Hey-oh!
FINALLY an update! Last quarter of school was ridiculous! So I managed to squeeze this in today. I know it's insanely short...it's meant as an interlude of sorts. WARNING: I know the general outline of what I want to happen with this story. Some of the events may make some people mad and for that I apologize. But a story isn't a story without some sort of twist. It can't be all unicorns and rainbows (as much as I'd like!) all the time. You can't truly appreciate a couple's love unless it's had to endure some hardships along the way. That being said, it's time for our lovers to deal with some things other than raging hormones!
I hope to update this again in June. Seriously, though, don't panic if I don't. My P4 rotations start July 1st and I will be intensely busy once that time comes.
No explanations or warnings needed for this chapter, I believe. Enjoy!
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There was a definite spring in his step as he crossed the open fields to his home. He was taking the long way on purpose, enjoying the slight chill the night air had taken on. Tilting his head back, the tall Shinigami let the moonlight wash over his face, looking at the brilliant stars above. For the first time in as long as he could remember, he felt content. Better than content - he was happy beyond anything he could have ever imagined. He couldn't stop the grin that broke across his face as he thought of her. Her dark hair that was always endearingly falling across her face. The grace and elegance with which her every move was infused. Intense violet eyes, alive sometimes with mischief and other times with thoughtfulness but always with a deep sincerity. Her lips, swollen after their painfully short tryst.

His thoughts wandered then, going back to the events of the evening. Everything had been perfect. More than perfect. Her soft lips had set his body on fire; the feel of her skin against his had driven him beyond his senses. Never in all his life had he felt such passion...such intensity. There were no words adequate enough to describe it. He was hooked, pure and simple. And he didn't want it any other way.

The last several months had been difficult, excruciating even. He knew she'd been avoiding him and it had been like a knife to his heart. At the time he hadn't understood it; he wasn't sure he fully understood it even now. However, it no longer mattered; she'd found her resolve. Nothing would keep them apart now.

He knew he would have to make a decision soon regarding his newfound bankai. His hesitance stemmed from the knowledge that, once he revealed his secret, he would undoubtedly face pressure to take on the title of Taicho. After all, the third, fifth, and ninth divisions remained leaderless. It would be his duty to step up and take command of one of the three divisions. Although it would be an honor, he didn't know if it was a responsibility he was ready to accept. Not only that, but it would take him away from the 13th division. Which would mean he'd be taken away from her. His stomach twisted at the thought of being separated from her. Although he knew she was fully capable of protecting herself, he liked being by her side in battle nonetheless.

Sighing deeply, he lifted his head and was surprised to see that he'd arrived at his house already. There was a light on inside and soft tendrils of smoke curled gently out of the chimney. He was sure he'd left the house dark with no fire going. Through the thin, gauzy curtains covering the window he thought he could just make out the silhouette of a person moving about within. The hairs on the back of his neck and arms rose as a cold wind gusted across the yard ominously.

He made his way slowly up the path that led to the porch. Cautiously, he walked up the three steps and stood silently in front of the door, his hand resting on Nejibana's hilt. Steeling himself for whatever was waiting inside, he drew his zanpakuto and held it ready at his side. Before he could even reach out, the door swung open. Instantly, he was overcome with the smell of sweet tea and a hint of lavender. Nejibana clattered nosily to the ground beside him as the tall Shinigami fell to his knees.
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She'd barely slept all night. Her stomach was alive with a thousand butterflies and her mind wouldn't stop racing. All she could think about was him. Now that she'd finally acknowledged and fully embraced her feelings, she felt as if her heart might burst. It was all so overwhelming; she'd never felt anything like this before. Their separation while she'd been avoiding him in the past months had been difficult but now his absence from her was truly painful. She wanted nothing more than to be in his embrace, to feel his lips on her skin, his hands exploring her body.

Her heart fluttered again at the memory of their time together just hours before. He'd invited her over to his home for lunch and her cheeks burned at the thought of being alone with him, truly alone, for the first time. Finally, they would not have to worry about the constant interruptions. She quickened her pace, glad none of her friends were around to feel the wanton undertone with which her reiatsu had undoubtedly become infused.

As she approached the Shiba manor she noticed a barely perceptible change in the air; it was something she couldn't quite put her finger on. Standing at the foot of the path, she took a deep breath and let it out slowly, calming her nerves. The house was beautiful: soft lights glowed inside and smoke billowed gently from the chimney. She could hear the quiet sound of china clinking inside and smiled at the image of her tall, handsome Shinigami carefully setting out tea-cups and saucers for her. The smell of miso soup reached her and made her stomach growl. She took another deep breath and headed up the path towards the house.

She stood in front of the door for a moment before knocking, trying to slow her racing heart. In that moment, she thought she heard voices inside. At the same time, the scent of lavender washed over her and she froze. It can't be! It's not possible! Trembling slightly, she reached out and knocked lightly. The voices instantly quieted. She could hear the sound of soft footsteps coming closer. There was a short pause and then the door slowly opened inwards. Her violet eyes widened and her heart dropped. Facing her was not the handsome Shinigami she had expected but rather a woman. A beautiful woman with elegant features, dark hair, and violet eyes to rival her own. A woman she thought she'd never see again. A woman that now sent her soul into turmoil.

"Miyako-san..."