Loveswept
Author's Notes: hi again! This is my first try on the most complicated couple (if ever) since they are so alike in many ways – character wise… though I read a couple of short stories about them, this I hope you'll enjoy reading my story and welcome this very unique pair.
Pairing: Kuchiki Byakuya x Nanao Ise
Note:
"normal conversation"
mind thoughts
'shinigami & zanpakutou conversation' (and vice versa)
Valentine's day was fast approaching and one would not believe the busy atmosphere in Seireitei… all shops in the commercial district were adorned with festive cupid, venus, couples and heart-shaped decorations as well as novelties for sale with red, pink and white valentine themes; they even offer black themed valentine novelties for the more radical and fashion savvy clients. Even at the barracks of Gotei 13 one would feel the approaching feast day since all shinigamis (especially the ladies) were busy preparing for the "big day" itself… well except for one distinguished lady…
Nanao Ise
Not that she was being anti-social, only a few errr… few meaning one Matsumoto Rangiku was aware of Ise's gentle personality and her being a romantic at heart. At the barracks and during duty, Ise would always be business-like and no one would see her smile, nor even be friendly with her Division members. She was the epitome of formality and this was often mistaken as aloofness or worse - apathy. Even her cheery and flamboyant Kyouraku Taichou who would always tease her mercilessly never thought that his seemingly cold-hearted of a Fukutaichou was a hopeless romantic.
Men who would admire Ise from afar often backed out without even trying to be friendly with her, they expected that they would be either be scolded, or worst humiliated in front of other shinigamis should they show interest in her. Most of them thought that the word stoic was synonymous with Ise. It was with this strong belief and presumption that Ise remained a lonely, single unattached lovely shinigami, while the women around her would gush and giggle over their boyfriends or admirers.
Being a romantic, Ise also dreams of being swept off her feet by a man who would love her. Her dream of being wooed and romanced was never far from her mind, but as the fates would have it, the one person she admires and desires most would only remain a dream for her, for she felt that it would never happen in reality. Only Rangiku knew of her best friend's secret admiration to one of the strongest captains of Gotei 13… the Noble Iceman himself – Kuchiki Byakuya…
Two days before Valentine's Day, Nanao was busy preparing for their monthly vice captains' meeting. The conference room was still empty as she entered; she mentally reminded herself that she would help Rangiku later that day making chocolate candies for her best friend's longtime sweetheart, Hisagi Shūhei, Fukutaichou of the 9th Division.
Multitasking as always, Ise was busy placing the meeting's agenda on the table as well as planning on the to-do list she needs to attend the following day that she did not notice when someone entered the room. As she was about to place the document on Abarai Renji's place, she bumped into a muscular chest, the sudden impact made her lose her balance, documents were flying everywhere and as she expected to land on the floor, strong, gentle hands held her tenderly and she found herself staring at the handsome 6th Division captain's features.
He was looking at her intently, though his expression was as unreadable as always. Ise stammered "A-arigato Ku-kuchi…"
"You must be careful with your movements, Nanao Fukutaicho" Byakuya gently said.
"Is it me or am I seeing things or am I just too tired?" Ise thought as she was mesmerized with the 6th Division captain's baritone voice and his deep grey orbs gently staring at her. Wordlessly he guided her and bent to pick up the scattered documents. Seeing the noble captain pick up the documents, Ise followed suit, apologizing randomly as she was too embarrassed of being held by the man she was crushing on. Both saw the paper under the table and as she was about to retrieve it, she felt Byakuya's hand touched hers, as he was also about to pick it up.
"I… Sumimasen taichou" Ise mumbled as she took the last document.
Byakuya just nodded and quietly seated himself at his Fukutaichou's place. Since his Fukutaichou Abarai Renji was assigned in the human world with Rukia, the 6th Division Captain would always join the vice captains' meeting; informing them that part of a captain's duty was to make sure that the duties of his subordinates, especially his Fukutaichou were well taken care of.
At first Ise was bothered with the 6th Division captain's presence, since his reiatsu was too overwhelming, the first time she questioned his presence during their vice captains' meeting he snapped at her that she almost fainted. From then on she began to see his devotion to his Division and admired him for it. As the days went on, Ise would silently wish that Renji would always be assigned in the human world and looked forward to seeing Byakuya attend their meeting. Though most of the time the 6th Division captain would listen to their discussion and take notes for his Fukutaichou's reference later on; for Ise her day was complete with the sight of Byakuya at their meeting.
Loud voices snapped Ise from her reverie and she looked at the other Fukutaichous as they entered the conference room. Rangiku entered with her beau, Hisagi Shūhei and upon seeing Byakuya, Rangiku winked secretly at her best friend.
The 11th Division's rambunctious Fukutaichou Yachiru squealed with delight upon seeing Byakuya and sat beside him. Byakuya merely looked at the bubblegum haired Fukutaichou and remained silent. The meeting started and Ise was thankful that it was the 4th Division's Kotetsu Isane's turn in presiding the meeting, which gave her the opportunity to gaze secretly at her crush. Thrice during the meeting she saw Byakuya glancing at her and she kept her head low, willing herself not to blush from the heady feeling she was experiencing.
'You're blushing, oh girl you are DE-FI-NI-TE-LY blushing!' her zanpakutou teased her.
'Urusai! Are you making matters worst? HE is staring at me, ME… didn't you notice?' Ise shot back at her teasing zanpakutou
'Ohh I do, I dooo… those gorgeous deep set eyes, aquiline nose, luscious lips … that manly patrician features of his… oh what a hottie…'Her zanpakutou drawled lazily 'He's soo yummy you should have kissed him earlier since you were in his arms… tasted that lovely soft lips of his… feel his tongue….' Her zanpakutou added
'Well I'm not as perverted as you are!' Ise snapped back, irritated at her zanpakutou's suggestive remarks. She was worried that her colleagues would notice the blush rising on her face.
'Well you blew your chance girl, you and I both know that you were so close with each other that you could feel his breath… ohh heaven' her zanpakutou retorted and chuckled, knowing all too well that her master was losing her patience.
Ise was about to snap back at her zanpakutou but was sidetracked when she felt a nudge at her side, Matsumoto was looking strangely at her and whispered, "Ise-chan, you haven't answered Kuchiki Taichou's question"
"Sumimasen Taichou, could you please repeat your question?" Ise asked, her face turning red as she was caught not paying attention.
"I was asking you if you have a venue for the valentine's ball your group are planning. That's two days from now, right?" Byakuya asked
"I, ahh… errm.. yes Taichou, the valentine's ball is in two days though we are not sure if we could use the Main Hall and Ballroom since Yamamoto-Genyrūsai Soutaichou mentioned that it would be used for the Academy's valentine soiree.
"Well then you may use the manor's ballroom or the garden's if you wish." Byakuya simply said; his gaze never left hers as he was waiting for her answer.
Ise was blushing all the more and it was Rangiku who saved her, saying "Kuchiki Taichou, thank you so much! Your manor would be the perfect venue for the valentine's ball!"
"It's settled then. Nanao Fukutaichou, you may coordinate with my personal secretary Seki Yukita at the manor for the details. If you need anything, caterers or decorations, he will help you."
Byakuya replied, his gaze never left hers.
"Arigato Taichou…" was all Ise could say. She as well as the other Fukutaichous were surprised that Kuchiki Taichou would offer his manor as venue for the party, let alone assign his personal secretary to help them.
"Well then, I guess there is nothing more to discuss, meeting adjourned?" Byakuya asked. All Fukutaichous merely nodded their heads and the 6th Division captain stood from his seat and left gracefully.
This is a pretty weird day, that I can tell, Ise told herself as she was gathering her things.
'Not as weird as you… ' her zanpakutou replied and chuckled as Ise frowned.
"Ise-chan, dai joubu ka?" (are you okay?) Rangiku asked her best friend.
"Hai, I'm fine Ran-chan. So, are we going to your place later?" she asked.
Later that night at Rangiku's place…
"Ise-chan, are you sure you're okay? You look a bit pale…" Rangiku asked as she looked at her best friend who was busy whipping up cocoa mixture for the candies they were preparing.
"Yes I'm fine Ran-chan… why do you ask?" Ise wondered
"Well earlier at the meeting, it seems that you were not in your usual self… especially when Kuchiki Taichou was speaking to you… were you spacing out at that time?" Rangiku replied
"Ran-chan… I.. he…" Ise stammered
"Wha… what happened? He kissed you? You kissed him? Ayayayayay!!!!" shrieked Rangiku excitedly
"It wasn't like that silly! I bumped into him and almost fell on the floor, and he… he…" Ise mumbled
"…he caught you in time, ne?" Rangiku finished it for her, her azure eyes sparkling with glee
"Yeah…" was all Ise could say, her face blushing.
"Well that's a good start… he now notices you… hmnn… maybe that's why he could not take his eyes off you the whole time during the meeting… hmnn… this is just wonderful…." Rangiku exclaimed.
Ise saw the mischievous gleam on her best friend's eyes and was worried of what Rangiku was planning, knowing the 10th Division's Fukutaichou, she was famous for her harebrained plans though often than not it would turn out successfully. Rangiku sauntered gracefully to where Ise was standing and surveying her from head to toe like a master couturier, she was muttering to herself, making Ise all the more anxious on what the blond goddess was planning.
"Ran-chan…" she warned
"Black, definitely black… yes… tomorrow we'll go shopping!" Rangiku excitedly proclaimed
"Eh… ano… do you think we have to finish this first before going to shop around Ran-chan? I mean, these chocolate candies are for your boyfriend, right?" Ise reminded her
"Hai, hai! We will! And tomorrow, we go shopping!" Her friend declared
The following day, Ise, Rangiku and one very reluctant 10th Division captain went to the human world where Rangiku led them from one boutique to another, finding the 'perfect dress' for Ise. Toshiro was dragged along since according to Rangiku, Toshiro and Byakuya have the same demeanor and as Rangiku would put it, whatever reaction Toshiro would have on a dress would probably have the same effect on Byakuya.
All throughout their shopping expedition it was Rangiku who bought most clothes and their hands were full of shopping bags. They still have to find a dress for Ise and she was already on the verge of having a vein pop on her head since Rangiku would always comment that either the dress was too plain or too flamboyant. Toshiro on the other hand remained silent since he was already used to his Fukutaichou's shopping antics.
As they were on the 15th boutique, Ise and Toshiro were already too tired to argue with Rangiku that they merely followed the stawberry blond goddess and both flopped on the nearby sofa due to exhaustion. Rangiku then cheerfully greeted the sales clerk and gracefully sauntered on the clothes rack, looking for the perfect dress for Ise.
Ise was lazily watching her friend when a certain dress caught her attention. Slowly she stood up and went to the rack, as she held the dress she felt that it was made for her. It was a white floor length dress, with tiny swarovski crystals that seem to sparkle and the style was a Grecian type. The sales clerk saw Ise and happily assisted her. As she stepped out of the fitting room, Rangiku squealed in delight upon seeing her friend. Toshiro's expression was priceless since the child prodigy was so astounded that Rangiku saw her captain openly gawked for the first time.
"PURRRFECT!!! Kireii!!! Just perfect Ise-chan! This dress is made for you… For you!!!!"
Ise was unsure if she would purchase the dress and when she looked at her reflection on the full length mirror, her zanpakutou suddenly spoke through her mind 'Girl you look fantabulous! Buy the dress honey!'
Ise looked at Toshiro who was still gawking at her that Rangiku had to nudge her Taichou who resumed his normal icy demeanor.
"Taichou, what do you think about the dress? It's nice, ne?" Rangiku asked her captain
"I--- it looks good on you Nanao Fukutaichou…" Toshiro said, as his face turned beet red.
After paying for the dress, they purchased some accessories that would go with it such as shoes and evening bag, the three shinigamis proceeded to visit Rukia and Renji at Ichigo's place. Later on, they went to the former 12th Division captain's store/residence wherein the Gates leading to Seireitei was opened for them.
The day before the Valentine's Ball, Ise was at the Kuchicki mansion to supervise on the decorations. True to his word, Byakuya instructed his personal secretary to assist her in coordinating with the caterer as well as the florist who would be decorating the mansion's ballroom. He also suggested that since the ballroom overlooked the garden that some tables and chairs would be set up in order to accommodate other guests who prefer to dine outdoors.
Being her first time to set foot on the mansion, Ise was controlling her jaw from dropping as she admired the mansion before her. She was in awe at the simplicity and elegance of Byakuya's mansion as well as the efficiency of his household staff. While she was waiting for his personal secretary, tea was served at the receiving area and she was in awe that the house servants could move around unnoticed. Maybe they were specially trained to move around quietly and unnoticed, Ise thought to herself. Gingerly she took the tea cup and sipped while admiring the cherry blossoms outside. As she was enjoying the view, she noticed the noble captain walking towards the opposite direction, he was not wearing the usual Shinigami uniform; instead he was wearing a burgundy colored yukata, his long, ebony hair was hanging loosely, the usual Kenseikan headpiece to indicate his nobility was nowhere in sight. How handsome he looks… how I wish I could see him more today, she hoped.
'Ahhh… you are ogling your crush…' her zanpakutou chuckled, teasing her
'Arrgggghhh!! It's you again… for a zanpakutou, we are so unlike each other!' Ise snapped at her zanpakutou.
'Nani?! We are the same dahling… the only difference is that you choose to hide the real you for reasons even I would not like to know…' her zanpakutou replied 'Kyouraku Taichou is right, you should loosen up Ise-chan, or else before you know it, life has passed by and you'll end up old and lonely…. Would you wish that for yourself?'
'I… of course not…' Ise answered, and realized that her secret admiration on the 6th Division captain would remain that way until either she learn to forget him or if ever the time comes that someone would fall in love with her, which she concluded was next to impossible.
"Ohaiyo Nanao Fukutaichou, diligent as always…" a deep baritone voice interrupted Ise's thoughts.
Ise was shocked to see the Kuchiki noble standing regally in front of her, since a while back she saw him walking towards the opposite side of the mansion. Seeing him up close made her lose her breath. Did he shunpo from the other side of the manor to his room? Ohh kami, he really is so handsome, she thought as she straightened herself.
"I… ah… i…." she stammered. Byakuya was looking at her inquiringly, patiently waiting for her to speak up.
'BA----KA!!! Can't you say one sensible word woman?! The poor man is trying to figure out what you are about to say!' Her irate zanpakutou said
"I… Taichou, thank you so much for providing the venue…" Ise said, blushing.
"Betsuni… you're welcome. If you need anything please do not hesitate to request for Yuki, my personal assistant" Byakuya said gently and left the room. As if on cue, his personal secretary entered the room, cheerfully smiling at her.
"Ohaiyo Ise-chan, I am Seki Yukita, you may just call me Yuki for short, it's also the name Kuchiki-sama calls me." Yuki said. He was almost as tall as his superior, with long, blond hair and brown eyes. Though he was also good looking, he was in contrast in character with his superior who was often stoic and business like. Yuki ushered Ise in the ballroom and once they arrived she could not help but be in awe at the elegance of the place.
"Yuki-san… this place… it's very…" Ise breathlessly said
"enchanting, ne? I know… if you would observe more closely its also very regal… this is where the coronation of the Kuchiki heads are being held, as well as other family functions such as weddings and stuff… this is the first time that the place would have non-family members to use it" Yuki cheerfully said.
How very gracious of him, Ise thought. It makes me admire him all the more…
'And all the more fall deeply in love with him Ise-chan' her zanpakutou added
Ise could only follow the young man as he gave her a tour guide of the ballroom. "And for the finale… look at this Ise-chan…" Yuki said as he gave a gentle push on the sliding door. The door panels slid gently one at a time, revealing the splendid garden. It seemed that the ballroom's design was patterned with the garden's landscape. It was a perfect venue for the party.
"This is perfect Yuki-san. I think the only things that needs for this are the dining tables and chairs… having an accent floral arrangement on each table would be splendid." Ise replied.
"Yes Ise-chan, that would be a good idea since the ballroom itself is already magnificent on its own, adding more decorations would ruin instead of complement it." Yuki said then added, though the garden would be more enchanting at night if we put lamps on the trees, what do you think?"
"You're right Yuki-san, it would be perfect. You'll be coming to the ball too, yes?" Ise said, excitement running through her body
"Thank you Ise-chan… would it be too much if I bring a date?" Yuki asked
"Oh no, not at all… that would be wonderful, besides it's a valentine's party - its expected that you attend with a date" Ise replied, then thought seems its only me who would be coming to the ball without a date or an escort…
Valentine's Day and on the night of the ball, the Kuchiki mansion looked as elegant and splendid as ever. Though it was still winter, the cherry blossoms in the garden were still in full bloom, since Yuki explained to Ise that the Kuchiki gardens were protected by a special dome that regulates the cherry blossom trees to bloom all year round. The said dome was invented by the former 12th Division captain, Urahara Kisuke who custom-built the dome to be made invisible, just as Byakuya requested.
Ise was in one of the guest rooms in which Byakuya provided for her since she was supervising the caterers and crew on the table layout as well as the menu. He thought it would be wise for her to stay in the mansion so that she would not be coming to and from her house which was considerably far from the mansion. As she stood looking at the gown she was about to wear, there was a gentle knock on the door and as she opened it, three ladies of the Kuchiki staff came in, and the youngest said,
"Nanao Fukutaichou, Kuchiki-sama requested us to be your ladies-in-waiting and help you prepare for tonight's ball."
"H—huh?" Ise was so surprised that she was speechless. Ladies-in-waiting? It was like she was in a fairytale… the businesslike Nanao Ise was never pampered in her entire life and it seemed that she was in a dream. Wordlessly she merely nodded and the ladies prepared the bath for her.
At the mansion's ballroom and garden, all Shinigamis of the Gotei 13 were present, even Yamamoto-Genyrūsai Soutaichou attended along with his wife. The mood was festive and the atmosphere, romantic. As Ise was on her way to the ballroom, she saw a silhouette of a man looking through the window; the man turned and she was surprised to see Byakuya not wearing the typical formal kimono and hakama that nobles usually wear. Instead, he was wearing an all black ensemble; black jacket over a black satin shirt and black trousers. His hair was worn loose; the usual Kenseikan was not in place.
He really is gorgeous… Ise thought to herself, admiring Byakuya from where she stood. Not wanting to be seen and desiring to watch him longer, she stepped back and did not notice that she hit a stand of an accent vase. She yelped in surprise and was in shock as she saw the vase plunging to the floor. Quickly she grabbed the falling vase, tripping herself in the process. She twisted her body in the hopes of cushioning the vase as she expected her back to hit the hard floor but was surprised to be in the arms of a very muscular man. Clutching the vase in her arms, she shyly looked at her 'savior' and was speechless when her gaze locked into dark grey orbs.
"I'd rather have you safe in my arms than have an intact vase and a broken Fukutaichou's back, Nanao-san." Byakuya softly said.
"G- gomenasai Taichou… ahh…" was all Ise could say, as she was mesmerized by Byakuya's nearness and his heavenly scent of bergamot and cherry blossoms surrounded her.
This time Byakuya chuckled which made Ise all the more embarrassed and she chose to look at the vase instead. Gently Byakuya took the vase from her and placed it on the stand. Ise was enthralled upon seeing the 6th Division and Iceman of Gotei 13 smile at her and she was surprised as he took her hand gently and kissed it.
"T- Taichou…" Ise stammered, she could not believe what was unfolding before her.
Byakuya was still smiling at her and embraced her tenderly. Gently he lifted her chin and kissed her, his lips caressed hers teasingly. Her hands touched his shoulders and gently he took one hand and held it with his as he deepened the kiss. For the first time in her life, Ise let go of her feelings and responded lovingly to his kisses, her arms wounding around him as she kissed him passionately.
'WHOOOOPEEEEEE! Way to go girl!!! That's my Ise!' Her zanpakutou cheered and a smile curved on Ise's lips as she felt giddy being in Byakuya's arms. He felt her smiling and gently looked at her, his eyes shining with happiness.
"You look all the more lovely when you smile Ise-chan…" he said.
She smiled at his remark and replied, "its because you swept me off my feet…"
Byakuya chuckled at her remark and holding to his embrace, he said, "I guess its time for us to celebrate Valentine 's Day together…"
"I certainly agree" she answered. And hand in hand they walked to the festivities.
oOo oOo oOo
author's notes: i know its been a while and i would like to thank those who read, reviewed, chose it as story alert, added to their favorites, added me to their favorites, its really an honor and pleasure. i hope you enjoy reading this chapter as i did enjoy writing it. till the next one :)
and for a trivia... this is the longest that i have written... its a record for me! 4000 words... yipee!
ja ne : D