A/N: Okie dokie! Another update! I hope that one wasn't too late. XD ENJOY!

Figure Seven:

Practiced

//People who write about spring training not being necessary have never tried to throw a baseball –Sandy Koufax\\

He was always on top of things, giving orders and such. Even when he walked, he gave off an aura of power and authority...

"Miss Takamori, please pay attention!"

I flinched at the sound of a crackler going off right in front of my face, and turned my unwilling attention onto the teacher. She glared at me, and went on with the lesson. I rolled my eyes and went back to doodling on my notebook. Looking over my numerous doodles that took the place of what was supposed to be a week's worth of notes, I saw Hitsugaya's name written in different styles, each nice and elegant, or cool-looking to some degree. I almost laughed. I'm such a sappy person.

"And that is all for today, please do not forget to turn in your homework on Friday. Class dismissed!" There was a scraping of chairs against stone as the noise level rose by a couple of degrees. Sighing heavily, I packed my things and walked through the door, finding Abigail already standing there, waiting for me. I grinned upon seeing my best friend.

"You look like you just had the best nap in your life," she said, laughing. I laughed with her, walking towards the dinning chambers. It was almost lunch time.

"Almost, if Ms. Bantherwig hadn't nearly blown my face off with a crackler," I said.

"What were you doing? Daydreaming about a certain... Captain again?" she asked, winking suggestively. I blushed.

"N-no..." She giggled and grabbed my bag. "Hey! Give it back!" I said, chasing after her. Laughing merrily, she danced in front of me, holding my bag out. I dodged around a couple of people, apologizing briefly before sprinting after her.

"... Hitsugaya Toushirou, Hitsugaya Toushirou, Hitsugaya Toushirou, Hitsugaya-taichou, Toushirou-kun, Hitsugaya Toushirou... Damn! That's five pages full of the same guy's name!" she said, flipping through the recent pages of my notebook. There were even kanji ten's written everywhere, not to mention the division flower drawn on the corner of almost every page.

"Has he seen this?" she asked, holding it above her head so I couldn't reach it. The color in my face rose even higher as I tried desperately to grab the notebook back from her, but too late, Bryant had to come along and grab the notebook.

"Oh ho ho! What's this?" he said, flipping through it. His eyebrows rose as he looked through.

"Wow... that's a lot of the same name written over and over again."

"Ugh! Shut up, Bryant! And give that back!" I said, jumping onto a table bench. He merely held the book higher, knowing that I wasn't nearly tall enough. Damn boys. They had to be so tall. Bryant was peaking 6'3", and I was still 4 feet something...

"Bryant, just give it back, I think Koko's suffered long enough," Felix seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, but I shot him a grateful smile as Bryant grudgingly handed the notebook back to me.

"Thank you..." I sighed, tucking it back into my bag, and tried to look dignified, but I don't think I managed.

"You're really into that guy, aren't you?" Bryant asked, taking a seat next to me, and loading up his plate. I rolled my eyes, spooning some mashed potatoes and gravy onto my own plate.

"No Bryant. I despise him with every fiber of my being," I said, sarcasm leaking from every syllable. Bryant paused, looked at me, and then went back to loading his plate. I sighed. I don't know if he caught the sarcasm or not, but I thought it was pretty hard to miss.

"Hitsugaya-taichou. There's a captains' meeting in the first division. They say it's urgent," Matsumoto said. I looked up from my paperwork, slightly surprised by her sudden entrance. Nodding, I stood up and hurried out the door. She didn't follow.

When I reached the first division, I bumped into Kyouraku-taichou. He still seemed quieter than usual, but he looked better than the last time I saw him. I gave him a small bow and a smile. He reciprocated my gestures.

"How've you been fairing, Kyouraku-taichou?" I asked, in what seemed to be lighthearted interest. He shrugged.

"Better..." he said. I nodded, shooting him a sideways glance.

"Any idea of what the meeting's going to be about?" he asked, changing the subject. I frowned, shaking my head.

"Matsumoto just told me it was urgent," I answered. Kyouraku-taichou just nodded. He didn't make any further attempt to start a conversation, and I didn't see any reason to continue as he obviously didn't want to talk about it. We reached the door to the 1st Division captain's quarters. Exchanging one last look, we stepped through. A few captains were already gathered; amongst them were Kuchiki-taichou, Komamura-taichou, Kurotsuchi-taichou, and Soutaichou himself. We bowed respectfully and went to our separate places.

The rest of the captains arrived one by one and everyone silenced as Soutaichou took one step forward.

"Meeting in session," he declared. Everyone bowed their heads once.

"As you all know, the war with Aizen and the Espada is far from over," Soutaichou began. "Therefore, we must always stay on guard, as we do not know when the next attack is going to be. We don't know what they might be planning next, or even when Aizen plans to eliminate Karakura town for the King's key. So, as precautionary measures, I would like the 10th Division to contact the Enchanters and ask them for aid, before Aizen does so himself. Having the Enchanters on our side would be a huge advantage for us. They're powers are greatly different from ours, and so they deal more damage against the Espada, who share some of the Shinigamis' powers."

I blinked. He wanted my division to ask the Enchanters for help? Me?

"Do you accept, Hitsugaya-taichou?" all of a sudden, everyone's eyes were on me. I was no stranger to pressure, but for a moment, I didn't know how to answer. The next though, my head was cleared and I nodded firmly.

"Hai."

"I've chosen the 10th Division because," Soutaichou continued as if he could read my mind, "they have already had encounters with these Enchanters, and fought alongside them. They also have an Enchantress currently residing under their care, Takamori Minako. Therefore, it would be easiest for them to persuade the Enchanter society at large to fight for us, not against. I fear that if we are too late in offering them a friendly hand, that Aizen would be able to offer them much more power. And humans, being the greedy and selfish creatures they are, would almost certainly go to him instead of us."

Several captains nodded, others just kept silent, but everyone in the room knew that he was right. Soutaichou made the 10th Division file in a report on the rescue of Takamori, and we had included the fact that Enchanting powers are magnified in Hueco Mundo, instead of being suppressed, like they are here, in Soul Society.

"Also, the 6th Division is to send periodic patrols to Karakura Town, and record information, as well as keep Substitute Shinigami Kurosaki Ichigo and his companions updated on the status of the current situation," he said.

"Hai," Kuchiki-taichou replied, giving a swift nod of the head.

"We have yet to determine replacements for the Captains of the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 9th Divisions, and Kyouraku-taichou has yet to pick a new Vice-Captain. These decisions need to be made quickly in the current situation. And as Central 46 is no longer functional, all decisions will be made by us, finalized by me. Any questions?" Soutaichou asked. No one said anything, nor made any movements at all.

"All divisions are to continue with emergency training and measures. Meeting adjourned." He tapped his walking stick on the ground once, and the doors opened. Slowly, all the Captains began to file out of the room.

"Hitsugaya-taichou, chotto matte kudasai."

I turned. Soutaichou gestured for me to stay. After all the others had left the room, he tapped his walking stick on the ground again for the doors to close. Briefly, I wondered what he wanted to speak to me privately about.

"I have been monitoring the 10th Division very carefully ever since Takamori Minako has been placed under your care, and I have noticed certain... affections beginning to develop. Am I correct, Hitsugaya-taichou?" he asked. I felt my heart skip a beat, and my breath hitch. So he noticed... I didn't know how to answer. I didn't know what he wanted to hear, or which one was the 'correct' answer. Although this seemed like a personal opinion question, there was always a right and a wrong when it came to Soutaichou, and if I gave him the wrong answer, the whole 10th Division could be disbanded.

"H-hai," I wasn't aware that I'd been shaking, but I told him the truth nonetheless. Better to the truthful and trustworthy than to be discovered lying to Soutaichou. He seemed satisfied. Inwardly, I gave a sigh of relief. I'd managed to bluff my way through the first question, but what about the ones to come?

"I trust that you are aware of the strict restrictions on relationships in the Gotei 13," he gave me a swift nod and a look. I nodded back, keeping my eyes on his face, showing no sign of weakness.

"Then I also assume that you know your actions have been prohibited, and if I notice any further 'improvements' on this subject, punishment will be necessary. Now, I have assigned you this most important task of handling the relations between Shinigami and Enchanters because I have the utmost trust in your abilities as a Captain and a Shingami. Please do not let me down, Hitsugaya-taichou," he said. I nodded again, finding myself suddenly unable to speak. I always knew this was going to happen, but it didn't go as I'd expected it to. Somehow, it was a lot more painful than I imagined it to be. Soutaichou didn't even seem angry, but I would have preferred him to pull his Zanpakutou on me. Anything but this quiet kind of discipline.

"Good. You are dismissed," I bowed swiftly and walked resolutely out of the room. Reaching my own division, I slumped down in behind my desk, staring at its shiny surface. It was a while before I realized that the paperwork I'd left this afternoon was nowhere to be found. Looking around, I noticed that Matsumoto's desk was also empty. I raised an eyebrow. Well this was certainly unexpected. Had my vice actually done this? Or did she bribe someone with sake again?

"Taichou?" I looked up. Matsumoto was coming in through the door, a worried expression on her face.

"Why are you late? All the other Captains came back a while ago. What did Soutaichou want?" she asked. I sighed and buried my face in my hands.

"He noticed... about Takamori..." I said, not willing to lift my eyes and meet hers.

"Ah... Taichou..." she sounded almost pitiful. I did nothing but sigh once more.

'I won't say I told you so,' Hyourinmaru said. I scowled.

'Then don't say anything at all,' I shot back viciously. I wasn't in the mood for a lecture by that dragon right now.

"What are you going to do?" I shook my head again.

"I really don't know..."

"Oh I'll miss you guys so much! Promise you won't forget me, kay?" I said, hugging my friends tightly as we prepared to get off the HMS Enchanted. I couldn't believe it. The year was already over. And... I'd probably never see any of them ever again. Well, probably once in the next 20 years or so, but even that had its doubts.

"You better not forget about us either," Abigail let go of me, tears swimming in her eyes. I really didn't want to leave them. I didn't, but what choice did I have? After all, I'm not alive, like they are. I'm a spirit. I don't belong in the real world anymore. Silently, I thought about how strikingly similar this was to the time right after I'd first died. Everyone was crying. I was crying. I hadn't wanted to leave... But on the other hand, I was going back to Seireitei, back to Hitsugaya. And not just for a few months, no.

'It could mean... forever and a day with Hitsugaya-taichou...' those words suddenly echoed through my head and immediately, I felt the color in my face rise. No one seemed to have noticed as my face was already red from bawling my eyes out.

Forever and a day. Hitsugaya... that sounded good. A picture formed within my head. The two of us... together in the 10th Division... happy... but that picture was shattered as the pistons blew once and the latter down to the platform began to descend. People were lining up to get off the ship, but me and my friends didn't move, only stood where we are hugging and crying. They knew that they would probably never see me again. I'd warned them. But still...

"Bye... I have to go. I think I can see Matsumoto and Hitsugaya on the deck. They hate being made to wait..." I lied, breaking away from the crowd of people. I couldn't stand this much longer. My friends nodded. After sharing a last hug with everyone, I walked down the stairs onto the platform, still wiping my eyes. Looking over my shoulder, I waved a last goodbye and pushed through the crowd, on the lookout for that familiar white hair.

After five minutes of intensive searching, I still found nothing. Sighing with frustration, I slumped down on one of the benches and huffed angrily. Could it be that he didn't come to get me again? Maybe he was having tea with that Hinamori girl and didn't 'have time' because she's so much more important. I frowned at this thought. I was jealous. I'd realized that by now. I was so jealous of her, and her relationship with Hitsugaya that I didn't even give her a chance to get to know me. I was always awkward and polite around her, careful to watch her behaviour.

Looking around once more, I still couldn't spot that signature white hair, nor Matsumoto's inhuman breasts. Had something happened while I was at Ximax? That was a great possibility. They had said that they still don't know when Aizen's next move will be. Could it have been that while I was at Ximax, Aizen attacked, and now everyone was... No. I couldn't think like that. They were fine. Someone would let me know if something happened, right?

And on top of that, Hitsugaya's latest letter had said "see you at the port" so that means he knew I was coming today. I always come on this particular day of every month. He wasn't here last time, but Matsumoto had been. But now, not even Matsumoto was here.

"Oi! Takamori-san!" I looked up. Rukia was waving at me from between the crowds of people, apparently struggling to make her way over here. I stood up and grabbed my bags, slightly shocked. I waved back, a small smile growing on my face. At least I know Soul Society hasn't completely forgotten me.

"Kuchiki-san! Nice to see you again," I said, hurrying up to her just as she managed to break away from the waves of people. She stumbled forward, panting slightly. Looking her up and down, I had to admit, normal clothes suited her better than the Shihakushou. She looked so much cuter in the blue blouse and coffee-colored skirt she was wearing now. She smiled up at me and began to lead me out of the station.

"Another emergency Captain/Vice-Captain meeting came up, so Ukitake-taichou sent me here to pick you up," she said as we squeezed our way out of the station. I nodded. Another meeting on the day I come back? What is this? Soutaichou really does have something against me.

"We think," she said as we stepped through the Senkai Gate, "that we've finally gotten a lead on Aizen's new plans." I gasped.

"What new plans?" I asked. Rukia shrugged.

"The information has not been allowed to be disclosed to any other than the Captains and Vice-Captains. Ukitake-taichou has been forbidden to tell me, and so has all the other Captains and Vice-Captains." I rolled my eyes and sighed again. Great. I should have known. It was confidential to anyone lower than Vice-Captain rank.

We stopped in front of the 10th Division and I turned to Rukia, bowing.

"Domo arigatou gozaimasu, Kuchiki-san. I hope I haven't been a bother," I said politely. She bowed back.

"No! Not at all. I'll see you later then," she said, turning back towards the 13th Division.

"Ja matta ne!" I shouted after her before sliding open the door to the now too familiar office of Hitsugaya Toushirou. Sighing contentedly, I placed my suitcase on the ground and dived for the couch, burying my face in the familiar material, taking in the forever exotic and calming scent that I'd now come to associate with Hitsugaya. It was all so nostalgic. With a jolt, I realized that I wouldn't have to leave anymore. This wasn't just vacation anymore. I didn't have to leave after a mere three months. This was...

Forever and a day...

Forever and a day, I agreed. I loved it.

Lifting my head, I walked to my room and opened the door. It hasn't changed at all. The same wardrobe, the same bed, the same bedside table. I noticed a white box tied with a red silk ribbon sitting on my bed, with a folded note next to it. My heart involuntarily speeding up, I rushed over and grabbed the card, opening it with fumbling fingers.

New Year Greetings Minako,

Matsumoto insisted that I get something for you this time as well, so I decided to get you this. It's not very large, but I hope you like it nonetheless. I give this to you in hopes that when you look at it, you will always remember me, and never forget again.

Happy Holidays and Welcome Home,

Hitsugaya Toushirou

I read the note over twice, my heart beat speeding up with every rereading. What could he have gotten me? Putting the note aside, I reached for the package. Taking it in my hand, I noticed that it was very light. I shook it. The thing inside didn't clatter or clang or make any movement at all. I frowned. It seemed as if the box was empty. Curiosity rising, I undid the red ribbon and opened the lid.

At first, I really did think the box was empty. But taking a closer look, I saw a perfectly white ribbon sitting in the middle of the box. It was whiter than the whitest snow I've seen. Whiter than the whitest clouds in the sky. It was beautiful. The simplicity of it made my breath catch. Slowly, as if unwilling to believe my eyes, I picked it up. It was silk, and it slipped through my fingers like water. Softer than a feather, lighter than air. It was beautiful.

Looking back at the box, I noticed another, smaller note. I picked it up.

There were many other things there that other girls would have liked, but I thought you would like this one the best.

He knew me way too well. I grinned and rushed over to the wardrobe door, where a mirror was embedded into the wood. I began to put my hair up, tying it up with the ribbon. The white contrast with the dark of my hair, creating a very nice effect. I turned this way and that, examining the ribbon from all sides and views. It was perfect no matter how you looked at it.

Hearing the sound of the office door open, I turned. That must be Hitsugaya and Matsumoto.

"Ne Taichou! Stop being so down! Just because you couldn't go pick up Mina-chan doesn't mean you have to be angry at everyone," Matsumoto's voice said. I giggled and blushed. He was unhappy because he couldn't come see me? I mentally squealed.

"Urusai ne, Matsumoto," Hitsugaya's voice snapped back. I heard the sound of his chair grinding against the ground, and the sound of him sitting down heavily. Then, there was silence. I made my way to the door as quietly as possible and cracked it open. Hitsugaya was sitting there at his desk, already working on his paperwork. He must have been too concentrated to notice me. That was unlike him... I opened the door fully and stepped out, clearing my throat as to catch their attention. Both Hitsugaya and Matsumoto looked up. A wide grin spread across Matsumoto's face as she leapt up from her seat and engulfed me in a lung-crushing hug.

"Mina-chan! Welcome home! We didn't know you were back yet!" she said, letting go of me and inspecting me at arms' length. I smiled and nodded, not really knowing what to say. I'd known her for a little more than four years now and she hasn't changed a bit.

"Well I haven't back for very long," I said as she let go of me. I turned. Hitsugaya was standing there behind his desk, eyes trained on something on my head. I grinned and tugged at one of the ends of the white ribbon, a small blush creeping up my face.

"Thanks... I... love it," I said. He didn't say anything, just nodded. There was a small silence in which Matsumoto mysteriously melted away into who knows where.

"Welcome back, Takamori," he said, clearing his throat. I didn't reply. But a moment later, I threw my arms around him and buried my face in his shoulder. He seemed slightly taken aback and stumbled a bit, but quickly regained his balance.

"I missed you," I said. I felt his hands wrap around me.

"Okaeri... baka," he whispered gently. I could almost hear the smirk on his face though I didn't lift my head to confirm it.

"Tadaima, Toushirou."

A/N: Awww... right? XD LOL. Ok! I'm pretty happy with this chapter! One of the few I managed to save XDD but worry not! Everything will be fine again soon! Actually, I've got almost everything sorted out from that crash. I thought I lost everything... but apparently not! A few old restoration techniques and some speed-writing and I'm almost all caught up! YAY! So, next chappie should be up soon!

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YAY! For these people! I love you guys! Now, for all you ninja readers who are silent as the grave.... raise your voices! C'mon! I want to know what you think! Any opinions, suggestions... anything! Tell me about it, whether in an email, or a PM, or a review! I look forward to hearing from everyone!

Mucho love to you all! And see you next chapter!