A/N: Hey, yeah sorry about the long delay. I've been sort of uninspired to write. But now I figured I'd give all my readers a treat for being patient. I will probably be finishing up Curiosity soon, sadly. Unless I can find a way to lengthen it, which may be doubtful. Maybe a sequel in the future?
Warnings: Fluff, Drama, Fluff, Fluff, and more Fluff XDD
Akon stood off to one side looking over charts. He ignored the usual chatter from the members of the facility. He was in his own little world, working on whatever needed attending to. He knew he was working too hard, but someone had to oversee things while the captain was occupied. Wearing the usual bored expression, he looked over the last of the charts, right as a loud crash was heard. This was accompanied by two sets of screams, one feminine and one masculine.
Raising one hairless brow, he turned from his work to see what happened. He was momentarily thankful Captain Kurotsuchi was out at that moment. His narrowed eyes widened a small fraction as he eyed the two man heap on the floor of the laboratory. A mass of black and white was tangled on the floor, each with a different shade of brown hair. The smallest of the two rested on top and both were laughing, loudly.
A fond smile graced his lips at the sight of the two. They really have become like siblings. It had been three weeks since he first met up with her again after all those years. Things were going well between them and sometimes he was worried she favored Rin over him. Then again their relationship was nothing more than older brother/younger sister. "What are you two doing?" He rumbled, smirk still in place. Hitomi was the first to react, her head popping up to look up at him, teal green eyes wide.
The two separated and sat up with sheepish looks. "Nothing, just messing around." Rin spoke up with a small laugh. Akon eyed the pair for a moment, then playfully rolled his eyes, turning back to his work. Hitomi glanced toward Rin and got up, wandering over to Akon and wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head against his back. She only came up to about his waist, she was only a bit shorter than Rin so she was pretty small.
Akon smiled and pretended to focus on his work. This made Hitomi frown and tighten her grip. With a soft chuckle, Akon finally paid attention to her, pulling her around in front of him and placing an arm loosely around her waist and using the other to jot down notes and data. Hitomi watched him, avidly. Ever since she had come to the 12th division, she had been intrigued by the things they did. So watching Akon work wasn't unsual.
She absently munched on a cookie that Rin has snuck her before she got up to spend time with Akon. She was turning into just as much of a sugar freak as him. She couldn't complain though. She had broken the cookie in half and looked up at Akon, who was focused on his work. She held up the second piece to his eye level, which was kind of difficult.
Akon broke his gaze from the screen and eyed the cookie a moment before taking the cookie between his teeth and out of her hand, eating it whole in a few quick bites. He then leaned down and gave a small peck to Hitomi's cheek in thanks. She simply giggled and rested her hand on his arm that was wrapped around her. She sighed contentedly, but frowned when she heard someone laughing. She turned to see Rin laughing behind his hand. She sent him a harsh look but he merely grinned in response. Akon didn't really notice since he went back to work.
Three lone figures approached the gates of Soul Society. Two tall males and one smaller female walked calmly along the path leading to the west gate. The guardian lifted his massive bulk to stand at attention to the intruders. He eyed the trio for a moment before moving to lift the gate to allow them through. The woman smiled kindly at him as they passed, giving a polite thanks. The guardian simply nodded and returned to his post as they passed. The taller of the two males kept the woman close to him while the second male followed from behind.
The group was stopped halfway up the path to the 1st division. A group of soul reapers had them at sword point and demanded to know their business. "We have business with Head Captain Yamamoto." The taller, dark haired man spoke up, clearly and sternly. The men gave them wary looks, but turned as the barrack doors opened to reveal an older man with white hair and matching mustache and a stern look. The men immediately backed down and knelt as the man who was the 1st division Lieutenant. He nodded to the men and they parted as the man approached the group.
"I'm sorry if my men gave you any trouble. Please, come right this way. The Head Captain is waiting for you." Lieutenant Sasakibe announced, politely. The group followed him through the barracks to the headquarters of the head captain. He lead them to the center of the room and moved to the side of an older man with a long beard and closed. The man wore a kind smile as he greeted the guests.
"Lord Takuya. Lady Ayumi. How nice of you to come visit." Head Captain Yamamoto greeted, standing from his chair and walking forward to be closer to the couple. "And what's this? Is that little Koji?" He asked, looking toward the blonde haired male. "I'm not little anymore, Captain Yamamoto." Koji replied, kindly. Koji had been absent from the family for years, but appeared one day and their status was returned to how it used to be, his disappearance forgotten. He had sensed a change in his younger sister and returned home.
"We're here for our daughter." Takuya announced in the usual authoritative voice he used when in the company of important people. Yamamoto merely nodded and walked back to his chair. "Hitomi has been doing well, Lord Takuya. She has taken a decent rank in the 13th division and has been showing great progress in her skills." Captain Yamamoto explained, but Takuya wasn't impressed.
"You do not understand, Captain. We are here to take her back. She does not belong here." He replied, harshly. Yamamoto's face turned sullen and Sasakibe tensed, bracing for attack. The Head Captain made a contemplative hum as he rested in his chair again. "I see." He murmured. Takuya watched the man, blue eyes hard and stern.
"I shall call a conference immediately. It would be such a shame to see someone of such great potential leave our ranks. But given you're reputation and connection, I cannot dispute it." Captain Yamamoto announced with finality in his voice. Takuya bowed his head with a satisfied smile. "Thank you, Head Captain, We shall return at dawn tomorrow." Takuya replied, to which Yamamoto simply nodded.
With that the group departed to their quarters which were offered to them while they awaited the meeting. Koji hung back behind his parents, head down. He was too keen on the idea of taking her from the Gotei 13, but there was nothing he could do, or so he thought. He closed his eyes for a moment and hoped everything would go well.
Hitomi's head snapped up and looked around in a panic. Akon turned his gaze from a chart and gave her a look of genuine concern. "What is it, Butterfly?" He asked in his usual gruff baritone. Startled teal green eyes turned to look up at him. "My parents are here." She whispered, just loud enough for him to hear. Akon's eyes widened a fraction in shock. He frowned and nuzzled her neck, affectionately. "Everything will be fine. I'm here and I will do anything in my power to protect you. They won't hurt you as long as I'm around." He replied, wrapping his arms protectively around her.
After Akon finished looking over the information, they had gone to his personal barrack to rest until curfew. It was a pain keeping their relationship secret, but she didn't mind. Akon had changed into his sleeping yukata and was now laying on the bed on his back. He had one arm folded under his head and the other resting protectively across Hitomi's waist. Hitomi was laying comfortably on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. She was still shocked that her parents were close by, but she trusted Akon to help her.
She stayed with Akon as long as she could, then she had to make her way back to her own barrack. She was sure Ukitake wouldn't mind so long as she didn't make a habit of it. They shared a brief, loving kiss then she rubbed her nose against his in the common gesture of love and affection of her family. She then left his barrack and was back to her's in record time. She fell asleep fast that night with a smile on her face.