head for a while, trying to come up with a reasoning behind his request. In truth, he was very curious to see how she would stand on her own in case something happened, and he wasn't near. He knew she has been sparring with mostly only Ikkaku and Yumichika for quite some time now, but Shuuhei saw himself as easily stronger than those two idiots. Over the years he has relied on Mejii a lot, he honestly sees her as a little sister and wishes for nothing more than her safety. The urge too see her skills versus the urge to keep her from harm were starting to cause doubt in his reasoning for asking her for a battle. However, seeing as irregularities had managed to get here, who knows if they'll come back or if more will come here. For his peace of mind, seeing how she performs is necessary, as they will most likely not be fighting near each other if the moment arises. He gathered his thoughts and tried to speak his mind.

- You know I worry a lot about you. I don't doubt your skills at all but seeing as irregularities have managed to get here, I guess for my peace of mind I want to make sure you haven't gone rusty.

Now those words were indeed sparking the challenger within Mejii. Rusty? If she didn't know Shuuhei, she would have taken offense to that. Instead, she simply smiled at him.

- Alright then, I have technically finished for the day now, I'll allow you to treat me to dinner after I've beaten you.

Shuuhei smiled and they both shook hands. Izuru sighed and shook his head whilst Ikkaku was looking rather frustrated.

- This is not fair. Ikkaku spoke with a sulking tone.

- If I beat Mejii, I'll take you on. How about that?

Shuuhei spoke, he knew that Ikkaku would nag him for the remainder of the day if he did not give him the possibility of a fight. He was also hoping to be able to knock Ikkaku down a peg if he could beat Mejii. This made Ikkaku once again burst into his lucky dance and Mejii, Shuuhei and Izuru simply sighed.

Suddenly, the gate started too slowly open. The group of lieutenants and Shinigami's all tensed for a moment. A lot of them started to place their hands on their zanpakutos, except for the ranked members.

- Jidanbo was beaten? Guess they have some skill then. Mejii quietly spoke. Ikkaku was grinning from ear to ear.

- So, whatever the irregularities are, they're strong. Shuuhei remained silent with his arms crossed over his chest.

- There is still no need for us to intervene, captain Ichimaru will handle it. Izuru spoke. Shuuhei noticed how Mejii once again made a small twitch when the captains' name was mentioned.

He decided to once again make a mental note but remain silent about it for now. Instead, he, along with everybody else, decided to wait and observe.

It didn't take long for the situation to be over. Captain Ichimaru had pushed the irregularities away within a short amount of time and the situation seemed to have been dealt with. The group of Shinigami's had all scattered, Izuru had made his way over to his captain and Ikkaku, Mejii, and Shuuhei had made their way to the training grounds.

/

They were bound to cause a commotion when they arrived at the training grounds and got ready to spar. Everybody there gathered around to observe them. Shuuhei was a frequent visitor at the training grounds so a lot of them had seen him in battle and knew his strength. Mejii tended to be cooped up a lot in the 11th divisions barracks to train recruits as well as have a sparring/play session with her two friends there, so whilst they knew of her, none had seen her in battle. Ikkaku was annoyed as he watched the two of them get ready, he was listening to the others around him.

- My bet is on lieutenant Shuuhei.

- Yeah, mine too.

He was annoyed, he was itching to battle and right now, a lot of people are looking down on his friend. His friend Mejii who he knows is very strong. Eventually, he snapped.

- I wouldn't be so confident that he is going to win if I were you.

That shut them up real quick. He snapped his attention back towards Shuuhei and Mejii. His skin itching. He wanted Mejii to beat his ass to prove everybody here wrong, but he also wanted to battle Shuuhei. Such an annoying dilemma.

- Quite the crowd huh? Shuuhei casually spoke.

- Seems a lot of people wants to see you lose.

Mejii gave him a mischievous smile and Shuuhei shot one back at her.

- Haven't you heard? They all are placing bets on me though.

For a moment, he could see a spark of something wicked in her eyes which made him tense for a moment, it passed as soon as it arrived though. What was that?

- Can't wait to prove them wrong.

She turned around and walked to her spot and got into position. Shuuhei felt a sweat drop roll down his back. The feeling he had gotten just now had shook him slightly, he had never seen or felt that from her. Is this her battle persona coming out? He got ready himself and prepared for them to begin.

- Ready? Ikkaku asked. Mejii and Shuuhei drew their swords. Mejii decided that Hinoko for now will be enough. If needed she would draw her unnamed one, they weren't going to use shikai after all, though that was mainly for Shuuhei's sake, since he hates his shikai form.

- Go! Ikkaku shouted and Shuuhei immediately leaped into the air and dived straight for Mejii. She seemed unfazed and simply jumped back slightly so that he missed her and went to attack him herself once he had landed, making him quickly jump to the side. He noted that she is very fast, he barely dodged her quick attack there, but he was confused as to why she wasn't coming at him now. Was she observing him? She truly fights differently from the other members of her squad. He went to attack again, swinging his sword quickly and from multiple angles to try to make her fall to win this but she was unmovable, sturdy in her stance and in her footwork. He was admittedly impressed, though he was not surprised by this. After a barrage of attacks, he had to move away once more as she made another quick attack. Shuuhei might not know, but Mejii was testing his reflexes, would she be able to outspeed him? After the two quick attacks she threw at him, which she noticed he barely dodged. She was getting confident that she would indeed be able to do just that. She had no need to go in and simply swing away, neither did she feel a need to parry his attacks either. All she was doing is noting his skills, he is very good. He is quick on his feet and his strength is nothing to mess with. She was certain he was also making judgments about her skills as well now, hence why she tried to give him as little as possible. She could feel herself slowly wanting to attack though, which tended to happen when she feels she has gotten enough information for now. She made a plan in her head and started to smile.

Shuuhei noted her expression. What is she thinking right now?

The crowd believed at the moment that Shuuhei was going to be the victor, she hadn't been able to attack him really after all. Ikkaku, however, knew that this is how she fought. Seeing her smile, he knew what was about to go down.

- Getting tired Shuuhei? She teased, earning a grin from him.

Not a chance. He spoke and dashed towards her once again and swung his sword, however, she parried, making him lose his stance for a moment, enough time to allow her to get a kick in. He slid backwards on the ground, and it was like the whole training groun froze by the scene in front of them. That was unbelievably fast. Shuuhei was kneeling on the ground from the impact and looked up at her, shocked at what just happened. She had not moved from her spot, smiling confidently, almost wickedly at him. It was as if a new person was in front of him, he could feel her need to battle. It seems he has been worried for no reason and has been blind. He had always wondered and questioned her being in the 11th division, but this moment made him see clearly why. She was loving this. The look in her eyes made it very clear to him that she loved seeing him kneel in front of her, she exuded power. Shuuhei even felt hesitant for a moment, something he knew was detrimental in a fight. He needs to be calm and collected, He breathed in and out and slowly got back on his feet. He watched as Mejii slowly started to walk towards him, now sporting her usual smile instead. It caught him off guard, but he was even more caught off guard when she out of nowhere dashed at him. He quickly blocked her attack but found it very difficult to do so. It was as if she knew where his weaker areas were and was continuously striking at them. Then it hit him. '' I've only seen Mejii in a sparring situation, so I can't tell if she would act like this in front of an enemy, however. She is scary to fight since she is very fast and seems very aware of where to strike to overpower her opponent. I'd say she is probably the type who would jump in along with me and the captain, but she tends to want to observe her opponent first if possible. '' He shot a glance at Ikkaku, noticing how he was smiling in a cocky way at him. This idiot spelled it out for him from the beginning, he summed her fighting style up so perfectly that it shocked him.

- I'd advise you to stay focused right now. Mejii suddenly spoke with a dominant tone, catching his attention again. He knew that he was having a hard time blocking her fast and unpredictable hits and tried to jump away, however, Mejii did not allow that, rather, she jumped right after him and with a well-placed hit with her sword, she knocked him down to the ground again, dust from the ground got in his lungs and he started to cough. When he finished, he looked up and saw Mejii standing in front of him, sword pointed at his chest and a smile on her face.

- I win. The crowd was speechless, except for Ikkaku who cheered her on for winning. He jogged up to her and ruffled her hair.

- I knew you'd win, though I was kinda hoping you wouldn't so I could fight him. Mejii simply giggled in response before putting her sword away and instead put her hand in front of Shuuhei to help him up. Shuuhei smiled and breathed out a sigh before taking her hand and standing back up. He smiled at her and patted her head, trying to undo the ruffled damage to her hair that Ikkaku had inflicted.

- Seems I have a lot to work on. He simply said with a pleased smile. He was hoping that she would prove herself to him and she had not disappointed.

- You have a lot of strengths you know, you're fast and deliver heavy hits. I'd say you need to work on the areas which is harder to defend and what to do when you get parried.

It was clear that Mejii was not rusty, rather her sparring and training others had allowed her to get some impressive work in as well.

- How did you know where my weak areas were? He had to ask.

- It's easily determined by the strength of your hits, you were hitting me in the beginning from very random angles, I assume to knock me down, but it instead revealed to me that some areas were weaker. She spoke with a bit louder tone, allowing her words to be heard around them. He was impressed. She could tell that much from blocking him?

The Shinigami's around them seemed to take note of what she was saying as well. It seems Mejii couldn't help but do some teaching when she was able to.

- If you ever have the time, would you help me with that?

- I'm in the 11th division Shuuhei, I can easily make time for that. They both shared a laugh.

- Well, I'm starving now, let me treat you to a meal then.

- Gladly. Ikkaku will you be coming along?

- I'm too eager to battle myself now, I intend to have some fun here instead. And with that, Shuuhei and Mejii left, leaving Ikkaku to have some fun with the poor shinigami's remaining.

/

Renji was currently taking a break in the 6th divisions' courtyard after filling out some paperwork. He had heard the alarm go off earlier but was too busy with his work to go have a look. He sighed. He had also declined Izuru's offer earlier to hang out with him and Shuuhei, he wished to be alone, the whole situation regarding Rukia had been very hard on him and he felt unable or rather unwilling to hang out with them due to that. He was to transfer her to the senzaikyu tomorrow so he felt almost comfortable with the idea of being busy today so that his mind would not be stuck in that spiral. The soft breeze made him calm down as he was leaning against the barracks walls and he almost felt like falling asleep where he was sitting, however, he overheard a certain comment which made him perk right up.

- That battle was truly quite something right?

- Yeah, I didn't expect lieutenant Mejii and lieutenant Shuuhei to be sparring.

- I know right, I have never seen her fight before.

Renji shot up and looked over to the two guys who were coming back from the training grounds. Confusion plastered his face.

- What are you two talking about? Who did you say was battling?

The two shinigami's stopped in their tracks, surprised by Renji's sudden appearance.

- Lieutenant Mejii and Lieutenant Shuuhei were sparring at the training grounds. We were there and witnessed the battle.

- What?! Renji shouted, making the two shinigami's step back in slight fear. The other shinigami elbowed his friend and whispered ''Idiot, it's his girlfriend!''.

- Why were they sparring? He angrily asked, demanding answers.

- W-we don't know sir. One of them started

- But lieutenant Mejii won! The other finished. Renji was feeling angry and confused by all of this. What the hell happened? Why would Shuuhei spar with her?

- Of course, she won! Where did Shuuhei go? I want to ask him about this.

- We don't know, he is apparently treating her to dinner right now so-

- Idiot! The other quickly covered his friend's mouth and took a few steps back with him. Renji started to turn red. What the actual fuck! Is he trying to make some sort of move?! He has been claiming for years now to only see her as a sister because he fell for Rangiku! Renji clenched his fists; veins were throbbing, and his teeth were gritted. He was about to stomp over and have Shuuhei explain himself for his sudden actions towards his girl.

- Renji! The onmitsukido are here to talk to you about the transfer tomorrow! It was Mihane who shouted that. Renji glared back at him.

- Tell them I'm busy, I'm about to possibly murder someone. Mihane who was equally surprised and scared of his lieutenant at this very moment as the newer recruits who had delivered this information were, made the quick decision to hide slightly behind a wall as to protect himself from his lieutenant.

- With all due respect and please do not get angry with me, that won't work. Renji let out a frustrated shout and made his way angrily back inside the barracks to deal with the onmitsukido. But once he is finished, Shuuhei better be ready to draw his sword before Renji cuts his hands off.

/

After Shuuhei and Mejii had finished dinner, the sky had started to turn dark, evening was not far away and the two decided to grab some sake and share it on the porch at Mejii's and Renji's home. A lantern was lit next to them, granting a warm yellow glow as they were enjoying each other's company.

- Sorry about today though. Shuuhei apologised. He had done so already during dinner. He had felt progressively more stupid regarding challenging her because it was obvious to him that she is not weak in the slightest. Mejii simply giggled though.

- I keep telling you it's fine, I was surprised by it, admittedly, but just like my other squad members, I can't help but feel an adrenaline rush once I'm about to battle. Mejii said and poured herself and Shuuhei another cup of sake.

- I can see that now. Shuuhei spoke and took a sip.

- I did say I wanted to hangout with you earlier. I wish to have a chat.

Mejii tilted her head and waited for him to continue.

- It's regarding the evening a while back when Renji went to fetch Rukia.

- Ah, yes. Mejii spoke and took a sip.

- We were talking, before Renji came home, about the divisions and such. I noticed something back then, as well as today, that you sort of freeze up or in some way react slightly regarding some of the captains. Do you know what I'm on about? Mejii looked down at her hands, she didn't know it was obvious, she also wasn't sure how to answer the questions that Shuuhei was going to ask. She started to make circles with her hands on her hakama to keep her mind focused.

- Yes.

- I remember way back, your first time going into the living word to fight hollows, you froze that time too regarding the captain that was on standby that day. Captain Ichimaru. Mejii instinctively grabbed her hakama now which Shuuhei noticed.

- He is not the only captain though. Why do you react like this? Mejii looked back at Shuuhei, eyes darting around trying to figure out what to say.

- I… I don't know. Shuuhei leaned his head on his hand.

- To the best of your ability, can you try to explain? I'm not trying to interrogate you, and this will stay between us. I just want to make sure you're okay. Shuuhei tried to calm her down. Mejii took a deep breath in and slowly breathed out. She felt obligated to give him some sort of answer.

- I, unlike all of you, have no memory of the time before I arrived in soul society. I have tried different things to try to remember but so far, nothing has really worked. However, one thing that has always been consistent, is the gut feeling I get regarding some of the captains. I don't know why, I've not really interacted with them or anything but it's as if something in me is telling me to be aware or maybe, beware. Shuuhei listened and understood that Mejii was speaking the truth when she explained her unawareness of this feeling.

- How many captains do you react this way to?

- Three.

- Which ones? Mejii bit her lip, showing clearly that she did not want to say.

- I know captain Ichimaru is one of them. Who else?

- Captain Aizen. This surprised him, Aizen is one of the more ''normal'' captains, always kind and friendly and is the Captain to Momo who's another one of Mejiis best friends.

- Same reason there? Mejii nodded.

- Right, who is the last one? Mejii went deadly silent. Minutes passed.

- I don't want to say.

- Why? More silence.

- Mejii, I don't care who the last one is. You're very important to me and I just want to make sure you're okay. Please tell me.

- Captain Kaname. Shuuhei gasped but immediately covered his mouth. Shuuhei is very loyal to his captain who's always striving for less bloodshed and has a sense of justice. His captain and Mejiis captain are opposite of each other regarding their outlook. He wanted to know why his captain, his selfless captain, his captain which Shuuhei has placed his loyalty too, created such a reaction in her. But Shuuhei held his tongue. He swallowed all the questions he wished to ask. Mejii did not know why she felt this way, she said that she has barely interacted with them which he knows is true but it was nonetheless confusing, to both him and her, why she reacted so. For now, he would not push her, as he had told her, he would not make a big deal out of this.

- I'm sorry Shuuhei, I truly don't know why I feel this way but-. Tears were in her eyes now. She wished to not hurt his feelings, for she knew the trust he had in his captain. Shuuhei placed a gentle hand on her cheek and gave her a kind smile.

- It's okay, I'm glad you told me. Again, I just want to be there for you. I can imagine it's been hard to feel this way without telling someone but know you can lean on me. Alright? Mejii wiped her tears and tried to give him a smile.

- No more crying now, okay? Because-. That sentence was ended abruptly by a fist that crashed into the side of Shuuhei's face, making him fly off the porch, crashing into the bushes in the garden. Mejii yelped at the sudden attack and looked up only to see Renji with a red glowing aura around him. She had never seen him this angry and didn't know what to say or do besides remain seated. She looked over to Shuuhei who started to sit up whilst rubbing his newly punched cheek.

- What the hell Renji? He asked, which only added to the fiery anger which was Renji right now.

- That's my question! He shouted.

- I heard some fucking aggravating things today, you are sparring against her, taking her out for dinner and then I see you touching her cheek. You better explain yourself and your actions now before I start tearing you apart. Shuuhei knew that Renji might react this way. He appeared tired and annoyed when he and Izuru had gone to see him earlier today, most likely due to the situation regarding Rukia. The events today probably pushed him too far. He knew he had to explain to Renji.

- Could you calm down first? He simply asked, which aggravated Renji more.

- I'm being as calm as I can right now, aggravate me more, and see what happens. Message received.

- After me and Izuru had met up with you we were taking a stroll when the alarm went off today. We decided to be on standby just in case. Mejii and Ikkaku showed up shortly after. After a while, I asked her if she'd be willing to spar with me-

- Why?

- Because I was worried about her. Irregularities had made their way here and they beat Jidanbo. Mejii has for a long time mostly only fought with Ikkaku and Yumichika besides training recruits, I wanted to make sure that in case something happened she could handle herself if me or you were not close by. Mejii agreed to this, and we also agreed on me treating her to dinner afterward, if she won.

- Why?

- Why? Because I wanted to. I've treated you and others before as well. There is no ulterior motive to that. Renji started to calm down slightly.

- Why were you holding her cheek now then, to me it looks more like you are hitting on her. Shuuhei sighed and dared to chuckle slightly, which earned him a stern look from Renji.

- Trust me, I see what you mean. But I'm only interested in Rangiku. I stand firm on my relationship towards Mejii. We were talking and she needed to be comforted.

- Oh yeah? And what were you talking about? Shuuhei shot Mejii a quick glance, she looked uncomfortable, surely if she was going to tell him, it wouldn't be when he is acting like this. Shuuhei looked back at Renji before he closed his eyes.

- I can't say.

- And why is that? Renji growled.

- I promised Mejii it would stay between me and her. Renji had gotten an explanation, but he wasn't fully satisfied. He had to keep his anger for so long due to meetings and incompetent subordinates who can't fill out paperwork properly that he could not just let this anger go fully. What did Mejii tell him?! Shuuhei got back on his feet and started to dust off his hakama.

- Renji, I have not and will not make a move on her, I don't see her that way at all anymore.

- But why am I being kept in the dark?! He shouted. Shuuhei furrowed his brows, he needed to make this sentence clear.

- I'm assuming it's regarding our conversation. Let me be clear, Mejii may tell you if she wants, I have promised not to though. Do not push her to talk though, or I'll be the one coming after you next time Renji.

- Are you threatening me?

- No, I'm making you a promise. The tension lingered for a moment, the two men staring each other down.

- Alright, that's enough. With a clap of her hands, it was as if the tension evaporated, and the attention was placed on her.

- Renji, we were simply hanging out, nothing more then that. Shuuhei, not a good time to challenge him right now, I don't want you guys fighting. Silence hung in the air, Renji and Shuuhei looked away uncomfortably.

- We'll talk about it later Renji, for now though, let's calm down and enjoy some sake instead.

She felt desperate to end their dispute for it seemed like a fight would break out. She gestured for them to sit back down and the boys obediently complied. Once seated, she filled the cups back up and handed hers to Renji, sake tended to relax him so she was being a bit cheeky to hand him a drink. Renji immediately finished the cup and placed the cup down. Shuuhei took a slow sip on his, allowing all of the irritation that had started to form in him from earlier die down as well.

With enough sake in their systems, it hadn't taken long for the guys to move on and be best buddies again, fascinating how powerful sake is. After being able to banter again and had been doing so for a while, Shuuhei had to leave, it was late and he had work tomorrow.

Once gone, Mejii and Renji remained on the porch, sitting across each other, slowly finishing the remaining sake. Renji now had her to himself and although Shuuhei had explained earlier, he wanted to hear from Mejii as well about today.

- I can tell you want to talk. Mejii suddenly spoke. Renji looked at her, her green eyes were focused on him, waiting for him to start. She knows him too well. Renji leaned back slightly, placing his forearm on his leg.

- I guess I just want to hear your thoughts regarding today. Mejii nodded, already knowing he would ask her this and she felt it would be impolite of her to not deliver.

- Shuuhei explained his reasonings earlier. Mine are not much different. He asked me to face him, and I wanted to. I'd say that whilst he wanted to make sure I could stand on my own, I simply wanted to beat him. There really is nothing more to it then that. How did you hear about it?

- A couple of new recruits talked about it when I was on break. I got mad about it because, well, I was worried that he was trying to hit on you like back in the day. Mejii made a soft giggle to which Renji raised an eyebrow.

- What? Is that weird?

- No, but trust me, He is only interested romantically in Rangiku. Besides, the only one I want is you.

She looked straight at him and smiled. Renji couldn't help but to blush and turned his head to the side. Even after so many years, he would still blush at things she said or did, which she found endearing. She crawled over to him and made herself comfortable on his lap, facing him. Renji turned his head back to her and immediately placed strong but gentle hands on her back, heat started to build up within the two of them, the alcohol plus being so close to the one they loved alone, was creating an intoxicating atmosphere and it didn't take long before they were locked in a steamy kiss. One that quickly turned into Mejii being pinned to the floor with Renji on top, hungry for more, and she would not deny him. Although taking her there and then was an enticing thought, he preferred for both of them to be comfortable, he picked her up, swung her on his shoulder, and made his way into the bedroom where he gently laid her down and got back into the position they were in on the porch. Mejii awarded him with a happy and satisfied moan at his actions, loving the fact that she seemed weightless to him. He smiled as he continued the foreplay by slowly exposing her bare skin, trailing kisses and playful bites along her body. Shivering from delight and pleasure, Mejii was increasingly getting wetter by his actions, and the need to have him was getting stronger by the second. Renji had worked his way down to her thighs when Mejii expressed her need for him. With a devilish smirk, who was he to deny his queen that which she desired? He moved back to kiss her, allowing her to now undress him. She went to work right away. Her hands taking their time to admire his well built form, and it didn't take long before he was as exposed as her. Getting comfortable between her legs he slowly but surely entered her, earning pleased gasps and moans from his actions. The movement started slow, to ease her body into it but once she had been stretched to his size, he wasted no time to up the tempo. Panting, moans, and the scent of sex were filling the air around them as they changed positions, kissed, touched, and held on to each other. Words were uttered and nails were digging into the others' back as they attempted to please each other as much as possible. Eventually, it ended, and the two of them were laying in each other's arms, enjoying the after-sex cuddles. Renji planted kisses on top of her head and Mejii was making gentle circles on his chest. Though he felt rejuvenated, one thing still lingered on his mind. What had Mejii told Shuuhei earlier? He wanted to ask. He placed a gentle hand on the one she had on his chest and gave it a little squeeze. He looked down at her and was about to ask the question, but he stopped himself. She seemed to be drifting to sleep, a calm and tired expression on her face. Renji decided to leave it for tonight and would instead enjoy the peaceful moment they shared before he too succumbed to slumber.