Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. I do however own all of the OC's in the story, unless stated otherwise.

AN: The first fight scene is up ahead. I'm not very good at writing them, so go easy on me? Also there will not be any lemons. I don't write lemons. No lemon.

Chapter 2: Love is on the Table

After nearly three days of trying to get Head Captain Yamamoto to let you use a Senkaimon to go to the world if the living, you give up and just hope that Yoruichi comes back soon. Without anything else to do, you decide to train in the 11th division grounds.

On your walk back, you think of a few girls that peak your interest and that you might have a shot with.

There is Nanao. Her crush is so blatantly obvious and she is kind of cute.

Momo Hinamori is another, but you don't think that she is over Aizen, so that option is a no go.

Rukia Kuchiki... no... her brother is scary.

Rangiku. Too much going on there.

Yorui... wait, what!? You can't think about her like that! She is a friend. A lifelong friend who you will not try to seduce no matter how hot she is.

Soi Fon... actually not a bad idea. She is dedicated, good looking, smart, and not an airhead in the slightest. Yeah she would make a great girlfriend... the only problem is she only likes Yoruichi.

Still contemplating, you arrive at your barracks and push the thought to the back if your mind. You quickly change and head to the grounds behind your barracks.

A few of the newer members are just sitting in the stands and catch sight of you. They immediately stop their talking and watch in earnest as their 4th seat starts training.

You take a deep breath and calk forth your zanpakuto.

"Shi no Dansu, I need a sparing partner. Could you please lend me your time." Your blade glows faintly. Shi no Dansu appears in front of you. You can hear one guy laughing in the background, apparently at your zanpakuto.

Shi no Dansu looks up at him while holding her sword

"I challenge you!" Her voice squeaked. You smirk slightly. You know she is just putting up a front. The guy snorts and makes his way down to the field.

As he is walking, you lean over and whisper to your zanpakuto. "Just don't kill him, ok? Captain Zaraki wouldn't be too pleased." She just nods in agreement.

"Lets begin you little brat."

She slowly walks up to him, the sword dragging along the ground behind her.

"You don't know who I am do you?"

"Well of course I do. Your the dumb bitch who tried to challenge the great Akitara! I will finish you in one blow."

"So you never heard of the Princess of Death?" Akitara pales at that name.

"W-w-wait! Your... the princess?" Shi no Dansu nods still walking towards the man.

"Since your new I'll let you if with a warning." She disappears and reappears behind him. "You might get out in two weeks if you heal fast." And with that, she proceeded to stab the man six times. You swore she only cut him twice though.

Akitara, who is bleeding on the ground now, is slowly trying to crawl away from her. She jumps and promptly lands on his chest in a sitting position.

She leans in close to his face and whispers, "Oh, and if you call me a bitch again, I will cut your freaking balls off and feed them to you through a straw." She then steps off of him and smiles. "Now have a nice day Aki-chan!"

With that, the man promptly passes out, leaving his friends to drag him to the 4th division for treatment.

You stifle a small laugh as the terrified group of men run sway as fast as they can while holding their friend.

You turn to Shi no Dansu. "I am ready."

"Ok. Let us begin." With that, you both rush towards each other, swords raised and ready to taste blood.

She makes the first swing, which you dodge with ease. You spin to the side and slash at her midsection, which she parrys away and swings at your neck.

It goes on like this for another hour, freeing your mind to think about Soi Fon. She was lithe, short, and all around a tiny girl. She was probably almost a foot shorter than he was. Her hair was cut short, staying just off her shoulders, with the exception of two long braids down her back, which were tied with rings. That and her commanding tone made her seem more like an adult than she looked.

You start trying to think about how you could ask her out, or at least be alone so you could get to know her better, you feel a blade plunge into your back.

You turn abruptly, to find a solemn looking Shi no Dansu staring back at you.

She growls. "Focus. If this were a real hollow battle, you would be dead and I would be gone. What has gotten into you?" She yanks the blade out of you with that last comment.

You stumble forward and catch yourself on one knee. You cough up some blood. Damn she must have hit your lung. You turn and face her, desperately trying to hold onto consciousness. "Take me to Captain Unohana, I'll explain everything there." With that you promptly pass out. The last thing you see before the world fades to black is Shi no Dansu sticking her tongue out at you, most likely in annoyance.

When you wake up, Shi no Dansu, Rukia, Nanao, and Yachiru are all around your bed.

"What are you guys doing here? It was only one stab wound, and I'm pretty sure I've had worse than that."? Each of them look at you with a different expression. Rukia is curious, Nanao is terrified, Yachiru is smiling, and your zanpakuto is indifferent. You think you see a trace of guilt on her face, but dismiss it quickly.

Nanao looks away. You raise an eyebrow in confusion. "Ok, so what's going on? You girls aren't saying anything. Do I have something on my face?" Even trying to joke with them wasn't getting you anywhere.

Rukia was the first to speak up.

"Hiroto, do you know how long you have been unconscious?" Her question was disconcerting at the very least.

"Maybe a few hours. A day at most, why?"

She was silent. You look to the others for an answer, but they were all reluctant in giving one. After some time, Shi no Dansu speaks up.

"You been unconscious for two and half weeks. It seems that when I stabbed you during our sparring session, I somehow nicked your soul. No one knows how that is even possible, even Captain Kurotsuchi doesn't have an answer yet. He speculated that it might be because I'm your zanpakuto, therefore part of your soul." A look of absolute guilt and terror replaces her stoic expression from before. "I thought I might have k-killed y-you." She started crying.

You sit up on your cot and pulled her in for a hug. "It's ok. You didn't mean to. I'm ok now." You rub her back, trying to sooth her. She ends up crying even harder.

The others decide it is time to leave you guys alone and start to leave.

"Did you girls come here for something else?"

Rukia stops. She turns around and smiles lightly. "Yes actually, my brother wanted to see you as soon as it is convenient. He understands your injurys may inhibit you did a while, so he said to take your time. He also mentioned that you should be at 100% when you come and visit."

Inwardly groaning, a meeting with Captain Kuchiki could only mean bad things for you. You guess that there will be a fight of some sort, since he requested you be at 100%.

Nanao then speaks up. "I came on behalf of the SWA. They all wanted to come, but you don't need to be bombarded with a bunch of pointless questions in your condition. We all pitched in and bought you flowers." She points to the foot of your bed, where you notice a vase full of lilies. You smile and nod with a word of thanks.

Yachiru laughs out loud. "Kenny will be so happy that Oto is alive. That means Kenny and Oto can fight some more!" You pale noticeably at her words. She just laughs again and skips out of the room, humming loudly. The other two say their goodbyes and leave as well.

After a few minutes of continuing to comfort Shi no Dansu yo a point where she is able to speak again, she looks up at you in question. You give a look, meaning 'I don't know what you mean'. She just rolls her eyes at you.

"Weren't you going to talk to me about what distracted you from our spar?" She sniffles a little bit, wiping her nose.

"Oh yeah, that's right." With that you explain your meeting with Yoruichi and everything that transpired up until the fight.

"So you like Captain Soi Fon?"

"Yes"

"And you want her to be your girlfriend?"

"Well that was what I was hoping for."

"Why don't you just tell her."

You stare at her wide eyed. "I can't do that! You know how Captain Soi Fon is. I meed yo know that she has at least some interest before I can confront her. If she doesn't and I tell her, she will probably just kick my ass for 'insolent behavior'."

"So."

"So I don't want my ass kicked."

"Your being a pu-"

"Don't use that kind of language! Who did you hear that from!"

"Yoruichi." Damn that crazy cat lady. Shi no Dansu doesn't need to learn anything from her, especially her, ah, extensive vocabulary. You sit there for another moment before Shi no Dansu talks.

"You should rest. Your not completely healed yet."

"Yeah, I guess so." She takes a step back and smiles before vanishing. You sigh and move to lay back down, when something catches your eye. A glint of silver fur is poking out from around the flowers. What could that be?

You crawl to the end of your bed and pull out a teddy bear. A silver teddy bear. You have silver hair. It has green eyes. You have green eyes. You spot a piece of folded paper on the small table where the teddy bear was sitting. You pick it up. The front says For Shi no Dansu. You just shrug, unfold the paper, and read.

This is for Shi no Dansu. Just remember that our little Oto is just a big teddy bear. Don't tell him that Aunt Yoruichi bought you a gift. He will just think I'm spoiling you.

Aunt Yoruichi

PS. It isn't nice to read other peoples things Oto. You should learn some manners... or get laid.

You stare at the letter. Damn that Yoruichi.

Three days after waking up, you are back to your duties and at full strength. You have sparred with both Ikkaku and Yumichika to make sure you don't get rusty. Shi no Dansu still refuses to spar with you, although she was very happy to receive a present from "Aunt" Yoruichi. She cuddles with it, talks to it, and even had a tea party with it. You were forced to join. She even named it. Oto Jr. She named it Oto Jr... its so embarrassing.

During your most recent visit to the SWA to assure them you was ok, Shi no Dansu materialized, bear in hand, and asked if anyone want yo have a tea party with her and Oto Jr... they haven't let you live it down so far.

Everything else seemed to be going well enough. That is, until you remembered that you had a meeting with Captain Kuchiki.

Groaning at your impending doom, you finish the last bit of paperwork for the day, and pray that he goes easy on you. After all you don't need to go back to the 4th division.

With the paperwork finished, and Yachiru was subdued with candy, you make your way to the 6th Division. No need to rush towards pain.

You turn the corner of a building and bump into someone, knocking them down and sending a small stack of papers flying.

"Hey, watch where yo- Lieutenant! I'm so sorry! Let me help with those papers!" You had bumped into Nanao. She squeaked when she hit the ground.

You immediately knelt down and hurriedly gathered up her papers. You stood and offered your hand to her to help her up. She blushed and gratefully accepted.

"Thank you."

"No, don't thank me. It was my fault for daydreaming." She straightens her hakama, and glances at me curiously.

"You are heading to Captain Kuchiku aren't you?"

"I was."

"What do you mean?"

"It is my fault that you dropped your papers, it is only fair that I carry them for you." She blushes a nit harder this time.

"I couldn't ask you to do that. You might be late for your meeting with Captain Kuchiki." She reached to take the papers back, but I pulled them further away.

"I insist. Captain Kuchiki told be to come at my earliest convenience. Besides, I can't let a pretty girl carry these by herself." I winked at her. At this point she was practically swooning. She collected herself before answering.

"Well i-if you insist-"

"Which I do."

"-then I see n-no harm in letting y-you accompany me." I smiled, and we started off in the direction of her division.

Strolling down the streets of the Seireitei at a leisurely pace, Nanao and yourself received a few stares. You also happened upon Rangiku who, instead of saying hi, stared wide-eyed with her hands over her mouth and then proceed to run in the direction of the 11th Division.

A few minutes pass in silence before you break it with a question.

"Hey Nanao, do you think I'm attractive?" She stares at you, her eyes wide open in disbelief. At this point, your walk has ceased.

"W-w-well I uh..." She turns a shade of red that somewhat resembles Renji Abarai's hair color.

"Please just be honest with me. I just need to know. I... can you keep a secret?" She nods vigorously. "I... I think I might have found someone..." You say this sheepishly. After a few seconds of silence...

"...Yes."

"Yes what?" She fidgets uncomfortably and takes a deep breath.

"Yes I find you attractive."

"What about me is attractive?"

"Well... everything... your silver hair swept across your face, your deep green eyes, your good nature, your good personality, your good looks, and even the way you carry yourself. It's like a giant sign is above you all time saying 'Here I am, notice me!' It would be hard not to be attracted to you in some way."

She was looking at her feet the whole time, refusing to meet your gaze.

When she does, you are standing with a smile in your face. "Really? All of those things?" She sheepishly nods. "I didn't realize you liked me that much."

"Well I do."

"...Come on. Let's finish taking these papers to Captain Kyoraku." She just nods again and you both resume your walking. Little do you know, she is walking closer than she was before.

When you arrive, you hand her the papers. "There you go. Safe and sound." Smiling, she gratefully accepts the papers back from you.

"Thank you for your help with the papers. I hope that you don't get into trouble with Captain Kuchiki."

"Nah, I'll be fine." You shuffle nervously. Wanting to ask her something, but not knowing how to say it. She notices your discomfort and inquires about it.

"Are you ok Hiroto?"

"Um... well I... have something to ask."

"You can ask me anything. We are friends after all." You nod and think of how to words what it is you have to say.

"Would you... like to... would you like to have dinner with tomorrow night. Just as friends. There are some thing I want to talk about as well." You gave her your reply hurriedly. She stares at you for a moment before answering.

"Yeah, sure. Pick me up around 7?"

You smile at this, relieved she said yes. "No problem. Thanks Nanao,f this really means a lot." You smile and turn to head off towards Captain Kuchiki before you turn back and walk up Nanao. You grab her face firmly and pull her towards you. Kissing her cheek softly, you thank her again before flash stepping away, leaving her in a daze.

Upon Reaching the 6th division, you notice Rukia and Renji yelling at each other about something. More likely than not, Renji had probably somehow insulted Chappy the Rabbit. You roll your eyes and walk up to them.

"Hey lovebirds, do you know where Captain Kuchiki is? I was told to come to the division, but I wasn't given specific instruction."

The lovebird comment flew right over their heads. Renji spoke up first.

"Yeah the Captain is in his office." He glared at Rukia. She just glared back. You roll your eyes again, mutter a thank you, and enter the division.

Walking down a corridor after a few turns, you finally reach the Captains office. You knock twice.

"Enter." The emotionless voice of Captain Kuchiki penetrates the thin sliding door. You pull the door aside and step into his office. He waves at you, signaling to shut the door. Sliding it back into place, you step over to his desk.

He looks at you, silently asking you a question. "Sir, why, if I may ask, am I here?"

"Lieutenant Abarai will be promoted to captain at the end of the week. With his place vacant, I need a new lieutenant. If you are willing to accept, I would have you as my lieutenant."

He kept his expressionless mask on, but for yourself it was a different story. Your face went from shock, to disbelief, to confusion.

"Sir, I don't understand, why me? I can think of a few others who are more capable than I am who would be more than happy to-"

"However, I asked for you."

"But, sir-"

"What is your answer?" This wasn't what you were expecting from this visit. You expected at least a scolding or something. A promotion?! And to lieutenant at that. You could just completely bypass getting a third seat. You look at Byakuya and sigh.

"Sir, I am honored that you chose me, but I will have to respectfully decline your most generous offer."

He raised an eyebrow at me. "Why would decline more respect and money?"

"It is simply sir. The 11th division is my home. My friends live there. Really, they are more like my family than anything. To leave them for something as trivial as money would be unforgivable. That and I, unlike some others, only wish for respect from my superiors. If I was promoted I would have less superiors and therefore I would gain less respect." You let a small smile cross your face as you finish your reasoning.

Byakuya looks at you, his face as blank as could be. "I see. Well in that case, I understand why you would decline. Family comes first."

A moment of silence passes before Byakuya dismisses you. You head towards the door, but stop before opening it. You turn and face Captain Kuchiki.

"Sir?"

"What is it?"

"Did you ever date before Hisana?" Captain Kuchiki got a far away, almost pained, look in his eyes.

"...No."

"Oh... ok sir."

"Why do you ask?" You look away, embarrassed.

"I'm going on a date tonight, and I don't know what I should exactly do." You admit this, embarrassed.

"If she really does likes you, just be yourself. Everything will fall into place after that."

"Ok. Thanks Captain Kuchiki." With that, you leave the room and prepare yourself for your upcoming date.

The next day at 6pm, you were ready for your date. You were dressed up for a night out. You were also nervous. This would be your first day in nearly 50 years. Hoping that when the time comes you can do everything right.

With that, you head out of your division towards Nanao's division for your date. The shadow following you stays out of your sight the whole trip.