(A/N: I have nothing to say)

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Tales of the Abyss

A few days later

Nebilim's pov

I was conducting experimental research on my findings on the spiritual energy deposits when Kurotsuchi walked into my quarters. "Haven't you ever heard of knocking?" I asked.

"Don't take that tone with me," he said, "After all, I'm the captain and the Head of the Department of Research and Development, I may go where I'd like."

"Where are the students you took with you on you expedition?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.

"The strangest thing happened while we were out, those patterns you had been recording in your notes turned out to be a coming and going horde of Gillian, that of which killed them all."

Bastard, he couldn't save at least one.

"However, I'm not here to discuss failed research, more or less I'm here to talk about this spirit deposit you found and the expedition you're planning to find more of them," he stated.

"What about it?" I scowled.

"I'd watch your tone if I were you Gelda," he said, "but I'm not here to discuss proper etiquette. Now then, this expedition you're planning I'd like to become involved in it."

Not on my watch, "You don't have faith in me to carry out an experiment as I see fit?" I asked turning around to face him.

"Oh I have complete faith in you, I never said anything about taking over the expedition I just wish to take part," he said politely.

Sure, I thought to myself, "And what if I said no would that be all right?"

"How rude," Mayuri said dejectedly, "Is there a problem with my being interested in your project?"

"Normally when you take interest in mine or another researchers project, it generally means you hope to stand to gain something from it, what is it you want?" I asked accusatorily.

"What to I want? I want to study the spirit deposit you already have, surely you have sufficient research on the one you already have found that there would be no harm in my examining of it during the expedition," he said.

"Fine, but on one condition," I said.

"What is it with you and negotiations, I am both the captain and the head researcher in this squad I have more than enough authority to choose to enter into any project I choose without any insolence from my subordinates," he said sternly. He then looked up and turned his palms upward before saying nonchalantly, "Of course if there's going to be an issue, I can always tell the head captain or Central 46 that the hollow attack I experienced was due to your lack of information and researching ability."

"You blackmailing two timing bastard!" I shouted.

"How rude, I'm merely stating the truth," he said casually.

Liar those reports were solid, any twit in a drunken stupor could tell there were migrating Menos in Rukongai 44 from reading my research report, that Jerk!

"I'll ask again is there a problem with my joining your expedition?" he asked.

"O-of course not sir," I submitted leaning against the terminal I was standing in front of.

"Good, then do be sure to let me know of the date so I may prepare in advance," he said and left the room.

He'll get his yet Gelda, I told myself as I stared at the floor, He'll get his yet.

A few weeks later

Vice Captain meeting quarters

Nanao's pov

"And that should be everything," I said, "Unit dismissed."

"See you all next time everyone!" Vice Captain Kusajishi said cheerfully. Everyone filed out in an orderly fashion with Sasakibe-fukutaicho taking the lead followed by Omaeda-fukutaichio. Kira and Hisagi fukutaicho left arm in arm, probably going to drinking and Rangiku-san followed closely behind them next to Kotetsu-fukutaicho. Hinamori was walking cheerfully alongside Luke-fukutaicho who had Vice Captain Kusajishi riding on his shoulder. Iba-fukutaicho followed close suit and Nemu-fukutaicho only just rose from her seat when the others had left. Surprisingly Asch-fukutaicho was still loitering about.

At the meeting today the discussion was on Head Researcher Assistant Nebilim's Expeditionary project which was scheduled to start two years, one week and three days from today. I had the date marked on the calendar seeing as I was to represent my squad seeing as Captain Kyoraku was too lazy to want to get up and do it himself. Of the 13 Squads in the Gotei 13 each one was well represented, except for Squad 6. Vice Captain Sasakibe and Captain Soifon would be supporting their respective squads. Captain Ichimaru and Vice captain Kira would be representing Squad 3. Captain Unohana and Vice Captain Kotetsu would be working together on the expedition. Squad 5 was represented by Captain Aizen, Vice Captain Hinamori said that Captain Aizen told her to stay with the squad and keep them functioning. Squad 7 was represented only because I threatened Iba-fukutaicho behind the scenes to get into it behind the scenes. Squad 9 was represented both Captain and Vice captain much like Squad 3 as was Squad 10, their 6th Seat Paruna Gina had signed up as well. 11th Squad had all of their top 11 officers including the captain joining up on the expedition, mostly they would serve as muscle and protection. 12th Division was running the project and Luke-fukutaicho, Kotetsu Kiyone, Kotsubaki Sentaro and Kuchiki Rukia would represent Squad 13.

I heard there was a big uproar when Luke talked Rukia into volunteering, Rangiku-san said that Ukitake-taicho and Kuchiki-taicho had a very terse conversation about Rukia's welfare as well as the Kuchiki Family welfare, since, from what I heard from my captain, the elder council had made it quite clear to Captain Kuchiki that the Kuchiki clan wasn't to get involved in this matter. Ukitake repeatedly assured Captain Kuchiki that Rukia would be fine saying that because she was an adopted family, and more importantly not a part of 6th Squad that her low rank would allow her to fly under the radar as though she hadn't been there at all. I always find it interesting that Captain Ukitake is the only one who can talk any sense into Captain Kuchiki over Rukia. I honestly don't by the whole "It's just because he's Rukia's superior" talk from the captain. If that was the case Luke-fukutaicho would be able to get through to Captain Kuchiki at least once or twice, but such is not the case.

As I saw Asch-fukutaicho preparing to leave I called out to him, "Asch-fukutaicho." I wanted him in on the expedition and I was going to try to convince him as such. He was the only chance 6th Squad had of being represented and I wanted this project to be cooperatively represented by each Gotei 13 squad. More importantly I still needed a partner for my post and right now Iba-fukutaicho and Aizen-taicho, Soifon-taicho and Sasakibe-fukutaicho were the only people I could be paired up with. While I had no control over whom I was paired up with I wanted the chance for me to be with Asch-fukutaicho. Ever since the first day I saw him walk into my Kido class I felt…something towards him. I don't know what it is, but I rather like Asch-fukutaicho.

Asch-fukutaicho turned in my direction, "Hm, you don't have to be so formal," he said "We are the same rank after all."

I felt so embarrassed, "I-I'm sorry it's just that with you being Captain Kuchiki's subordinate and given your roots I felt it would only be respectful," damn it this isn't like me at all? I was speaking as I picked at the spirals of my notebook, "How do you wish to be addressed from now on?"

"Just Asch is fine," he answered, "It's bad enough the dreck and I have the same surname and it's not all that appealing to have fukutaicho tacked onto the end of my name by a member of equal rank."

"I see so um," I was starting to find the floor interesting before I quickly snapped my head up, "Wh-why didn't you volunteer for the expedition?"

"I would rather not have anything to do with 12th division," he sounded rather ticked off, "With a past like mine it would only cause problems." He paused before adding, "I'm still confused as to why dreck decided on doing it though" he shrugged.

It seems Rangiku-san's gossip does come in handy sometimes, I readjusted my glasses and said, "From what I heard, he knows Gelda Nebilim, apparantely she's from Auldrant. That's what Rangiku-san told me anyway"

Asch didn't look convinced, "Gelda Nebilim huh? What a surprise. It still doesn't make a difference."

"Oh," I said disheartened, I shook my head and spoke professionally, "Then I take it that 6th Squad will be unrepresented."

"My captain…" Asch began, but I cut him off.

"Already turned it down at the captain's meeting. I heard as much from my captain," I stated.

"More reason not to get involved. If my captain disagreed then i would assume that he would have a good reason for it," Asch said casually.

I shook my head slightly and explained, "Captain Kuchiki just doesn't like getting involved in things like this. He has to make decisions that reflect the Kuchiki family."

"I know, he has a limited service considering his position," based on his tone I didn't know if Asch was trying to be funny or not, either way it still didn't sound like he wanted to go.

"So," I said depressingly, "I take it there's nothing I can say to get you to reconsider."

"On the contrary," he said. My head picked up, "Now I think I should be involved even if I don't like it. If my captain won't go then as his lieutenant it would not look good on the 6th Squad as a whole if I turned it down."

I was so over bristling with energy that I, with no thought process as to my actions whatsoever, hugged Asch in appreciation, "Arigato Gozaimasu," I said happily.

"Uh…no problem?" Asch seemed confused by my actions.

Ironically I didn't feel like letting go, but did so immediately when I heard a deep suave voice, that of which I recognized, say, "Well now, how come I never get a hug like that from you hmm, Nanao-chan?"

I immediately pushed Asch away from me and stood with my utmost composure in front of my captain, "C-captain Kyoraku, wh-what are you doing here?" Seriously what was he doing here? This was the vice-captain meeting room.

"I was worried because my little Nanao-chan was late coming out of the Vice captain meeting," he said acting like he cared about me.

"I-I'm p-perfectly capable of handling myself sir, th-there was no reason for you to come in," I stood stoically, though my knees were trembling slightly.

"I should go," Asch said from behind me.

"Well hello there Asch, it's been a while since I've seen you, so you managed to become a Vice Captain that's quite impressive," my captain complimented.

"Thanks," Asch said accepting the compliment, but obviously not its source; I don't blame him.

"As you might've heard Captain…"

Asch cut off my captain, "I know what you're going to say and you can save your breath I've already decided to join the expedition to represent my squad, your Vice Captain convinced me of such."

"Wh-what," I was in awe at Asch's generousity, "I-I really didn't do anything to talk you into it I,"

"How cute of you to be so humble Nanao-chan, I'm impressed you were able to convince Asch here to join," Captain Kyoraku looked straight at Asch, "After what happened with you, Luke and Kurotsuchi I would've thought you would've been vehemently against having anything to do with the 12th Squad."

"I may not like it, but as I told Nanao-fukutaicho it would reflect badly on the 6th Squad if neither my captain nor I went out on the expedition," Asch answered.

"I see," my captain responded.

"Anyway I should be going," Asch said.

"Nonsense, come with Nanao-chan and me to the Kyoraku household, big swinging party going on tonight, you'll have a good time."

"My captain wouldn't like it if I went out partying rather than getting paperwork done," Asch responded said.

"Captain Kuchiki's gonna be there," my captain said, which was indeed true, "Don't tell me you don't know what today is."

"I haven't a clue," Asch stated.

"Today is the two hundred and ninetieth anniversary since my becoming a captain of the Gotei 13," my captain said, "All the captains and vice captains are invited and as a former member of squad 8, and as long as your there I thought you'd might like to go there with Nanao-chan and me."

"I know you're not fond of parties, neither am I," I admitted, "But I go anyway for the meaning the date holds to the Gotei 13 as a whole. You don't have to go if you don't want to, but…"

"I suppose I could go," Asch said scratching the back of his head, "As much as I despise wild partying I despise paper work even more."

"That's the spirit," my captain said, "Let's go."

13th Division

Luke's pov

"Why are we going to this again?" I asked Captain Ukitake about having to go to the party at the Kyoraku Manor representing his 290th year of captaincy.

"Well several reasons, not only were we invited, but Kyoraku's an old friend of mine, it's only courteous, I would expect you to come to my 291st anniversary next year at the Ukitake manor," my captain said.

"Okay," man I hate formal occasions.

"You'll have fun," Captain Ukitake told me, "If there's one thing I know about Kyoraku it's that he knows how to throw a party.

"Captain Ukitake, Luke!" Kiyone and Sentaro slid open the door to where Captain Ukitake and I were getting ready.

"Do you two need anything?" Kiyone asked.

"Like tying your tie or maybe finding the right cologne," Sentaro said.

"Finding the right cologne, they're not going out a date moron," Kiyone shouted.

"It's always nice to wear cologne to a formal occasion, I'm wearing cologne," Sentaro shot back.

Kiyone pinched her nose, "Yeah and I can smell the fumes from here, when's the last time you bathed?"

"Hey I wash myself everyday thank you!" Sentaro said infuriated.

"Guys can we not fight please, just this once?" I asked with a sweatdrop.

"Yes sir," both saluted.

Well that got their attention.

"C-captain Ukitake, Luke-dono," Rukia walked into the room dressed up quite nicely, I couldn't help but instinctively let out a whistle.

"Wow you look great Rukia," Kiyone said, complimenting her. Rukia was wearing a long snow-white gown with heeled shoes and red lipstick. She was also wearing Chappy earrings.

"Really?" Rukia asked, pinching the sides of the dress and looking down at herself, "I feel kind of silly all dressed up like this." The only reason Rukia was coming was because Captain Kuchiki wanted her to be there as a sign of the Kuchiki family's honor towards the Kyoraku family in recognition of Captain Kyoraku's importance to both nobility and the military.

"You look fine Rukia," I reassured her.

"A-arigato Luke-dono," she bowed her head.

"Well then if we're all set and ready to go let's head out then shall we?" Captain Ukitake asked.

I nodded and we all headed out together to the Kyoraku manor.

(A/N: And that's going to be a cut. Sorry, but I really started to get disconnected from my writing towards the end of the chapter, not that it shows, but if I don't stop the chapter now it's never going to end. In any case, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and I'll see you all next time. Plz review, and if you haven't already subscribe and fave).