AN: This is another chapter I have a soft spot for. Thank you for the reviews – I'm glad I'm giving people something to look forward to! I love Ukitake too, but I think this will probably be the only Bleach story I'll write, unless something strikes me (Arrancar stuff). The only other comment on reviews is that I take constructive criticism, but not really suggestions for chapters. I've written all but a couple of chapters and I'm happy with them. I hope other people will be happy with them too. And I can't imagine Byakuya being the jealous type (thinks)… no, even if he was jealous, you probably wouldn't let anyone know. Anyway, let's get on with the show – chapter thirteen, theme twenty-three. Enjoy!

23. Candy

"You see," Hisana explained, "the trick is the timing. Too early and you may just run out before you can make your escape. Too late and you've already been convinced to dress up as the ugly stepsister and put on the closest alternative to lipstick, or run around for two hours with a child and their dog on your back."

Byakuya listened with interest. Since becoming his wife, she had taken to buying candy for children in Rukongai while she searched for her sister. It apparently served as a distraction while she searched. He had been intrigued by her quest, though she would never permit him to help. She firmly told him she knew Rukongai better than he could ever hope and it was her responsibility.

"I see," he said, "May I see this in effect?"

Hisana examined his expression for a minute before replying.

"And you won't intervene when I leave to carry on looking, will you?" He saw her steely resolve and slightly bowed his head.

"I swear on the house of Kuchiki that I shall not interfere with your search."

She nodded with a smile.

"Deal."

He had never seen so many children at one time. It was a little overwhelming. Little rabbles of them were all over the place, chatting, playing, screaming, laughing…

"Hisana, are you sure these tactics of yours will work on such a large group?" he asked, a little apprehensive. Hisana gave him a bright smile, handing him candy before strolling forward confidently.

"It's the Hisana lady!" one of the kids yelled, pointing. Immediately a crowd began to form and Hisana grinned. She loved how lively they all were. They were a welcome contrast to the quiet stillness of Seireitei.

She had a sharp eye and saw a nearby child open his mouth for a request. Lightning quick, she drew some candy out of a sleeve and popped it into the boy's mouth. Distracted, he fell back and Hisana glanced at Byakuya.

'It's easy!' she mouthed to him and he took a step forward.

Concealed candy: check. Quick reflexes: check. The ability to deal with children: yet to be confirmed.

He saw the kids eye him and begin to cautiously approach. His expressionless face probably didn't help.

"Remember the trick is to lure them in and then send them on their way. Then both parties are happy. You'll never get rid of candy with a scowl," he recalled her saying as they walked out of Seireitei to Rukongai.

As the children cautiously approached, he smiled. Hisana gave him an encouraging nod before returning to her own gaggle of children. The children near him began gathering around.

"Mister-" one began, but he reacted fast and shoved some candy in the girl's direction. The children's excitement grew when he revealed the candy and crowded closer.

Hisana had satisfied her horde of children and left them to check on Byakuya. The look of growing panic on his face was something she'd never forget, or let him forget. Her mouth dropped open when, in an act of desperation, he threw the candy away from him. As Byakuya had hoped, the children ran after it, leaving him to consider his actions.

"… That was a little extreme, wasn't it?" Hisana teased.

Byakuya shook his head and went to move on. Hisana joined him, but was unable to hide her grin.

"I panicked. Happy?" he said, glancing at her. She shook her head and linked arms with him.

"Byakuya, that was priceless. With practice, you'll make a good candy giver. I'm certain," she assured him, giving him a quick kiss.

She pulled back, looking curiously confused.

"Did you eat some of the candy?"

He said nothing, his face becoming even more pokerfaced than usual, and Hisana laughed uncontrollably.

'Every adult has a child within. Even him,' she reminded herself.