Skeleneko's Note: This isn't my story. I have permission from Twilight Countess (Amy) to repost this. If you like this story be sure to look out for her book "Eris"!
Senbonzakura
Chapter Fifteen: Stray Dog
Byakuya's P.O.V.
Byakuya sat at his desk, the brush in his hand moving flawlessly.
"Kuchiki-taicho?"
A man with shaggy brown hair stood before him.
"What is it, 3rd seat Susumu?" asked Byakuya, not looking at him, the brush still flowing perfectly along the paper beneath it.
"I've computed a list of the Shinigami that have applied for the position of the 6th Squad lieutenant, sir," Susumu said.
"Very well," said Byakuya, taking the paper and placing it in one of the drawers of his desk.
"Aren't you going to look at it, Taicho?" asked Susumu. "Surely you would like to know about the applicants' backgrounds."
"It is irrelevant," said Byakuya. "I am going to see them all this afternoon…"
Hisana's P.O.V.
Usually, when someone is nervous for an examination, time seems to speed up, and the exam is right in front of them before the person feels ready. For Hisana, however, it was the opposite.
Time couldn't have gone slower. She had started to avoid Aizen-taicho and Gin at all costs. She'd retire to the most remote places in the Seireitei and bring paperwork with her so she could claim that she wasn't slacking off. She'd also go to the outskirts of Soul Society and practice with Takuaji, where no one could see her.
Hisana sat on a roof in the Eleventh Division, holding someone's request to join the 3rd Squad in her hand with a brush tucked behind her ear. True, the Eleventh Squad wasn't probably the safest place to be, but it was 6 divisions away from the 5th.
As she read the Shinigami's explanation for why he wanted to move, her mind drifted to Aizen. For the six months that Hisana had been in his squad, he had maintained a strict, superior-subordinate relationship with her. Hisana shivered at the thought if she hadn't discovered the secret passage in the library.
"Would I have actually fallen for him?" Hisana wondered. She wanted to flat out deny it.
But Hisana knew that she could have. Aizen had a mask, just like Gin. His usually soft voice was filled with such disrespect and contempt when he referred to her abilities. He could have easily fooled her.
"Don't dwell on such things," Takuaji scolded. "Focus on the task at hand."
Hisana returned to reading the paperwork.
"Not that, you idiot! The test is today."
"Don't remind me," Hisana said. Suddenly, Hisana began to tremble.
"Takuaji, what if I perform poorly? What if I disgrace myself and Byakuya doesn't take interest…"
"Shhh," said Takuaji soothingly. "You will be glorious."
Hisana started to calm down. "I should get ready."
"You should."
Hisana stood up.
"Ken-chan, look!" Hisana stared in horror at the intimidating figure of the 11th squad captain, just a foot right behind her.
"You ain't in my division," the man stated in his raspy voice.
"N-N-No, I'm not, Zaraki-taicho," stuttered Hisana.
"Who are you, then?" he demanded.
"S-Sayuri Hisana, 4th seat of the 5th Division, sir."
"One of Aizen's, eh?" he said gruffly. Hisana nodded. "Whatcha doing here?"
"I-I had to get out of that stuffy office," said Hisana, showing her paperwork to Kenpachi.
"See, Ken-chan!" a considerably smaller figure with pink hair appeared besides Kenpachi's head. "I told you that the office had such a depressing aura, maybe a few flowers…"
Flowers and the 11th squad, Hisana couldn't see that ever happening.
"Che, whatever," said Kenpachi, grabbing Hisana by the scruff of her robes.
"Either way, Aizen should learn how to pick up after himself."
He shunpoed until he was at the entrance of the 5th Division. Many people stared as Zaraki-taicho passed, carrying their 4th seat by the neck. Hisana shut her eyes tightly.
This was so humiliating…
"Yo, Ichimaru, is this one of yours?" Hisana opened her eyes and saw that Kenpachi had stopped right in front of Gin.
Gin smiled. "Why, yes, that is one of mine."
Hisana was dropped and she landed not so gracefully on the ground.
"Make sure your dog has a collar if she's gonna run off," said Kenpachi before shunpoing away. Hisana got off the floor and wiped imaginary dust of her clothes.
"This makes my job easier," said Gin. "Aizen-taicho wants ta talk ta ya."
Hisana head snapped up. "Why?"
"Dunno," said Gin. Hisana's eyes narrowed.
"I can tell when you lie, fukutaicho, your grin widens."
His grin got smaller and he walked away, beckoning her to come. Begrudgingly, Hisana followed. When they reached Aizen's office, Hisana gulped. Something told her that the calm before the storm ended here.
Gin left her without another word. She raised her hand to the door, but before she could even knock…
"Come in, Sayuri," Aizen called. Hisana stepped inside with a feeling of dread.
"Stay cool," Hisana thought to herself. "Be poised and dignified."
"You wanted to see me, Aizen-taicho?" asked Hisana.
"Yes, Sayuri, very much," he said. "Please have a seat."
Hisana sat on the cushion behind his desk. His back was still to her.
"Have I displeased you, Aizen-taicho?" asked Hisana, hoping he'd catch the slight hesitance she put in her voice.
"No, Sayuri," He turned to face her. "Certainly not." His eyes flickered down her body before meeting her eyes again. "It's just come to my attention that I seem to know very little about you."
Hisana shifted on the cushion. "I assure you, Aizen-taicho, there isn't much to tell."
Aizen was now kneeling in front of Hisana's sitting form.
"Now, I sure that's not true, Sayuri," he said. "What kind of captain would I be if I didn't inquire about the person behind the warrior? I am under the impression that you did not attend the Shinigami academy."
"You are correct, I didn't," said Hisana. "I was trained personally by Ukitake-taicho."
"I see," said Aizen. "And how did that come to be?"
A sweat drop went down Hisana neck. "Well, sir, I was from Rukongai. By accident, I met one of Ukitake-taicho's subordinates. They realized my spiritual power, and brought me to the Seireitei."
"Really?" said Aizen, pretending to sound interested. "And who was this savior of yours?"
"That's neither here, nor there," said Hisana in the most polite of voice she could muster. "We've drifted apart."
"See, Sayuri," said Aizen. He raised his hand toward her and stroked her black hair. "I know you so much better now."
Hisana closed her eyes, "I am stone, I am water, nothing can penetrate me…"
Aizen clutched Hisana's chin in his hand and made her look him in the eye. "And I hope I can get to know you even more, Hisana."
And with that, Aizen rose to his feet and left his office. Hisana stayed there for a long time before leaving the office herself. She returned to her room to prepare for her contest for the 6th lieutenant.
"So, how'd it go?" Hisana saw Gin leaning against the door frame.
"Ask me no questions and I can tell you no lies," said Hisana for the second time in her life.
Gin's smile was nonexistent now. "I think ya've been hangin' out wit' me too much, Hisana-san."
Hisana gave him a hard look, not bothering to hide her displeasure. "Don't worry, Ichimaru-fukutaicho, that problem might be resolved this very afternoon." She walked passed him and headed for the 6th Division without another word.
Author'sNote: Don't worry, lots of Byakuya and Hisana fluff next chapter. Review, please!