Three months passed after that talk. True to prediction, every time Kensei was around whenever Shinji would get all lovey-dovey, he'd do everything in his power to interrupt or kill the mood… or he would corner me later on and demand, yet again, why I was with Shinji. Things were also becoming very strained between the two, telling me that Shinji was hearing about those episodes and was starting to reach his limit.

"Akalia!"

I turned and smiled as I saw Mashiro.

"Party at our division!" she said, pulling me that direction. I laughed and let her. "I'm so excited! It's for all the November birthdays!"

"Sounds like a real party," I agreed. Briefly I wondered if Shinji had forgotten my birthday this year on purpose… but brushed it off. Less than an hour into the party, nearly everyone was drunk, save myself and Tosen. Smiling softly, I handed the blind man his gift, making him smile softly.

"Stalked By Evil," he read, his fingers ghosting over the title. It had taken forever to translate that whole story into braille. He chuckled.

"It's a romance, action, and fantasy," I told him. "Figured since you loved to read so much, it could amuse you for a while."

He nodded.

"Thank you," he told me. I smiled and hugged him.

"Any time, my friend," I told him. "Happy birthday."

Then I walked over to my drunken friends.

"Play a game with us!" Mashiro called out to me.

"What game?" I asked.

"Truth or dare!" chorused nearly every woman in the group, making me laugh.

"All right," I conceded, having a seat nearby. "Who's starting?"

"Me!" Mashiro answered immediately. "Yoruichi! Truth or dare?"

"Dare," the goddess answered fearlessly. Mashiro grinned.

"I dare you to give old man Yama a kiss!"

"Ooo!" several of us chorused, realizing that was going to be no easy task. Yoruichi just grinned and flashed away, dragging Soifon as a witness. Moments later, they were back, Soifon so red it wasn't even funny.

"Akalia! Truth or dare?"

"Dare," I answered the goddess. She grinned.

"I dare you to give Maki Ichinose of squad eleven a hot, steamy, forget-me-not make-out!"

Several girls squealed while Shinji looked ready to murder Yoruichi. Sighing, I left to find the poor victim, taking Yoruichi herself as the witness. He was training in the squad eleven training grounds, a few of his friends with him. Chuckling to myself, I pulled my robe apart a bit, exposing my cleavage to the naked eye. Then I lightly ruffled my hair to give it a naturally sexy look. They were talking and laughing as I sauntered up, several of them making jeers and whistles when they saw me.

"Maki Ichinose?" I asked. A young man looked over at me.

"Yeah?" he asked, his eyes literally fastening to my girls. I giggled, walking right up to him, wrapping my arms around his neck, making him blush as the other guys jeered even louder, whistling at their fourth seat.

"I think a man that works as hard as you do… deserves a reward," I teased, watching his face turn red at our proximity.

"Uh…"

I giggled again.

"Hope you like it," I teased, then leaned up and kissed him hotly. His eyes flew open in shock as his blush darkened… though his hands soon gripped my waist and he kissed me back, ignoring the cat-calls of his friends for the moment. I bit his lip softly, making him gasp in surprise… and used that moment to taste him properly, taking his mouth by storm.

"Mm…" he breathed, battling my tongue for dominance, his kiss soon devouring my own, sending shivers down my spine at the dominance in it. When I pulled back, he looked down at me, his eyes unreadable, save the lust that was starting to burn in them.

"Methinks that was more rewarding for me," I teased with a wink before I turned around and walked away, leaving the guys to jeer and whistle after me… and Maki to stare at my back. Yoruichi met me at the gate, a grin on her face.

"Keep that up, you're going to have every man in the Seireitei chasing you," she teased, watching me fix my robe before we returned to the ninth. I grinned.

"One can only hope," I answered. "When dearest Rangiku grows up, she's gonna put me to shame!"

Yoruichi laughed and we walked back into the party, noting that they'd done a few truth and dares without us.

"Yay!" cheered Mashiro. "Akalia's turn!"

"Gin!" I called, making the boy look at me with a grin.

"Truth!" he told me. I laughed.

"First crush!"

Gin blushed.

"You," he answered, making several girls go "aww" and a few guys roll their eyes. I was blushing.

"Wow… flattering," I admitted, trying to laugh off my blush. The girls giggled at me and then it was Gin's turn. Thus, the game went on and on. However, Kensei and Shinji started to get downright mean with their dares towards each other. The last one they were allowed to play was where they'd entered another drinking contest, the winner getting to "keep" me that night as a prize. That had offended several people, but made most of us laugh, knowing they wouldn't remember any of this come morning. It was after that contest (that neither refused to admit defeat), that we'd all called it a night. So, Mashiro and I took the two drunk men back to the ninth's captain's quarters, since it was closest. Shortly after getting their drunk asses past the door, Mashiro got called away for cleanup. This left me with the two men my body desired most… both drunk and their eyes on me.

Abruptly, I was pulled back against Shinji's chest, as he leaned down to nuzzle my neck, making me shiver and close my eyes.

"Since neither of us won… does that mean you're still mine?" he asked, his hand loosening my robe, tossing my sash aside as the curve of my breasts showed through the opening. A sharp gasp from Kensei reminded us both he was there, his eyes glued to my girls as he licked his lips.

This is bad…

I didn't even have time to agree with Durnehviir before Shinji's hand skillfully opened the front-clasp of my bra, releasing those mounds. Kensei swallowed hard, his eyes hardening as Shinji cupped one in his hand.

"So soft, yet so firm," he said, his voice low. "Don't you wish these lovely mounds were yours?"

The biting tease from Shinji got a dark glare from Kensei, even more so when Shinji slid around me to lick my nipple and suck on it, right in front of his friend. I gasped, unable to help myself, desperately wanting to push Shinji away. A low growl was the only warning I got… before a mouth latched onto my other breast. It was like the two men were determined to out-do each other, making my mind cloud over, try as I might to make sense of all this.

W-what on earth…

Your Heat, Master! It's affecting both of them!

I shivered as their hands began to roughly explore my body.

~Well… fuck…~

The next morning, I woke slowly. My eyes didn't want to open, I was so warm, so relaxed…

And so sore.

Last night came flooding back, making my eyes snap open. In front of me lay Shinji, my body curled up at his side, my head on his shoulder. Behind me, Kensei was pressed against me intimately, his arm around my waist, his hand resting on my breast.

Oh… my… god…

If they weren't at blows before, the memories of last night will certainly bring them to that point.

I felt a panic surge through me, up until I sensed my unease starting to wake the two sleeping men. I froze, ceasing all movement. After making sure they were still sound asleep, I untangled myself slowly and carefully. Then I quickly made my way to the shower. Glancing over the mirror, I took note of every bruise, bite, and scratch that covered my body. The two had taken everything I had… and we had kept at it until almost dawn. As I washed away the sex and healed as many of my wounds as I could reach, I started to hear the two men waking.

After a few moments of silence, Shinji lost it.

"What the hell?!" he roared at Kensei. "That's MY girlfriend!"

"I'm not myself or I wouldn't have!" Kensei defended himself pathetically. "She even said so herself, that I wasn't being myself!"

That seemed to give Shinji pause.

"What do you mean?"

His voice was low, telling me that one wrong word from Kensei would mean a serious fight and possibly both of them going to the fourth division for healing.

"Look, I pulled her aside earlier to apologize for my actions a while back… but ended up not doing that at all," Kensei explained. "I don't understand what's happening… but she told me in a way that solidified the idea that SHE knew… and that she refused to tell me."

"That day after lunch," Shinji surmised, surprising me.

"So… it WAS you I sensed," Kensei said mournfully. "I—"

"Don't apologize again," Shinji cut him off. "Clearly, it is as she said and you are not at fault…"

They both sighed.

"What do we do now?" asked Kensei. "I can't deny that these actions are… are all part of that which I don't understand…"

"You… care about her…" Shinji realized, his tone telling me his heart was sinking.

"And I'm so sorry, Shinji!" Kensei said immediately, regret in his voice. "I didn't mean for it to happen!"

"When did you figure it out?" Shinji asked him.

"Seven Minutes in Heaven," Kensei answered. "I… I was both grateful and greatly irritated every time that timer ran out."

"That long?" Shinji thought aloud, his voice at a loss.

"I love her… probably as much as you do," Kensei admitted, his voice telling of his guilt. "And now… after this… I don't think I can go back to how things were, Shinji."

That's when Kensei's voice got firm.

"From this moment on, I'm competition for her affections," Kensei finished.

"Did she respond to you?" Shinji asked suddenly. "During the game, did she respond to you?"

"Yes," Kensei answered. "Ravenously."

Something clicked into place for Shinji in that instant.

"You can try to compete, but you've already lost," Shinji told Kensei firmly, letting me hear the smirk in his voice, as well as the relief. "She was in Heat… I should have known… And she told you several times already, Kensei… She CHOSE me."

Then I heard the door to the bathroom open and close, heard the door open as Shinji joined me in the shower. He kissed my shoulder and rubbed my arms.

"You missed a few spots," he teased, healing a few things I couldn't reach on my back.

"Sorry I didn't warn you before," I said softly, looking up into his eyes. He smiled softly and kissed me.

"Nothing to apologize for," he assured me. "How often does this heat hit?"

I blushed.

"Four times a year," I answered, relaxing in his embrace, leaning my head in his shoulder, my lips softly caressing his neck.

"How much… did you hear?" he asked. I chuckled.

"All of it," I answered.

"Then you know how he feels…"

Shinji did not sound happy about that, even concerned. I leaned my head up and looked at him, cupping his cheek softly.

"Shinji… I choose you," I reminded him. "It doesn't matter how many others fall head-over-heels for me, there will only be one man I want. That will never change."

He relaxed considerably and hugged me tightly.

"Good," he told me softly. "Next time you're going into heat, tell me. I'll keep you away from compromising situations."

I chuckled and kissed him.

"Gladly, sweetness," I answered, feeling him smile against my lips. "I love you, Shinji Hirako."

And he kissed me, his hands sliding down my back soothingly. I smiled and kissed him back. It was the second time I had ever told him that straight out. After so many fun dates, parties, dinners, all the hot and glorious sex… I finally decided to tell him how I felt.

"I love you, too," he told me after he broke away, those beautiful chocolate eyes looking down into mine, making my body warm at the love in them. I kissed him softly, then pulled back and began healing his marks, though my mind wandered at the very dark mark on his neck while I silently continued to heal him. That mark… I had nearly lost myself last night, had nearly claimed what I could not really claim to be mine…

"Akalia… I don't want to push you… but can you tell me a bit more about yourself?" he asked softly. "I… I don't expect everything… but—"

I placed my finger to his lips.

"I'll tell you what I can," I answered him. "And I'm afraid that will still leave a lot unspoken. I don't tell you to keep you safe… When I don't have to worry anymore… I'll tell you everything."

His eyes gentled, telling me he accepted those terms.

"My name isn't Akalia Sapphirano," I began. "I was given that name by the hollow that raised Kit and I for four hundred years in Hueco Mundo. We were attacked one day by a legion of warriors, all Vasto Lordes. They worked for an enemy of my father's… and were there for a single purpose, to kill me, just to reach him. The hollow that raised me used the last of his strength, just before he died, to send Kit and I to the living world, to safety. He told me to never return to Hueco Mundo… for he wouldn't be there to save me next time."

I let that sink in, knowing I had created more questions than answers.

"My name… is never to be spoken when we are not alone, Shinji," I warned him. "There are those, both here in the soul society and in Hueco Mundo that know it well… and would not hesitate to eradicate me, first chance they got."

That disturbed him, making him realize just how precarious my position was.

"Vasilysa," I told him softly. "Vasilysa Moreadthiel Amalthia Dragomir. That is my name."

His eyes warmed again.

"Vasilysa," he repeated softly, rolling it across his tongue. "It's perfect…"

Then he kissed me tenderly. I smiled softly and kissed him back, letting my fingers run through his hair softly.

"We should finish this shower so we can get to work on time," I reminded him, my voice telling him just how much I loathed having to do that. He chuckled and I grabbed the shampoo, working it into his hair. His eyes never stopped watching me as I did so.

"Can I call you Vas in public?" he asked softly. I chuckled.

"That should be fine," I answered softly.

"I don't want to call you by an untrue name," he explained needlessly. I put my fingers to his lips.

"I told you it was fine," I said softly, smiling. "But only from you. If anyone else tries to call me that, feel free to backhand them."

That made him grin.

"With immense pleasure," he assured me, making me laugh.

Nine months passed quickly. Kensei made good on his word to Shinji, openly pursuing me now, much to his and Sosuke's annoyance. Granted, Kensei never said those three little words and wasn't overly affectionate, but that was just the way he was. He would steal kisses every chance he got, making Shinji yell and me turn red. I didn't even bother to slap him for them anymore. I knew it would do no good… and I think he was starting to enjoy me hitting him.

I had very quickly told Jushiro what had transpired and about how much I'd been able to bring myself to tell Shinji. Everyone had noticed how Shinji and I seemed even closer than ever… and the new nickname only he was allowed to call me. A few others only made the mistake of trying once. Either Shinji or I would deck them for it and make it clear that it was not okay.

Kouga had told me that I was starting to glow more, my soul so bright with happiness that it was a wonder I wasn't a neon sign. So, I'd told him the rest of my secrets, letting him in on all of them. He reacted just as Jushiro had, making me really happy to have such wonderful friends. However, Kouga recommended that I finally tell Shinji about him… so I promised I would soon… that I might even go as far as to bring him there with me next time. Kouga had told me that would be best. So… I waited for two weeks.

I waited on pins and needles for Shinji to come home. I'd convinced him to move in with me about four days ago. After two days of unpacking, this house started to feel like a real home. Tonight… tonight I would show Shinji the last secret I could safely tell him. Durnehviir and Jushiro had worked with me hard for the past two weeks so I could pull someone else into my Soul Room. I was pacing, I was so nervous.

He's here.

Durnehviir's announcement made me even more nervous.

"I'm home!" Shinji called out.

"Up here, love," I called back. I was sure he could hear the nerves in my voice. Sure enough, I knew he'd flashed to the door as he quickly walked through it, seeing me sitting on my bed, Durnehviir in my lap.

"What's wrong?" he asked softly. I gave him a soft smile and patted the bed in front of me.

"I… I need to show you something," I told him. "You will have to meditate with Durnehviir and I to see it."

"Okay," he said simply, getting comfortable. He shrugged off his haori and his uniform, pulling on a soft, silk set of sleep-pants. Then he sat cross-legged in front of me. Wordlessly, I handed him my zanpakuto.

"Concentrate," I told him. "I'll see you there."

He nodded and closed his eyes. Once I felt a shift within myself, I knew Shinji was there. With a deep breath, I pulled my conscious inside myself. In moments, I opened my eyes to see Shinji and Durnehviir observing each other with their own eyes. Both looked equally perplexed.

"This is who you chose, Master?" Durnehviir asked me, his disdain clear in his voice. "He's barely a twig! The moment you release your instincts on this boy, you'll snap him in two!"

I flushed.

"You zanpakuto is rather unnerving," Shinji told me, taking note of every feature on the enormous, decaying dragon. I chuckled lightly at them both.

"This way, love," I told Shinji, taking his hand in mine. Almost immediately, he froze in shock, looking at me with wide eyes.

"Y-you're glowing!" he stuttered out. Even Durnehviir was surprised.

"I've seen you glow, but not this brightly," the great dragon observed. "Master… you truly HAVE chosen this boy… haven't you?"

I nodded with a soft smile and turned to Shinji.

"The more a soul like mine loves another, the brighter we glow when near the one we love," I told him. "There's a reason I don't visit here right after we've… yeah… It would be like looking at a star, too bright and beautiful."

Slowly, he managed to absorb that and let me lead him to the wall. There he saw the door.

"W-what's this?" he asked, getting tense. I tensed as well, releasing his hand and rubbing my arm softly.

"It's… one of my remaining secrets," I told him. "I… I wasn't sure how to tell you this one… so I let him decide how to tell you."

"Wait… him?" he repeated, his voice getting a worried, but jealous tint to it. I got even more nervous and my hand froze centimeters from the knob. I just couldn't steel myself enough to open it. Doubt began to assault me, filling me with pure unease.

"Master, stop that," Durnehviir scolded gently. As if agreeing with him, Shinji's hand covered my own, pressing my shaking hand to the knob. Slowly, he turned it… and the door creaked open. After we stepped through, he was surprised to see we were back in the bedroom, Durnehviir in his lap… and then he tensed, realizing we were not alone.

"You nearly backed out, didn't you?"

I flushed, but nodded, watching Shinji's head snap over to look at someone he thought was dead.

"Kuchiki!"

"Hirako," Kouga greeted, his eyes soft, but alert. Shinji's eyes went to me immediately, demanding answers for what he was seeing.

"This is indeed the very Kouga that was said to have been killed all those months ago," I began explaining quickly. "It was after I first set foot here that I realized this door was here. Ada, my grandfather, made this door here. He linked Kouga and I's souls… until the day he is freed from his imprisoned state. It will disappear after that."

"Since your first night at this home… That's what you meant when you told Gin Kouga wasn't dead."

I looked at him in surprise.

"You followed me?!"

Shinji frowned at me.

"I noticed you'd tensed when I'd mentioned going to Hueco Mundo," he revealed. "I was worried, hoping you'd mention why… but you only gave cryptic answers."

I looked at my lap in complete shock.

"Told you," Kouga teased, making me shoot him a dirty look and chuck Durnehviir at him. He chuckled and caught it, setting it aside. Seeing Shinji's look, Kouga smiled softly. "She told me she thought only Gin and Sosuke had noticed. I told her she was a fool to think her own captain hadn't."

I blushed again and refused to look at either of them. However, Kouga got up and walked over, placing his hand on my shoulder.

"I'm gonna go," he told me softly. "See you in two weeks."

"B-but Kouga—"

"I'll be fine," he assured me, then vanished in front of our very eyes. I sighed and looked over at Shinji. He was still struggling to absorb this.

"Two weeks?" he asked softly.

"Ada only allows us to visit twice a month," I answered.

"Then… all those mornings I woke alone…"

"I came back here to see him those nights. I keep him here as long as I can so he can get some freedom from the constant darkness of his prison."

Silence fell like a blanket, a heavy, constricting blanket.

"Do you still love him?" he asked, his voice so quiet that I barely heard him.

"I did… at first… but not anymore," I answered softly. "I gave my heart completely to you, Shinji. He has no claim on it, hasn't since the first month after that door first appeared."

That surprised Shinji.

"You… you've loved me… that long?" he asked. I nodded, my eyes meeting his.

"I'm gonna go get some tea," I said softly. "Take the time to sort your thoughts."

Then I left the room, shutting the door quietly behind me. As I walked down the hall, I saw Rangiku and Gin on the couch, talking and laughing as they played a board game. It made me smile.

"Need anything to eat or drink?" I asked softly. Immediately, I got two glowing smiles.

"No thanks," they chorused, making me chuckle and walk on down to the kitchen. There, I started warming some water on the stove. After a few moments, I just leaned on the counter, my thoughts in disarray again.

Once more, I'd given Shinji a lot to think about… and more questions than answers…

A slight pang rang through my heart.

~Will I never be able to remove all these secrets between us? ~

I heard Durnehviir sigh.

Not until you are certain he will be safe will you feel truly capable of telling him everything. You love him, dearly. That will have to be enough for now.

I sighed again and forced my depressive thoughts away. They weren't really helping.

Master… listen.

So, I took a seat and waited.

*What is she hiding that she so fears to tell me? Would it really endanger me? *

I was shocked. Shinji was talking to Durnehviir!

Krosis. I cannot answer you clearly. The most I can tell you is that, what she hides from you yet, explains all the questions that burn within you as well as many that you do not realize exist yet. She knows well that, in your current position as a member of the thirteen court guard squads, you are bound under oath to do your duty, no matter the cost. As such, she does not wish to put you in a position that would, most likely, cause you to betray your oaths in their entirety and label yourself as a traitor. She took a great risk in telling all to Jushiro, yes, but nowhere near the risk she would take in telling you.

Durnehviir paused, making sure Shinji felt a wave of gentle comfort.

It is you… she cannot bear to lose. It is YOU that she loves and fears most. It is YOU that holds her very existence in your hands. I wish I could clarify that statement, but I cannot. Shinji, the world will learn the truth, if her vision comes true.

*Her vision…the one she told me about? *

Silently, I pleaded with Durnehviir not to tell him, but I knew he would anyway.

Shinji… It was you she saw conscious in that vision. Around you, suffering, lay Rose, Love, Kensei, Hiyori, Mashiro, Lisa, and one other she does not know.

Shinji seemed shocked into silence.

It is YOU she is determined to get stronger to protect. It is YOU she loves enough to put her own life at risk to change the future. My master's visions can only be stopped by great, personal cost. And… if this one is not prevented, you will all die… and her heart will be lost. Everyone will learn the truth that day. People like my Master can only truly love once, can only give their heart away once… and it is binding. A broken heart is easy for a soul to mend… but not one like her. The dark blood she carries will consume her… and she will be slain for the safety of all others. The day you die… so shall my Master.

I was shaking, cursing Durnehviir for having said too much. The whistle of the kettle pulled my attention back to the present, but I knew I would still hear all that was said. I walked over and pulled it off the burner, preparing the pot. I put in three bags and then poured in the water. The silence was telling me that Shinji was struggling to absorb all of this.

"Bye, Akalia!" called Rangiku as I walked by with the tray. "We'll be gone for supper so don't wait up!"

I chuckled and waved her away, then continued on towards the bedroom. When I entered, Shinji was staring out the window, Durnehviir back in the corner. His expression was deeply troubled. Softly, I set the tray down and walked over to him.

"Shinji?" I asked softly, concerned. Wordlessly, he pulled me into his arms and just held me. Silently, I wrapped my arms around him and just held him back. I hoped this would soothe him in some form. I did so dearly love him…

"I love you," he told me softly, tilting my face up to kiss me softly, gently. I kissed him back.

"I love you, too," I answered, and we fell silent, just holding one another, both of us lost in our thoughts.

It was about two weeks later that I learned of Kisuke's promotion to Captain. I had eagerly congratulated him, making the poor boy blush twice at the attention I was basking him in. Hiyori was, understandably, less enthusiastic about it. In fact, Kisuke was often nursing new bruises and bandages due to her childish and abusive behavior. Shinji had spoken to Kisuke about Hiyori, explaining her behavior and giving him tips on how to act as a Captain, remarking that Kisuke was too nervous and uncertain.

Shinji never again asked me if I'd ever seen more when I'd jerk awake, my vision ruining my peaceful night. He would only hold me as I cried, comfort me as best he could. Every time, I would struggle to get more information… and be denied time and time again. It was starting to vex me, truly vex me. I wanted him to be safe… to live…

Kensei had backed off a lot since Shinji had started living with me. It was like he had finally accepted that he had lost. That made a lot of our friends breathe a little easier, knowing the two were done fighting now. It also lessened tensions between Mashiro and I. Everyone knew Mashiro had always had a thing for her Captain, something I recalled teasing them both about a lot… and now got to do again.

Shinji had asked to have my visitation with Kouga to himself last night, so I had stayed in the Captain's quarters that night… and had woken up with Shinji's arms around me as he grumbled for me to turn off the damned alarm clock. It had warmed my heart greatly to wake with him there, knowing that meant the visit had gone well… and that Shinji was not getting driven away from me.

At the moment, the four of us were in the office. Shinji and Sosuke were doing paperwork. Gin and I were dancing to the jazz playing, making me laugh every time he stepped on my foot. It amused me to no end, especially learning that he was only learning because he wanted to be able to dance when the next festival came. I had giggled and consented to teach him. Shinji would, occasionally, change the type of jazz so he could learn several different types of dances. At one point, Sosuke had even put on a salsa, making me laugh, but teach Gin that too.

"Where did you learn to dance?" Shinji asked, watching me dance with Gin. I chuckled.

"Kouga taught me," I answered. "When Sosuke agreed to be my date for the festival, I realized, to my embarrassment, that I had no idea how to dance… so he and his wife taught me."

"You didn't know how to dance… before our date?" Sosuke clarified. I shook my head with a glowing smile, giggling again when Gin miss-stepped onto my foot again. He blushed and righted himself quickly, muttering yet another apology that I waved off.

"Be glad you're not the one teaching me," I told Gin. "Poor Kouga… I was wearing stilettos…"

That made all three men wince, imagining that. I giggled again and continued to dance.

"Miss Kuchiki?"

I paused and looked to the door.

"Lord Ginrei would like a word," the stranger said. I smiled softly and released Gin.

"We'll continue this later," I assured him, then took my leave, flashing to the sixth office. There, I knocked softly on the door and entered.

"Welcome back, my child," he greeted warmly. "I apologize that I haven't checked in with you more… but it would seem that you do not need me to. You have made many friends, my child."

I chuckled and accepted the tea, taking a seat on the couch.

"It's been wonderful," I agreed.

"Are you liking the fifth division?" he asked. I nodded immediately.

"I love it," I answered. "My friends are all there, as is the love of my life… I could not ask for more."

He smiled softly.

"I have called you here because there will be a grand party, a wedding of two clans," he explained. "You will need to be there and with a date. I assume you're intending to take Captain Hirako?"

I nodded.

"Then do tell him that it starts this Friday at seven o'clock," he told me. "Tell him he has to wear an actual kimono, not his usual captain's garb… and tell him to do something with that hair of his."

I giggled and nodded, then took my leave, heading back to the office.

"What was that about?" Shinji asked. I giggled again.

"Friday at seven o'clock, you and I have somewhere to be," I told him, grinning. He began to grin back.

"Oh?" he asked playfully. "Is that so?"

"It's a wedding," I answered. "Ginrei said you're to wear an actual kimono and you're supposed to 'do something with that hair of his'."

Shinji flushed immediately, running a hand through his hair.

"What's wrong with my hair?" he asked. I giggled.

"As far as I'm concerned, nothing," I answered. "Ginrei means for you to pull it out of your face, to be a bit more presentable."

I shrugged.

"It'll take twenty seconds," I pointed out. "Not a big deal… or I can have Sosuke shave it again while you sleep."

My teasing got an immediate flush from Shinji as he glared at me.

"DON'T YOU DARE!"

I laughed heartily, sitting down on the couch so I wouldn't fall down, I was laughing so hard.

"Don't you need to shop for a new kimono for this wedding?" Sosuke asked, getting my attention after I'd finally managed to stop laughing.

"Yes," I answered. "But I have no taste, or so I've been told. I think I might have to ask Shunsui or Jushiro to help me."

"Shunsui?!"

All three boys looked at me like I'd grown three heads.

"Do you want to be presentable or look like a whore?" Shinji demanded. "Ask Jushiro LONG before you even consider Shunsui!"

I giggled, choosing not to mention that Shunsui had helped choose most of my wardrobe over the past two years.

"And you'll need to get one as well, Captain," Sosuke pointed out.

"Guess I know what we're doing after work," I teased, then dialed Jushiro. After a few rings, he picked up.

"Yes?" he asked. "Oh! It's you, Akalia. What can I do for you?"

"I could use your help again," I answered. "Shinji and I need proper attire for a nobles' wedding."

"Ah," Jushiro replied. "Then you ARE attending the union between the Yamamoto clan and the Kira clan?"

I smiled.

"Seems so," I answered.

"How about I come get the two of you after work and we can go shopping from there?" he suggested. I smiled softly. "I'll have Shunsui help again, since he knows what clothes work best for you after all these years."

That got three incredulous looks, making me giggle.

"Sounds great," I answered. "See you at five."

Then we hung up.

"Like I said, guess we know what we're doing tonight," I teased Shinji.

Well, this chapter is a few more answers... and a few more questions. I hope my dear readers are enjoying this tale as much as I'm enjoying writing it. Forewarning, as this progresses, there will be even more time skips. I do apologize for how rushed it may seem at times, but I promise it will be worth it. Just hang on, my dear readers, and you will finally have all the answers you seek.

Viper-Sindel