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"! Also, sorry about all my late postings...

Senbonzakura

Chapter Eighteen: Between Us

Hisana's P.O.V.

Hisana was back in her room, packing the very few possessions in her bag: her gypsy clothes and jewelry, a sack of money, few green apples and a light green scarf. She brought it closed to her face and inhaled. She had done it; she had outsmarted Aizen-taicho.

"Don't get too excited," Takuaji materialized beside her wardrobe. "Only steps one and two of Operation: Eliminate Suitor Aizen have been completed."

"I was unaware that it had a name," said Hisana. She just had to ruin the moment.

"As I was saying, steps one and two are done; you have transferred out of the 5th Division and have become a prominent lieutenant. Your situation has improved greatly, but don't think this will be the last of Aizen."

"I still can't believe it," whispered Hisana. "Takuaji, I been looking for my sister since three days after I abandoned her. And only now do I feel I can finally give her the life she deserves. I am finally strong enough. She's out there, I can't pinpoint her location, but I know by her reiatsu that she's alive. I just have to find her."

Takuaji rested his hand on Hisana's shoulder. "You have always had inner strength, Hisana. A lesser person would have died in that terrible town. But you pulled through, and were doing okay even before Byakuya brought you here. It would have done no good if you and your sister had both perished."

Hisana sighed. "You always know what to say."

Takuaji vanished as someone's hand knocked on her door.

"I know, fukutaicho, you're both respecting my privacy by knocking, but asserting your authority as my…" Gin stepped inside.

"I ain't yer superior anymore," he said. A small grin played on his lips. Hisana looked at him with a soften expression. The conversation between Aizen and Gin proved to Hisana that Gin was aware of what Aizen's true nature and that Gin was his confidant, probably on things she didn't want to know. But it also proved that Gin did not know about Aizen's plans that specifically concerned her. She felt guilty for tarring him with the same brush as Aizen.

"So, ya gonna stop by and visit us in the ol' 5th?" asked Gin. Hisana looked at him sadly. She walked up to him and placed a hand on his cheek.

"Gin, you were a great lieutenant to me. You will always hold the place in my heart that is more formal than a big brother, but less former than a superior. As much as I don't like it, I think it'd be best if we didn't speak to one another if all I'm going to hear is Aizen's words coming out of your mouth."

She felt bad for severing all friendship, but he was just too close to Aizen. She wished she could do something for him. Then an idea popped into her head. She grabbed a file on her bed side table and started to write.

"Wha'cha doin'?" he asked.

"I'm writing a recommendation for Matsumoto Rangiku to take my place as the 4th seat," said Hisana. Once she had finished she tucked the file under her arm and started to head out the door. But before she could leave, Gin had grabbed her by the wrist.

"Hisana-san," he said quietly.

"Yes?"

Gin opened his eyes, "Thank you," his voice had dropped the accent. Hisana smiled and walked out the door.

She made her way to Aizen's office to hand in her final paperwork. "Please let it be empty, please let it be empty…"

She didn't have Lady Luck with her this evening. Aizen-taicho was sitting at his desk.

"I've come to bring my paperwork, Aizen-taicho. He looked up and smiled at her. Hisana wanted him to be furious, to yell at her, anything other than this calm state of tranquility.

He stood up. "I wanted to personally congratulate you on your promotion, Hisana."

"You're too kind, Aizen-taicho," said Hisana.

"Now, now, I'm not your commanding officer anymore. You may call me Sōsuke."

"Oh, I couldn't," insisted Hisana. "To refer to a captain so familiarly would be entirely inappropriate."

Aizen had placed a hand on Hisana's shoulder. "I would like you to say my name, Hisana."

"Aizen-tai…" he gave her shoulder a squeeze. "S-Sōsuke," Hisana finally said.

"There, that wasn't so hard," he said. "In fact, I was thinking that tonight, we might go celebrate your promotion together."

Hisana's blood went cold. "What?"

"Would you like to watch the sunset on the roof with me?" Aizen asked giving a smile that would have made a lesser woman weak at the knees.

"I'm terribly sorry, Aizen-taicho, but Kuchiki-taicho is expecting me. What kind of impression would I make on my new taicho by arriving tardy on the very first day?"

Hisana lied smoothly.

Aizen sighed, "I suppose you're right." He leaned in closer. "But I hope I will be seeing you soon, Hisana…"

The door was opened and Ichimaru Gin came strolling in.

"Evenin'," he waved at Aizen and Hisana. Hisana bowed to both of them and head for the sliding door. "Oh, and Aizen-taicho…"

"Yes, Hisana?" said Aizen.

"While you're on that roof, could you do me a favor?" Hisana asked.

Aizen raised an eyebrow. "And what would that be?"

"Jump off," Hisana said, allowing all the venom in her soul to drip from those two words before slamming the door.

Hisana ran all the way to the 6th Division. She let out a sigh of relief. As she was about to opened the office door, Byakuya opened it from the inside.

"Kuchiki-taicho!" she gave a low bow. "Forgive me for coming at this time of day but…"

"Hisana, relax," he said. "I was just surprised, that's all. I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow."

"Well, some complications arose in the 5th Division, and I was wondering if you might be able to show me to my new room."

Byakuya regarded her. "It's not entirely prepared…"

"Oh. Well, that's okay, Kuchiki-taicho, I'm sure I can crash with Rangiku. And if not that, I slept on roofs for three years; I think I could do it one more night…"

"Certainly not," said Byakuya. "You are more than welcome to stay at one of the guest rooms in my home." Hisana looked up at him and smirked as an evil idea popped in her head.

"Guest room?" Hisana repeated, taking out his light scarf from her bag. She draped it over his shoulders. "That's kind of ironic, Kuchiki-taicho, coming from you."

Byakuya's P.O.V.

Byakuya shut his eyes tightly. Why was she bringing that up now?

"Kuchiki-taicho?" She looked at him with those seemingly innocent eyes. She put her hands on his neck and brought herself closer to him.

"I trust we'll be able to work compatibly together while I'm you lieutenant, Kuchiki-taicho," said Hisana sensually. She took a strand of his hair and twirled it with her index finger.

"Because I wouldn't want there to be any awkwardness between us," she continued in mock sincere voice. Her lips were now brushing against his as she spoke. Byakuya clenched his fists in an attempt to not touch her.

"Because at some point…" she leaned over and caught his earlobe between her teeth. "I'd like to continue where we left off."

Byakuya's eyes widened. She still wanted…after all these years. It wasn't just him.

Byakuya knew he would have to leave soon if Hisana's virtue were to remain unscathed through the night.

"If you'll wait here Sayuri-fukutaicho, I will see that the lieutenant's room is prepared in half an hour," Byakuya said in his most captain-like voice.

"Of course, Taicho, I'll wait," said Hisana. She walked over and sat on a nearby desk. "I must follow my captain's orders."

Byakuya walked purposefully to the door. "Oh and Kuchiki-taicho…"

Byakuya turned to look at Hisana.

"You have absolutely no idea what orders I would take from you," she whispered.

And Byakuya went stiff. Everywhere.

Hisana's P.O.V.

Hisana saw Byakuya disappear in a whirl of shunpo. She sniggered inwardly at her new way of teasing him without calling him by his beloved pet name.

As Byakuya had said, about 30 minutes later 3rd seat Susumu came to show her the bedroom she would be staying in.

"Here are your quarters, Fukutaicho," said Susumu, coming to a stop at a screen door decorated with a swan.

"Thank you, Susumu, I'll see you tomorrow," said Hisana.

Susumu bowed deeply. "Goodnight, Sayuri-fukutaicho," and then he departed.

Hisana slid the door closed behind her and took a good look at her room. It made her room in the 5th Division look like a broom cupboard. Her new quarters consisted of a bedroom, a sitting room, bathroom and a small dining room. The theme was red and gold.

There was a painting above the dining table of a vase of Camellias, the flower that symbolized the 6th Division.

Her bed was larger than a queen size and was covered in pillows. Hisana ran and jumped onto it, sending the pillows in question flying everywhere. She kicked her feet in happiness and suppressed a squeal. She then noticed a small note in familiar hand-writing.

You're not the only one who can follow orders.

Author's Note: You are now entering Hisana and Byakuya Fluff Land.