Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.
As she agreed, Rukia occasionally took a break from training to visit Captain Ukitake. She found conversations with him to be more interesting than the she initially thought. Being one of the first captains of the 13 Gotei, the stories he told of his days in the academy and leading up to his promotion to captain were far more unique than any other. She was about to learn more history about the Seireitei than they taught in class.
Amidst sitting and conversing with the captain, they were interrupted by the appearance of his lieutenant. Though she'd visited the thirteenth division a few times now, she'd never talked with any of the other soul reapers aside from Ukitake. The two of them would always go to a quiet area alone and have tea, away from the bustle of the division.
"Ahh...Kaien, come join us for a cup of tea. Rukia, this is my lieutenant, Kaien Shiba."
The lieutenant approached Ukitake. "Captain, there are a few urgent documents that need your signature."
"I see. It seems I've been neglecting my duties for a bit. I'd best get that done."
Setting her cup down, Rukia stood to leave. "I shall take my leave, then."
Standing, Ukitake signaled her to remain seated. "Feel free to stay longer and finish your tea. Kaien, why don't you join Rukia?" Before they could respond, he disappeared around the corner.
"Well, I could use a break, so I'll join you." Sighing, Kaien sat where Ukitake had been seated and poured himself a cup tea.
"So you're the academy kid the captain has taken a liking to."
She silently nodded, feeling a bit awkward talking to him. Aside from Ukitake, she'd never conversed with another soul reaper in a friendly manner. Even at the academy, the soul reapers there only talked to her when necessary, such as for instructional purposes. Because of her friendship with Byakuya, many envied her or thought she possessed ulterior motives. As if she was sucking up to the noble heir to attain a place as a seated officer and such after, or even before, her graduation. Therefore, just as the students, they used childish methods of ignoring her or giving her unfriendly looks. Despite all this, she harbored no ideas of breaking her friendship with Byakuya. After all, he is her first and only friend. The happiness she felt with him overpowered the malice directed at her. She was used to being alone; therefore, having at least one person to cherish was more than enough for her to be content.
Kaien observed Rukia through the silence. He could understand her stiffness from what he'd heard around the academy, not that he was prone to believing rumors. But the accusations were understandable. She was the first person to ever befriend the Kuchiki heir, whom most thought to be a strict and untouchable boy. Not only was she a commoner, she was from one of the lowest districts of Rukongai. Yet here she was now.
However, he'd also discovered additional interesting info about her. He'd been curious to know what to of person she was when Ukitake mentioned having an interest in her. From some of the less judgmental instructors at the academy, he'd been told praises of her abilities. Not only was she skilled in kidou, she'd already achieved calling her zanpakuto only in her second year. Whether the rumors about her were true or not, you didn't achieve those types of skills through sucking up to a noble. She'd obviously worked hard to be where she is, despite what anyone else said. He'd seen proof of it when he caught her training so vigorously in the clearing a short distance from the barracks. That alone earned her his favor. From what he saw, he liked her and thought her befitting to be a future soul reaper. Even if his observations were wrong, he trusted his captain's judgment.
"No need to be so stiff, Rukia. I'm not the type to judge. I think it's good that the brat has a friend." When she didn't move, he stood. "I know. How about we do some training? The captain says you usually train around this time. Follow me." Before she could refuse, he flash-stepped away from the barracks and headed towards the clearing.
Panting with large gulps of breath, Rukia stood in a defensive stance with her sword held in front of her. Both her legs and arms felt incredibly weak at the moment, as if they were about to give out from the extensive strain. Despite her wishes to take a rest, the man in front of her refused to allow it until she collapsed. Unlike her, he didn't seem the least bit tired. From the normality of his breathing, it'd never seem like the two of them had been clashing swords for several hours without rest.
Despite the torturous aches, she was enjoying her training with Kaien. She'd been hesitant and awkward at first, but after the first hour, she'd loosened up to him. Soon enough, she found herself liking his company just as much as Captain Ukitake's. They were both kind people and didn't seem to hold any suspicions towards her. Training with Kaien seemed to be nearly as similar as her training with Byakuya. Both were far more skilled than her and didn't bother to hide that fact. Instead of finding it annoying, it gave her the goal to become just as strong. But unlike Byakuya, Kaien was prone to making jokes and teasing her about her weaknesses while Byakuya was more straight-forward in a serious manner. She was very much aware that there was much to be desired with her swordsmanship, despite her adeptness with flash step and talent with kidou.
Glancing at the setting sun, Kaien sheathed his sword. "That's enough for today. How about we continue this tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow?" He was willing to train with her again. Why would a lieutenant be bothered to waste his time with the likes of her?
"Yeah. You didn't think I'd let you off the hook with those weak abilities, did you?" He ruffled her hair. "Same time, alright?"
A bit surprised, all she could do was give a short nod. "Hai."
After that, aside from at night, Rukia was hardly ever alone. Whenever she wasn't at the academy, she could either be found at the thirteenth division barracks or the Kuchiki training grounds. Even when Ukitake was busy, Kaien made it his business to keep her occupied with training till the point where it hurt to return to her rooms. They both didn't seem to mind that she was spending more and more time there. The loneliness she'd felt before meeting Byakuya seemed like a distant memory as each passing day went by. Before she knew it, she was in her final year at the academy with graduation day approaching.
A/N: Whew…there's the latest chapter for you. I was going to include the beloved Byakuya in this one, but I decided to wait till the next chapter. I'm sorry that it be taking so long to put out each chapter, but I tend experience a bit of writer's block due to having other things occupying my mind. I'll so now, that this is sort-of an AU story if you didn't already know. There are still many chapters to go, so I'll try and get them out faster.
Sorry, if there are grammar problems. I didn't feel like reading over it to check. Please excuse my laziness.
