Title: Kyrie Eleison

Chapter: It's that time now...

Disclaimer: I do not own bleach nor do I claim to. Actually, I said long ago that bleach governs over me, lol

Listening to:

Quote of the day:

(More like song)

It's the most wonderful time of the month~!

When there's bleeding and cramping

The pad's we'll be sharing

While it hurts so muuuuuch!

It's the most wonderful time of the month~!

-Song Usagi-chan and I made up during gym b/c…well…yeah

"Ne, strawberry!" called out a happy brunette of a shinigami as she ran over to the orange headed ex-ryoka. Upon hearing his annoying nickname that she had given him he scowled deeply and, as the momentum brought her over to him, poked her forehead hard.

"Oi, how many times do I have to tell you squirt? It's not strawberry!" he growled. Of course it was all fun and games though. He hadn't seen her in a while either and it wasn't surprising with this whole 'invasion of soul society'. Right now, they were all at Soukyoku Hill, where the gate would soon open for the human world. His gaze then turned to the red-head walked behind her as Ichigo raised a brow. "Got a new boyfriend?"

A flush of red spread across her cheeks and she began waving her hands in front of her. "R-Ryuuji-kun isn't my boyfriend! He's just...! Gah, that's not the point! I never had a boyfriend!"

"Oh?" he teased while smirking, "Who was that short midget I saw with you before? You two seemed awfully close. What happened?"

Even the slightest mention of that 'midget' caused her blood to boil as the redness in her cheeks died away. "That was my captain. That's all."

"Eh? So what's this guy doing here? The sign thingy on his arm is different..." Ichigo pointed to the insignia of the sixth division on the sleeve of Ryuuji's arm.

"I can explain," the red-head spoke up, allowing the brunette a moment with her thoughts. "She was left with the sixth division for the time being. Kurosaki Ichigo, was it?"

With his name called, he addressed the rather young looking man. He looked maybe a year or two older than himself. "Ah, yeah. Kurosaki Ichigo: Substitute Shinigami."

"Yes, Vice captain Abarai Renji said a lot about you." He smiled appraisingly as Ichigo grinned in triumph.

"So, did he talk about how I handed him his ass on a silver platter?"

"Actually, he said how undisciplined you were, as well as reckless and idiotic," Ryuuji spoke, "Albeit it was in a much more course manner."

"Of course that bastard..." Ichigo hissed and swore the next time he would see that baboon he would slaughter him.

Meanwhile, Yumi's eyes widened at her friend's almost...sadistic innocence... if that made sense.

"Miyamoto-san?"

Yumi turned and saw none other than the blue-haired quincy in front of her. "Ishida-kun!"

He clicked his glasses up and smiled as well. He couldn't help it. That girl's happiness was too contagious.

"So, you're all going back, huh..." she said slowly, a lump of sadness settling in her throat. "I'm on house arrest so I won't be able to go on any missions in the human world for a while."

"Ehh?" Inoue popped up from behind Ishida and pouted. "So we won't see you?"

"It's only temporary," Yumi let the smile return to her face. "Who knows? I might just sneak over anyway."

"Whatever. As long as you don't get me hiding you away at my place, got it?" Ichigo wagged a finger at her and Yumi stuck her tongue out teasingly.

"No guarantees!"

As the words were spoken a bright blue light enveloped the Senkai Gate. Ukitake came over to tell them that they were now able to get back to the human world now.

"Time to go, huh." Yumi frowned slightly but a large calloused hand ruffled the brown locks of her hair. She looked up and saw it was Ichigo once more.

"Don't worry, midget. At least if I have to go, I wanna see you smiling! Promise?" He held out a pinky childishly and Yumi raised a brow to the gesture.

"And you're how old?" she laughed but entwined her pinky with his. As he turned and walked out of hearing range, Rukia came over to him. Yumi half expected her to go with them, but was pleasantly surprised when she didn't. Call it selfish, but Yumi wanted an opportunity to talk with the Kuchiki more.

The blue light consumed the ex-Ryoka group as they disappeared from Seireitei. A playful grin appeared on her lips.

"None of them can control a hell butterfly, huh..."

Ryuuji shook his head, smiling as well. "I think not."

Hitsugaya stared at the smooth wooden doors. How long had he stood there with his hand hovering over the sliding panel? How long had he been figuring out reasons why or why not to go through the doors where he knew what lay ahead?

Deep breaths escaped him in a rhythm before his fingers wrapped around door and pulled it to the side. The room was freshly made. The curtains were drawn to let in the last of the evening light. The captain eyed an empty chair beside the bed and sat down, studying the frail image of the girl sleeping in the bed peacefully.

Hinamori

"The Ryoka just left this morning," he spoke to her, as if to inform her of events like she would listen. "Kuchiki Rukia decided to stay in Soul Society. I can only guess that it was to speed up her recovery. Besides, Kuchiki Byakuya won't let her out of his sight now." His tone was a little lighthearted, albeit a bit forced. His head turned towards the table beside the window, where a few get well cards and gifts were placed. In one place were two small wrapped boxes, a note each. The first was a pink peach color with a white ribbon. Hitsugaya could faintly notice the familiar writing of one of his subordinates and he walked over.

'To Hinamori Momo,

We may not have gotten to know each other, but I still wish for you to get better. Hitsugaya-Taicho visits you nearly every day and tries to finish paperwork early for more visiting hours. Unohana scolds him I bet. Please, when you wake up, would it be too much to ask if you would smile your best for Hitsugaya-Taicho? It would mean a lot to him.

-Miyamoto Yumiko

10th Division'

"Tch, that girl..." the captain rolled his eyes but then he saw the box next to it. It was blue with a green ribbon around it. The handwriting was once again similar.

'To Hitsugaya-Taicho,

I knew you'd eventually come to the fourth division anyway so... Well, you always seemed a little stressed. Rangiku-chan told me that no one helps you out, so I got you a little something. I don't know if you'll actually like it. Ukitake and Rangiku-chan aren't very specific! Although I definitely have to visit Ukitake-Taicho since he gave me some candy. Err, that's beside the point.

Anyway, I just wanted to give you a heads up. Ryuuji-kun told me to keep you 'updated' or something. It's not so bad here, even though I don't really know anyone here but Kuchiki-Taicho, and Renji-kun. They're busy most of the time though, so I'm pretty much bored out of my mind. Still, at least it's better than simply getting in the way of your duties... I just wanted to keep you posted, Taicho. This sums up my report I suppose, if it could be called that.

I can't really help you now...but if you want, send some of the paperwork to me through Minami Ryuuji

-Yumiko'

The line before her name was furiously scribbled out and unreadable.

Take it easy? And who the heck was this 'Ryuuji-kun'?

"Idiot..." a smirk came on his lips. Who was she kidding? With a letter like that she's practically...

Hitsugaya shook his thoughts away and took out the contents of the box. It was one of his favorite tea brands. Although it was strange coming from her.

He pondered the gift and remembered that she had asked his strange vice-captain. The captain was pleasantly surprised that she did not place any candy from the other white haired captain inside the box as well. Standing up with a small groan, he decided to go back to his division. It was getting late and he knew he left some paperwork on his desk. Hitsugaya took one last glance at his sleeping childhood friend before walking out the door.

"Yosh, Kurosaki-san! Are you sure you want to be dropped off here?" asked the ever-smiling shopkeeper.

The carrot top grinned and jumped off the 'flying carpet'. "Yeah, it'll be just fine Urahara-san! Thanks for the ride!" Ichigo ignored the cry from Urahara but ignored it. His feet landed on the soft lush grass. The grass he knew so well. He took in the smell of the cool night air mixed with the scent of the riverbed, the same one where his mother died. With a deep breath of, he let the wind take him with a single Shunpo. It seemed so long ago since he took even a glimpse of his own world. The world where everything began.

Ichigo stopped in front of his house, the Kurosaki Clinic. Feelings jumbled up in his heart began to stir and he couldn't help but smile softly.

"I'm home."

As he made his way inside, a dark shadow loomed over Karakura. The clouds rolled in and blocked the moonlight completely.

Back with Urahara and Yoruichi, they stared up at the sky with frowns. A mysterious foreboding crept upon both of them.

"Something is stirring in the air as we speak, Kisuke. And I don't like it at all." the goddess of flash spoke, still in her cat form.

"Frightful words, Yoruichi-san. All too frightful." He tipped his hat down slightly, "Let's just enjoy this relative calm for now." His eyes glanced over towards the hidden moon. Feeling eyes upon them, he turned his steely gaze towards the forest.

Like the wind, the eerie presence vanished.

A chilly wind entered Yumi's room, waking her from her fitful sleep. It was well past midnight and she cursed whoever had left her window open.

"Oh wait...that was me..." she cursed to herself and pulled the covers closer to her. The warmth didn't seem to register and she cursed again. Getting up, she pulled on her Uniform and strapped her sword on her hip. For a moment, she considered slinging it on her back like she used to but perished the thought. It would bring back too many memories.

With a silent groan, she stretched her still sleeping muscles and tried to peer through her paper screen door. The guards that permitted her leave were still there. However, they were on the verge of sleeping soundly. Yumi smirked and quietly made her way to the open window. Now she was glad that she had left it open. She wouldn't have to risk the noise of opening it once more. Yumi pulled herself onto the sill and jumped out, landing silently on the cool grass.

There was no plan, nor a reason as to why she was making such a risky move this late. If caught, she would most likely be sentenced to a cell or worse...a week with the Twelfth division captain. But something caused adrenaline to pulse through her veins. Something caused her to run to her destination: the Squad Ten Area.

When she arrived, there were no lights or any sounds other than the orchestrated song of the crickets and the dancing fireflies. It was...peaceful. Taking a deep breath of the night air, she walked closer towards one of her favorite places: The garden. As she did, however, Yumi was sad to find that the flowers she loved so much were beginning to wilt. It was no surprise seeing as summer was upon Soul Society. All good things had to come to an end eventually.

'I wonder if he returned from the hospital.' She thought and unconsciously made her way inside. After being in the sixth division for a few days, the change was nostalgic. Making a turn, she stopped in front of her captain's office and placed her hand on the dark wood.

Yumi grinned sheepishly. 'It feels strange... how much I don't want to open this door.' The girl slid down to her knees and let her head rest upon its surface, letting her violet eyes close. She could spare, just a few needed moments. It didn't matter if she got in trouble for this now.

As soon as Hitsugaya got to the door of his division he felt a presence lurking. The reiatsu signature was so low that even he couldn't make it out. Either someone was skulking around his division...or some unlucky person could be dying in there. And both options were things he just wasn't in the mood to deal with. On his guard he walked through the halls to his office. Hearing a small sigh he placed his hand on the hilt of Hyourinmaru and turned the corner.

A small object, or rather person, was curled up in a ball next to his door. The person in question shifted, as if trying to get into a better position, and then resumed her slow even breaths.

Hitsugaya, albeit surprised, shook his head and smirked. 'That idiot,' he thought and considered bringing her inside. Remembering the last time this happened, his cheeks flushed a light shade of pink. The captain went over to the girl and lightly shook her shoulder. "Oi, Miyamoto. Wake up or you'll get sick baka."

The girl muttered something quietly under her breath and then opened her eyes, "Taicho?"

He tensed unknowingly at the address she gave him but then lightly flicked her forehead. "What are you doing here?"

She shrugged and stared at her knees that were pressed up against her chest. She mumbled, "Visiting,"

"Visiting." He repeated, raising a brow. She didn't say a thing, but she squirmed uncomfortably under his questioning gaze.

"Well, we can wait here in the cold all night or you could get up and come inside already." He spoke, surprisingly in a calm tone that lacked its usual authority. Yumi nodded and allowed him to help her up.

Hitsugaya then turned in the opposite direction of his office and began to walk.

"Eh? You're not going to your office?"

"I can get it tomorrow," he said. When he noticed that she wasn't following he stopped and crossed his arms. "Are you coming or not?

"...I knew this was a waste of time..." Clenching her fist, she turned her head and walked past him. "If you're just going to bring me back to the sixth division, I can go myself—"

"Whoever said I was bringing you there?"

Yumi stopped mid-step and froze. She dared not turn around to see his expression, nor did she want him to see hers. "If you're not taking me there, then...?"

She heard his footsteps behind her and finally felt his hand on her shoulder. When was the last time this happened?

"It's too late to walk all the way back to the sixth division. So," Hitsugaya lightly tugged on her shoulder so she'd turn. Without a word, he took her by the hand and began to walk. "Just this once I'll walk you home." Yumi knew the words held much more meaning than that.

Maybe...

"...thank you, Toshiro."

"Urusai..."

Things can go back to the way they were

"Miyamoto?"

"Yeah?"

His lips thinned almost in a pout. It was her signal that he was going deep in thought and she waited for his question. 'Hah...I guess I learned at least that from him.'

"When you get mad, you don't hesitate to show it, right?"

"Yes," she drawled on. Where was he going with this?

"Captains can't do that." He spoke softly, still walking with her hand in his. "We can't allow our emotions to get the better of us or else the people who look to us for support will falter. No matter what happens, a captain must never waver. It's practically a law."

"It's a downright stupid law if you ask me," Yumi frowned and lightly squeezed his hand in support. "Yell at me if you want, but why should you hide what you're feeling?"

"I could say the same to you, Miyamoto," Hitsugaya smirked as he felt the involuntary flinch from her. It was just the reaction he expected her to give.

"W-What do you mean by that, jerk! You're the one who just said—"

"Please Miyamoto," he continued with his voice plafully haughty and self-centered. "Anyone could tell that you're not feeling right at all if they read your letter. You're obviously pushing it if you think I don't know you well enough to tell. Just like how I can tell when you're hitting 'that time of the month.'"

"Why you..." her face burned red with embarrassment. "Yeah, like I can't tell when someone is only just hitting puberty. For someone a few centuries old, you're a little slow on the growth rate, runt!"

"You're shorter than me, Miyamoto. Oh kami don't start this again!"

"At least I'm going through puberty!"

"Please, go drink some milk and soak in a hot spring! Look at Matsumoto."

"Eh? What?"

"It'll take a million years for you to catch up to her. So I suggest you get a move on it."

"I'm gonna kill you!"

Yep...things have definitely gone back to normal.

:Omake Theatre:

Mana: Oh bleach, why have I forsaken you so?

Hitsu: Took you long enough. What happened?

Mana: Simply some exams. I needed to bring my Bio grade up since I nearly got a D...-sweatdrop-

Hitsu: In Biology? How? Isn't it all just memorizing the terms?

Mana: Erm...I have horrible memory...

Yumi: And yet you can only be consentrated on trying to remember where you put your favorite manga book?

Mana: But...-teary eyes- my manga are my babies!

Both: ...