Disclaimer- I don't own BLEACH, just Ai, Manami, Shizuko and a few others that are not featured in this first chapter.

2. Control

In embarrassment Ai scrambled off Renji and wrapped her arms around her chest. When she realized her covering was on the chair by which Captain Kuchiki stood, she turned to face away from him.

"Captain!" Renji gasped in shock, "Why are you-"

"Lieutenant Abarai," Byakuya cut him off coolly, "I would suggest that you be precisely where you tell me you will from this point forward. I will express all of my views on this issue when you report for your duties in the morning."

"I..." what could Renji say? "Yes sir..."

"Go home Lieutenant." He ordered simply, not removing his eyes from Renji's.

The red-faced lieutenant turned to Ai. He knew her shoulders were hunched in shame, but was all too aware he couldn't go to her, not with his Captain present. What had he done? The both of them would go through hell and back over this...all because he was selfish...

"I'll see that Miss Takahashi gets home safely," Byakuya stated. He was easily able to trace the younger man's thoughts.

Ai's breathe shuddered as she heard that statement. What was going to happen? She couldn't loose her place on the Squad...they'd just started to rebuild what had been stripped from them... Surely he understood that. It hit her then. This man was not her Captain; she still had to face her new superior. Perhaps she would be lenient seeing as how she did not know her group very well yet. She straightened slightly. She wouldn't lie down and die. She would face the fire head on.

She heard Renji's sigh of defeat, "yes Captain..."

There was a light shuffle as he made his way out when the door closed, silence lapsed.

"You shame many." Byakuya said plainly, staring at the back of her head.

She spun, still covering herself with her arms. Resentment heated her face. Oh boy was she at a disadvantage...

"And who are you to judge me?"

"I'm a Captain," he stated calmly as though it were on average circumstances that they were speaking, "and you, Miss Takahashi, are not. You bring shame to your Squad."

"I'm sure this is so much worse to them than the betrayal of our Captain..." she growled, "you have absolutely nothing to do with any of this."

"Renji Abarai is my Lieutenant." He reminded her, "He follows my orders and answers to me. I don't want him distracted from his line of duty. He is a strong fighter and does not need someone like you to ruin his chances."

"Someone like me?" she almost laughed in astonishment, "and what, dare I ask, am I like?"

"A careless, ingrate," he told her picking up her discarded kimono jacket and throwing it at her. She caught it and quickly pulled it on. "You shame the name of all women and don't seem to mind that fact."

"Don't," she said through clenched teeth. She never realized just how heartless he was, "lecture me on shame Captain Kuchiki. I know all too well what it is...now I'd like you to leave..."

"I've already paid for the room for the few hours it was used." He declared and took a step toward her, "you are coming with me."

"Excuse me?" she asked softly, "To where exactly?"

"Well," he began, "if it were up to me, I'd put you on probation and ban you from the Seireitei for a period, but seeing as how I am not your Captain, I am going to deliver you to Miss Fon and let her deal out your punishment."

"Fine," she said raising her chin. She could only pray Shizuko Fon was not so ruthless.

When Byakuya knocked on the door of the new 5th Division Captain, Ai was almost positive her heart would simply burst out of her chest. He hadn't said a word to her the entire walk and they'd gotten plenty of curious stares that were not the least bit friendly. Neither of them knew how to react when the huge Kenpachi Zaraki answered the door. His face uplifted into a grin.

"Can I help you?" he asked leaning against the doorjamb.

"I'd like to speak with Captain Fon over a little issue her third seat has caused."

"Well," the brute of a man laughed, "Come right on in..." he moved out of the way so the two of them could pass.

It comforted Ai a little when she felt the thud of the Zaraki's hand patting her back. They'd never really talked, but he seemed to be a pretty interesting guy; so, she considered his small gesture to be one of encouragement.

The new Captain sat on the floor with stacks of paper surrounding her. Yachiru was coloring not too far away. Shizuko looked to be very competent. And Ai approved of the way she'd made her outfit personal. The top had been completely redone to fit tightly and slightly expose her mid section. Her chestnut hair flowed freely to just above her bust line. Ai had to admit the girl was attractive…

Shizuko looked up, "Can I help you?"

"Yes actually," he began, "your third seat has been causing problems in my division."

The brown eyed woman glanced up at Ai, "How so?"

"Well, I just discovered her whoreing herself to my lieutenant."

That caused Yachiru to look up from her work and giggle. Ai felt the blood drain from her face; it was times like this that made suicide appear a beautiful thing…

"May I ask where you discovered them?"

"In a hotel in the Rukongai."

"So you just stumbled upon them in hotel?" Ai looked at her with awe. She was standing up for her…

"No," Byakuya was getting agitated, "Lieutenant Abarai was not where he claimed he would be. So I tracked down his drinking buddies to find out that he was staying at a hotel in the 2nd district for a night…" he took a breath, "I might be what some would call conservative, but I am not naïve. It's also been rumored that little miss Takahashi here is quite the companion for a price."

"So you witnessed the money transaction?"

"Well…no but…"

"Then how do you know she was whoreing herself? Perhaps the two lovers wanted a night without the chance of interruptions…"

"Captain Fon do you honestly-"

"Well, Ai? I believe it is…"

"Y-yes ma'am," Ai was impressed, she remembered her name.

"Were you going to receive payment from his Lieutenant?"

Ai looked to the floor. She may not tell everything but she wouldn't flat out lie, "yes ma'am…but Captain Kuchiki came in before it got any where near that stage…"

"If I'm not mistaken, you were topless and his member was clearly released…" Byakuya spoke.

Kenpachi laughed in the back ground.

"Thank you for your honesty Ai." Shizuko said with a smile. She turned to look at Byakuya, "I'm sorry you were so upset by their actions. From the look of things here I don't think-"

"How do you plan to punish her?" Byakuya cut her short.

"Excuse me?"

"I don't believe behavior such as this should go unpunished…"

"And since you're the Captain of this division…" she let the sentence trail. The loud knock had her hissing, "Kenpachi answer that."

All had very surprised expressions when Mayuri Kurotsuchi practically dragged in Ai's twin Manami by her hair. It was very easy to make out the tears threatening in the poor girl's eyes.

Ai's heart dropped. What was going on? Just why the hell did that asshole have a hold on her sister?

"Captain," Shizuko spoke sharply as soon as the shock receded, "unhand my fourth seat and explain yourself at once."

Zaraki was prepared to intervene, but before he could act Mayuri had thrown the girl to the ground.

"This wretch doesn't use the eyes in her head," he spat, "she practically ran me over on her way to who-knows-where, causing me to drop the only vile of serum that took almost three months to create. I'd like all of you to know I am very upset about this."

"I couldn't tell," Shizuko huffed, "I'm very sorry about your serum, but I suggest you never handle a member of my squad that way again."

"I'll have you know she deserves much worse than a hair pulling; the things I research are for the benefit of the soul society and what she's done is inexcusable."

Ai wanted to rip his throat out. The son of a bitch was full of shit. The things he did were for him and everyone knew it, but no one would ever actually say anything. She'd seen her sister hurt so many times she didn't know if she could bear to witness it again…Sure Manami was clumsy, but the last time she'd gotten into trouble this big was when she'd gotten the two of them murdered thanks to her visions.

"Fine," Shizuko groaned rubbing her temples, "Manami, you will report to the 12th division every day after you've finished your duties for me until he has replicated the serum. Which shouldn't take to long…seeing as how good scientists take notes…"

"I do but it's a long process and-"

The gasp that came from Manami had them all turning. Her shoulders were raised as though she was in pain. Ai saw the glaze coating her twin's eyes. Not a vision. Not now…what would happen if it got around? She looked to Kurotsuchi who was observing curiously. No! He couldn't find out! But Ai already knew it was too late…Manami resurfaced shaking. She scramble back form Kurotsuchi, into Kenpachi's legs, her eyes were ridden with horror.

"Cap-captain, please," she sobbed breathlessly, "don't make m-me go…"

"Miss Takahashi," Byakuya said with concern, "are you alright?"

"No…I just had a vision…"

"A vision?" Kurotsuchi asked taking step toward her, "Of what?"

"I'll help you remake the serum, but I refuse to be your test subject…"as Manami scrambled back Ai felt her body tense as she prepared to pounce on the disgusting Captain."These cursed v-visions have tortured me in every life I've lived, they show me what the future c-could bring and I refuse to be a l-lab rat…"

"Captain Kurotsuchi," Shizuko cut in, "if she returns with so much as a paper cut at any point in time I will-"

"Are you actually threatening me?" the twisted man laughed, "do you honestly think I'm even the slightest bit afraid of you? It is you that-"

"Kurotsuchi," Zaraki growled stepping towards him, "you are in the presence of three other Captains. Hands off the lady," he ordered. Ai witnessed the rage and for a moment she saw blood-lust, "I don't think Kuchiki will disagree with my saying that if this young woman shows signs of any type of abuse whatsoever, it will be brought to the attention of the Commander."

"I do agree one hundred percent," the Captain of the Sixth division said solemnly.

Kurotsuchi's fists clenched as he turned on his heel and headed towards the door, "Fine," he spit. When he reached the door he turned back to look Manami straight in the face, "Don't keep me waiting too long." With that he was gone.

Ai lunged toward her twin and enveloped her in a hug, but no one spoke. When Ai felt Manami give and begin to cry, she knew she had been forgiven. The introverted twin curled into the comfort of her sister. There was a carrying pause for a few moments.

"Captain Kuchiki," Shizuko broke the silence, "May I speak with you privately outside?"

"Alright," he nodded and followed her out the door.

Several seconds after the two had left; Ai felt a small hand on her leg. She looked up and her eyes met the 11th division's lieutenant's.

"It's ok! Kenny will protect her!" she smiled.

"Oh…" Ai had no idea how she was expected to respond to that.

The little girl's hand made contact with Manami's head.

"Cheer up Beauty!" she laughed, "C'mon! You're not fixing anything like that!"

Manami looked up teary-eyed as Zaraki scooped Yachiru off of the floor.

"Watch it brat," he said, "she's had a hard day."

Even he knew a woman deserved a good after being told she would have to work under Kurotsuchi. His eyes met hers.

"It's alright Captain Zaraki," Manami spoke as she wiped her face, "Lieutenant Kusajishi, is quite right. It will not-"

"No!" Yachiru huffed cutting her off, "you call me Yachiru. You are gonna have to be Shizzy's friend, cause she needs a friend that she doesn't have to have sex with and Kenny is not that friend. So you need to be her friend! Both of you and I don't want Shizzy's friends to be all formal."

"But Lieutenant," Ai began, but stopped shot when the small girl shot her a menacing look. She would be the first to admit Yachiru could probably take her out, being a third seat she had seen first hand the injuries Ikkaku had sported when he had particularly pissed the child off, "I mean, Yachiru, why can't you be her special friend?"

"She needs to have more than one! Plus I'm kinda hoping she'll be like a mommy which is different."

"That would be wonderful wouldn't it?" Manami inquired with a smile, "I can't imagine how you fair so well with the lack of female influence…"

"Feather face is a pretty good girl influence! Plus big-booby chan is sort of there, but she's more friend then anything," Yachiru leaned toward the twins from her perch on Kenpachi's knee, "Shizzy actually makes me listen!"

Manami began to laugh. Ai felt herself sigh in relief to hear it. She would be alright for now. Until she had to face that twisted Captain, she would be alright. It was then she noticed Shizuko had entered. The new Captain was staring at Zaraki with affection Ai had never witnessed. Her gut tightened in envy, and guilt hung on her shoulders as though she were intruding on a very intimate scene.

In an instant the moment was over and Shizuko crossed to sit next to Zaraki.

"Shizzy!" Yachiru giggled and crawled into her arms, "can Beauty and Slut sleep over too!?"

"Yachiru," Shizuko gasped, "That wasn't very nice."

Once again the color drained from Ai's face.

"But she is really pretty," the pinked haired child pointed to Manami, "and she sleeps with 69-face all the time," Ai felt as though she might weep; so people did know of her and Shuhei… "And she tried to screw tattoo-he-!"

"She can not sleep over," Byakuya spoke from the doorway.

All eyes turned to him.

"How made you in charge?" Yachiru spit with a pout. Her words mirrored Ai's thoughts.

"Miss Fon, put me in charge of Miss Ai Takahashi's nights." He replied making eye contact with the lavender headed woman he spoke of.

"What?" Ai gaped in disbelief. What on earth had passed between the two of them outside?

"Every night you will report to the Kuchiki Household, until I feel there is no longer a need for you to be there. That is the deal your captain and I just made," he stated, giving her no tine to respond he continued, "and seeing as how the sun has set I believe it is time we took our leave."

"But I-"

"None of that," he cut her off, "You got yourself into this mess."

"Please, my-"

"What did I just say?" he reprimanded.

"My sister needs m-"

"I'll be fine Ai," Manami said softly, "Just go…"

Ai was at a loss. She looked to her sister then to the man she hand practically just been handed to. What in the hell had gone wrong? Life had been bad for her before, but she had never had her life so completely dictated…

"I need her back by 8," Shizuko said to Byakuya.

He simply nodded, "let's go, Miss Takahashi."

"Yes sir," she sighed in defeat. She wouldn't cry there. Not where she could be seen.

"I should be going as well," Manami spoke and stood with her sister.

A followed behind Byakuya as they left, her sister stood beside her. When they came to the first fork in the road, Ai's stomach pitched. This was where they would go separate ways. She turned to her twin without hesitation and hugged her. She didn't want to let go.

"Not now," Manami breathed knowing her sister was on the verge of a break down. She pulled away and held her out in front of her, "I'll see you in the morning, you'll be fine," Ai saw her glance toward Byakuya, "Perhaps this will be good for you."

Manami kissed her forehead before turning and walking away.

"Come now," Ai heard him speak from behind her.

Ai spun to face him.

"Why?" she hissed, "Why does my personal life matter to you?"

"You interfered with my lieutenant and his work," Byakuya stated as he gripped her arm firmly, "there for your personal life became my business." He pulled her along beside him, "Now there are a few choices for you to make or I shall make them for you. Would you like me to expose your secret, which has somehow stayed semi-contained or would you prefer to keep it quiet?"

"Is that really a question?" she rolled her eyes, "I believe you'll do as you feel no matter what."
"You are quite right," he nodded, "so I'd do my best not to anger me if I were you."

"You don't scare me," she growled and yanked her arm from his grasp, "do whatever you want, but I really-"

"Wrong decision," he informed her. Before she could think he had her in his arms and was flash-stepping all the way to his home.

Her next coherent thought was formed on a bed.

"This will be you're room," he informed her. What had come over him? Never had he acted that way…on impulse. He just wanted out of her presence; he wanted to be alone. "If you need anything our rooms are connected through that door," he pointed, "all you have to do is knock." He turned to go to the door and stopped halfway out he looked her right in the eye, "for now this door will remain locked from the outside, I will not have you sneaking off."

"What?" panic moved through her. She jumped up and ran to the door, but before she could reach it, he slid it closed. She wrestled with it fruitlessly.

In defeat she flung herself to the bed and wept. She had always heard he was strict, but never that he was cruel. What on earth could she have done to him to make him hate her so?

Hope you liked it!

If you read my last chapter of Tainted Innocence, I hope you saw the difference!

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Please read the Tainted Innocence as well! They run hand in hand!

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