Chapter Fourteen
Private Hanger
Tokyo International Airport
As Len watched with wide eyes at the absurd scene unfold in front of her and could not help to groan at the crazy spectacle. 'Only Dean and Lily would this happen too.' Len thought.
Len didn't even have to look at Captain Kuchiki to know what he was thinking, she could almost feel the haughty attitude emanating from Captain Kuchiki.
'Agility and professionalism, yes I can see that.' Byakuya sarcastically stated quietly.
Len squeezed her fists to keep herself from retorting back. It would not help matters by engaging him in an argument. She was mortified enough, but looking at the smiles on Captain Kyoraku and Captain Ukitake's faces eased the embarrassment.
'Dean, Lily! Please remember your manners.' Sam called out as he apologized to the women Dean fell into. As he finished and looked across he was glad to see they had stopped arguing and were trying to regain some the dignity they had lost in this squabble.
Len closed her eyes for a moment as she heard the rest of her group come to stand behind her. She took a moment to take in a deep breath before trying to fix this distressing situation. She opened her eyes and looked behind her, and was happy to see they were all standing in line for introductions.
Len kept herself from looking at Captain Kuchiki, she so did not need to see the patronizing expression. Focusing on the two men that she felt an immediate camaraderie with, she began her introduction.
'Captain Kyoraku, Captain Ukitake, please accept my apologies on behalf of the Winchester Organization on this whole debacle.' Len bowed deeply, the others with her doing the same.
'Oh, Selene-sama. No need to apologize. I do not mean to offend you, but I must say that this is the most enjoyment I have had since coming to the real world.' Shunsui smiled with amusement in his eyes.
'Please, if you can see pass this fiasco and laugh, believe me I am not offended. I know that some members of the Winchester Organization did not make a good impression, but believe me that when it comes to doing their jobs, they are the best. Now, let me introduce them.' Len turned and motioned for her group over. Lily being in the lead.
'This is Lady Lilyanna Blackthorne. She will be working with me as liaison with both the Winchester Organization, the Japanese Ministry and Soul Society.' Len gestured to Lily as she bowed.
'These are my cousins, the Hon. Dean and his brother Hon. Samuel Winchester, sons of John Winchester, whom I believe some of your people have already met.' nodding to the two young men bowing deeply.
'I have to honor of introducing Benjamin Parker, Walter Hawkins, Jonah Butterfield, Nick Pennington, Jacob Bluebell and Phillip Ashcroft. They have been with the Winchester Organization for over 15 years and are some of the best demon hunters we have.' Len proudly stated gesturing to the 6 men behind her, who bowed in respect.
'It is an honor to meet all of you. On behalf of Soul Society. I would like to welcome you all and to extend our appreciation on coming to help us.' Juushiro smiled.
Len turned, 'Everyone, this is Captain Kyoraku and Captain Ukitake.' acknowledging the man with pink waistcoat and his companion with the long white hair.
'This is also Captain Hitsugaya and Captain Kuchiki. I understand that they will be leading the squad who will be protecting us while we are here.' gesturing to the younger man also with white hair and the attractive long black-haired man both of their eyes held a coldness and slight disdain.
'Excuse me, Captain Ukitake. I know Len has apologized for us. But, please I ask for your forgiveness for my actions.' Lily said.
'Umm, I would like to say sorry too.' Dean apologized, his discomfort showing.
'No need for apologies. We all have had an incident that doesn't reveal us in good light.' Juushiro said. 'Now let me introduce you to the rest of our company and then we can travel to the residence where we will be staying for the week here in the real world.' he informed them while gesturing for the soul reapers to line up.
'Beginning from the right side, this is Kurosaki Ichigo, he is vice-captain of the 2nd Division' Juushiro gestured to the young man with bright orange-hair. 'Next to him is second in command to Captain Kuchiki of the 6th Division, Abarai Renji.' Pointing to the man with bright crimson hair and the oddest tattoo or eyebrows that they had ever seen. Indicating a man with short-blond hair, who had such a sad expression, 'this is Kira Izuru, vice-captain of 3rd Division and next to him is Hisagi Shuuhei, and he is the 9th Division vice-captain.' Gesturing to a man with short, dark hair, who had a 69 tattoo on his upper right cheek. 'And last on this side, is Yamada Hanataro, he is 7th seat of the 4th Division.' Pointing to a small, slim man that look uncomfortable and scared.
As Juushiro finished his introduction, all of the men bowed deeply to the Winchester group. 'Now on the left. I will start with Matsumoto Rangiku, she is second-in-command to Captain Hitsugaya, whom some of you have met quite closely.' Juushiro teased looking at Dean with a smirk. 'Standing next to her is Ootori Hitomi, vice-captain of the 5th Division.' Waving slightly to the beautiful woman with deep blue-green eyes. 'Now, next to her is my second-in-command, Kuchiki Rukia,' smiling at the short-black haired, petite woman. 'The last two men are Madarame Ikkaku and Ayasegawa Yumichika, they are the 3rd and 5th seat of the 11th Division,' gesturing to a bald-headed man and another with a bob-cut hair style.
'I believe everyone heard the introductions. While at the residence we will share in your protection. On those occasions that you will need to leave, you will be protected by either one or two of us. We will go into details once we get to our destination.'
Len and Lily shared an understanding look as they gazed over the group that was just introduced. They agreed that all of the men, in one way or another were very attractive. Who would have thought that Japan had so many good looking men? Len took the lead.
'On behalf of the Winchester Organization we are honored to be here and want to give you our reassurance that we will do all that is in our power to aid you in your time of need.'
'And on behalf of Soul Society we thank you for all your assistance.' Juushiro smiled at the two beautiful women and gestured to the cars. 'Shall we go?' Juushiro offered his arm to Len, while Shunsui did the same to Lilyanna.
'I want to thank you Fujimoto-san and Hirata-san for all your assistance. Butterfield-san and Pennington-san will be staying behind to help unload our luggage and equipment. Please extend your assistance to them. I would really appreciate. 'Len flashed them a beautiful smile. Both men were stunned for a moment before bowing deeply.
Len then turned and smiled at the attractive and friendly soul reaper captain. 'Please, lead the way and I shall follow.'
Byakuya frowned as he fought hard to keep his breathing even at the smile that woman flashed at Juushiro. He would not be attracted to her. Despite her beauty, he did not have time for this foolishness. There were more important matters going on in Soul Society, in his own clan that needed his attention, he did not have time to think about this woman. He looks fiercely at her as she passed him.
As Len passed Captain Kuchiki she took a quick glance and could not help but grimace when she noticed his glare. He really did not like her. Len thought turning away quickly before he noticed her looking at him. Her arm instinctively tightened on Juushiro's arm as if afraid.
Feeling Len's hand tighten on his arm, Juushiro placed his free hand on top of hers squeezing it in return, waiting for Len to look at him, he smiled as if to reassure her. Without much thought he kept his hand over hers as he walked her to the car.
Len was startled a bit when she felt Juushiro cover her hand with his and looked up at him. Seeing the bright and friendly smile he flashed at her, she could feel her heartbeat quicken a bit. Smiling in return she decided not to complain about the familiarity that he was showing her.
Byakuya's tightened his eyes in irritation when he noticed Juushiro hand cover Len's, as if comforting her. Even though he did not want too, he could feel a tinge of jealousy run through him. Disliking the feeling, he was not mood to sit in a car with them and watch Juushiro fawn over her. 'I will stay and watch over the Winchester Organization men and supervise the transfer of their equipment.'
Juushiro gave Byakuya a surprised look. It was not often that Byakuya would take on a menial task as watching over strangers and equipment. 'Umm, that would not be necessary, Byakuya. We can leave that to Kira and Hisagi. If it's required, perhaps Abarai and Kurosaki can remain behind as well.'
Byakuya raised his eyebrow as if asking Juushiro if he was questioning his decision. Pointing to the crates being unloaded from the plane. 'I believe that these crates contain the equipment that the Winchester Organization will need to complete their mission. So I don't consider it menial to ensure that it is kept safe as well as their men. And it is not necessary to have four vice-captains stay. I can do this alone. You will have majority of the group, it would be best that you keep most of the protection squad. In case you are attacked by Aizen's force. '
As Len listened to the conversation, her body stiffened and she could not help the feeling of hurt that ran through her. She could not understand the instant dislike that Captain Kuchiki seems to have for her. So much that he didn't even want to ride in the same car with her. Usually people liked her and she didn't think that she had really offended him. Well, she wasn't here to have this man like her, she had more important things to worry about, than whether or not an arrogant, egotistical man wanted her company.
'Lady Len, if I have your permission. I will be staying behind with Butterfield and Pennington. You know how they are if they are not supervised. They'd probably prank each other and a crate would either be left behind or damaged.' Parker said trying to distract Len. He had known her since she was little, so he knew when she was troubled. Something was bothering her and that black long-haired man with the cold eyes played a part in it.
Len turned to look into the eyes of the one of the men who help raise her and knew that he discerned she was bothered. She flashed him a smile and looked at Walter Hawkins. 'If Uncle Hawk agrees you have my permission.'
The two trusted friends of Lord Harry shared a look. 'That will be fine. Just make sure those two don't pull you into their practical jokes. You know how they get.' Hawkins answered pointing to the two men, who just shrugged their shoulders in pretend innocence.
Len laughed lightly. 'Alright, you may stay. But, keep them in line. I really can't put up with another embarrassment.'
'Oh, Lady Len. You don't have to worry about us. Compared to Master Dean, we are nowhere near his league for embarrassing moments.' Pennington joked.
'Anyway all the pretty lassies are going with you. So, there is no chance that we will experience the same heavenly view as Master Dean.' Butterfield teased looking at Dean whose face started to turn red and tried not to look at 'big-hooter' woman.
'Oi, Pennington, Butterfield. I think there have been more than enough awkward moments for our organization today. Let us not have another.' Parker warned the two men, who threw their hands in the air as if defeat.
'Then I leave these two in your capable and reliable hands. Try and not let them make them get into too much trouble.' Len said.
As Len and her men finished talking, Juushiro brought the conversation back to his concerns. 'Byakuya you cannot stay alone with both the equipment and three of their people. Aizen could attack here as well.'
'Are you implying Juushiro that I could not handle the riff-raff that Aizen might send?' Byakuya's voice hardens as he threw the question at Juushiro.
Looking worried Juushiro tried to answer when he was interrupted by Shunsui. 'Now, now Byakuya that is not what Juushiro was suggesting. We all know you could handle anything that Aizen may send. But, why deal with the tedious job of watching people move crates into a van, when you can have Abarai and Kurosaki or Kira and Hisagi do it. They seem more up to the unpleasant task.' Shunsui smiled.
The four vice-captains who were being discussed could not help but wondered if they were just insulted, complimented or being made of by Captain Kyoraku. With him, they could never tell.
'Fine, but it will unnecessary for all four to stay. I will keep two. You take the others with you.' Byakuya stated.
'Okay. We will leave Abarai and Kurosaki with you and have Kira and Hisagi go with us.' Juushiro agreed.
'No. I will choose the two. Abarai and Madarame will stay. You may take the rest. Kurosaki need not stay.' Byakuya corrected.
Ichigo could not help but be insulted. Byakuya did nothing to hide his dislike towards him. He looked at Rukia who only smiled.
Not wanting to argue with him, Juushiro just nodded his acceptance. Motioning for Renji and Ikkaku to remain, he waved the others towards the cars. Helping Len into the car, and then moving aside so Shunsui could help Lily into the car. Both captains turned to nod at Byakuya who raised his eyebrow in response and then turned to watch the airport staff loading the crates into the van, as the three Winchester Organization men either looked on or directed the loading.
Byakuya did have to watch the cars to know that Juushiro had gotten into the same car as her. It did not matter that they would not be alone. He knew that Shunsui, the Lily woman as well as Ryuken also got into the same car. Still the fact that she would be with Juushiro agitated him. He did not know why it did, but it did and he did not like it.
The three Winchester Organization men quietly watched the reaction of the black long-haired captain as their lady drove off with good-looking, white long-haired man. They exchanged a look and smiled at each other.
'That black-long haired captain has an interest in our lady.' Pennington stated.
'Yes, and he is fighting it with every fiber of his being. I would think that any man would be happy to get involve with our little lady.' Butterfield said.
Perhaps, but our lady has an interest in him as well.' Parker told them as the nodded in agreement.
'Hey do you think Japanese men like long hair? I mean there is nothing wrong with that, but it must be killer to wash.' Butterfield stated with a laugh.
'I would think so. Their water bill must be sky high. But, I do wonder if they can fight. Most of them are quite slight. Looks like a good strong wind could blow them away. And they look like pretty-boys, some them are just as pretty as the Japanese women.' Pennington said.
'Oh, did one of those pretty-boys catch your eye?' Butterfield teased. 'Did not know you swing that way. How long have you had that attraction?'
'Fuck you, you ass. You know I'm not into men!' Pennington glared as he started to go after him.
'Enough! We have more important things to do than worry about your sexual orientations or other men's hair. I don't want to be away from Lady Len too long.' Parker interrupted. 'You two go and make sure that the crates are loaded properly. I am going to go and talk to our pilot and give him instructions, will meet you both at the van in 10.'
'Yes sir.' Both men answered quickly and moved to the crates, still talking and pushing each other as they walked off.
Shaking his head, Parker began walking towards the plane glancing at the grey-eyed captain as he did. Nodding at him as he returned his glance. Smiling as the man just raised his eyebrow. Parker couldn't help it, but he liked the man. He may look like the pretty-boy Pennington called him, but Parker had no doubts that the man could fight. There was something about the way he held himself that indicated his fighting abilities, which hinted to the power this man had.
