(A/N: Ah finally it is time to PAR-TAY! This whole chapter is centered around the party at the Kyoraku manor. It is filled with dance, fluff and merriment. Please enjoy. Special thanks to Xerosonic for his assistance in this chapter. Also I drew inspiration from the following songs to make this chapter possible: Superman by Five For Fighting, Kyrptonite by 3 Doors Down, Can you Feel the Love Tonight from the Lion King Soundtrack, Why Can't I? by Liz Phair, and Don't Stop Believin' by Journey the inspiration of which does not appear in that order throughout the chapter. Now then sit back relax and enjoy this new release)
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Tales of the Abyss
Asch's pov
"Ah home sweet home," Captain Kyoraku said as we arrived on the Kyoraku manor grounds, by which point the sun had already set.
"If nothing else your house always has a nice atmosphere," Nanao said taking in the rather aesthetically pleasing sight that was the Kyoraku manor.
Right now however I was only focused on one thing, "You said my captain was here," I said, "If he's not I'm bailing." I didn't want to receive a scolding from Captain Kuchiki for partying when there was work to be done.
"You'll probably find him near the dance floor across from the buffet table," Captain Kyoraku told me, "Good luck trying to get his attention though, he'll probably surrounded with unwanted company."
I knew what that meant. Captain Kuchiki was the most envied bachelor in all of Soul Society so at every social gathering he and I attended he soon found himself swarmed by nobles wanting to get his hand in marriage, of course both of us knew that he would never accept the nod from any of them. "Thanks for the tip off," I told Captain Kyoraku and made for where he said Captain Kuchiki said he would be.
Shunsui's pov
"And what will you be doing this evening my lovely Nanao-chan?" I asked her.
"I'm going to go look for Rangiku-san," she said and walked away.
I sighed, "As I figured," I said even though she was out of ear shot, "I suppose I'll see you later then."
I walked through the grounds until I reached my special private room where upon entering I was met with Vice Captains Izuru and Shuhei and Captain Hitsugaya, but Ukitake had yet to arrive. I decided to sit down nonetheless and break out the sake. When Jushiro decided to show up he would.
Asch's pov
I wandered around for a bit until I found my captain, and boy was he surrounded by a lot of girls, Captain Kyoraku sure wasn't kidding about the unwanted company.
"Hey Asch," I heard some rather seductive female voices in close proximity of me only to find that I too had become a target of noblewomen.
Right I almost forgot that I'm prone to being targeted, I said gripping my sleeve, This is going to be quite the arduous ordeal.
Luke's pov
As we arrived on the Kyoraku family grounds Rukia looked over towards a specific area of the outdoor tables and let out a growling sigh.
"What is it Rukia?" I asked.
"Nii-sama's being ogled at by the nobles again," she said with a rather irritated look on her face.
"Ah yes," Captain Ukitake sighed, "Ever since poor Hisana passed away Captain Kuchiki's become the most envied bachelor in all of Soul Society."
"I know it's not my problem since I'm only an adopted Kuchiki," Rukia said disgusted, "But it just sickens me to see Nii-sama surrounded by so many shameless girls."
"Shameless?" I wondered what she meant by that.
"Now, now Rukia," Ukitake said with a friendly smile, "Let's not spend the whole time keeping the noblewomen away from your brother like last time shall we?"
Rukia sighed in defeat, "Yes you're right I'm sorry."
"Right now then, I'm going to go find Shunsui, the rest of you enjoy yourselves," Ukitake said as he parted from us.
"I suppose I'll wander around aimlessly then until I find something to do," Rukia said walking off
"What are you two going to…?" I said turning around towards Kiyone and Sentaro, but they were long gone. I sighed and began to walk off myself to find something to do.
I soon found myself out by the gardens, sitting down on a porch only to be grabbed from behind by someone. Their hands were covering my eyes and I could tell it was a woman by the way her ample chest was backing into my neck, "Guess who?" she said cheerfully in a high pitched voice.
I immediately knew who it was, "Hi Rangiku," I said almost sighing.
"Wow Luke you got it right on the first try I'm surprised," she said removing her hands from my eyes and sitting down next to me.
I can't imagine anyone getting it wrong, I thought to myself, "So how are you?" I asked her, "Are you enjoying yourself. I sort of got dragged here by my captain, so I'm not sure what I should do. This is my first time ever being at a party like this."
"You could dance with me," Rangiku proposed smiling, "That's why I came looking for you," she put on a pouting face, "Normally I'd dance with Gin, but he's out on a mission to the world of the living this week."
"Dance?" I have never danced before in my life. What if I made myself look like a total idiot or I knocked us both over? I'd never here the end of it. Rangiku would have word spread to the far reaches of Soul Society with her gossiping tendencies, "I think I'll pass," I said rubbing the back of my head, "Maybe another time?" I asked
Rangiku grabbed my arm and looked at me with puppy dog eyes and a quivering lip, "Aw c'mon don't be like that, please?" she begged holding out the word please.
"Argh don't go making that face on me now," I said turning my gaze away from her trying to resist, and failing seeing as my lower body seemed to rather be enjoying her clinginess, despite my not liking it at all, "Later," I finally said, "When I have the feeling for it,"
"Promise?" she asked holding the vowel notes.
Aw man why'd she have to go and use that word, "A-alright," I said, "I promise." Now I really will have to dance with her tonight at some point.
"Yay!" she gave me a brief tight hug, "Thanks Luke you're the best!" she then kissed my cheek, "Buh-bye,"
Almost not believing what just happened I slowly reached up and touched my left cheek. That was the first time I'd been kissed by a girl…like…ever. My face had to match the color of my hair right now. I briefly began contemplating if Rangiku thought of us as a bit more than just friends.
Isane's pov
"So how have you been sis?" Kiyone asked as we ate together at a table.
"Fine I guess what about you?" I answered.
"Well we've had a new vice-captain in the squad for a few weeks now," she answered as she forked a piece of meat.
"Ah yes, Luke right? Hakutan-san's friend?" I asked in confirmation.
Kiyone smiled and nodded and then said, "Ah yes Hakutan-san the green haired boy in your squad. He's such a cutie nee-san."
I blushed.
"Is Hakutan-san here?" Kiyone wanted to know.
"Ah well actually he is," I answered pushing my two pointer fingers together, "Unohana-taicho insisted that he be allowed to come."
"Hmm yeah Hakutan-san is a bit of an overachiever isn't he?" Kiyone smiled brightly.
"Yeah," I said with a soft smile, "Unohana-taicho says he pushes himself too hard,"
"What do you think?" Kiyone asked.
"Wha…me?" I asked unprepared for the question. I started turning pink as I twisted my index fingers against each other, "W-well I-I do think Hakutan-san has to unwind every once in a wh-while, b-but…"
"Hmmm," Kiyone had that glint in her eye, "Does my sister have a crush on Hakutan-san?" she asked.
"Wh-what?" I flushed.
"He's cute I'll give you that," Kiyone said flicking her right wrist up and down with her hand in an L shape, "but you need to set your sights a little higher nee-san."
"That's not funny Kiyone," I whined. I'm sensitive about my height and I knew Hakutan-san was several inches shorter than I was, almost half a foot.
Kiyone laughed, "Relax I think it's really great that you have a secret crush nee-san."
I blushed and shouted, "It-It's not like that,"
Kiyone looked out with her hand over her eyes like someone seeking something over the horizon, "Hey isn't that Hakutan-san?" she asked.
"What? Where?" I asked my head darting every which way to catch a glimpse of him. I really hope he didn't hear our conversation.
"You're right," Kiyone giggled, "It's not like that, it's more than that."
I immediately recognized what Kiyone had done and what she was implying, "N-no you've got it all wrong!" I insisted.
"I've got an idea," Kiyone said as I took a drink to calm my nerves, "Why don't you ask Hakutan-san to dance?"
I spit out my water, "Wh-what?" I asked blushing.
"Come on it's a great idea," she smiled.
I felt a little shy at the idea of possibly asking Hakutan-san to dance, "You're not going to photograph us for your scrapbook are you?" I asked.
"Of course not," Kiyone said reassuringly.
Suddenly the three of us could here sounds of drunken partying from Iba-fukutaicho, Kotsubaki-san and Omaeda-fukutaicho from the nearby table. Kiyone had to duck under an incoming flying sake bottle.
"I just wanna get away from scotch breath over here," she said irritated, referring to Sentaro.
"But what if Hakutan-san doesn't want to dance with me?" I asked, I couldn't handle that kind of rejection.
"Oh come on, you won't know what he'll say until you try sis," Kiyone told me.
"W-well, I-I suppose so waah!" Kiyone grabbed my arm and ran with me to an area of the manor whereby I saw Hakutan-san Kiyone jumped into one of the nearby bushes.
"There he is," she said, "Now go ask him to dance,"
"K-Kiyone I-I don't know if….waaah!" Kiyone pushed me forward towards Hakutan-san. I was so nervous he was standing only a few feet away from me looking around, though blissfully unaware of my presence.
"H-Hakutan-san," I said.
His head picked up as though he heard me and he looked in my direction, "Oh Isane-fukutaicho what is it?" he asked.
"I um…" I turned back towards Kiyone, as I was completely nervous and jittery. My sister gave me a gesture as if to say 'go-go'. "I…um…Hakutan-san, w-would you…would you…" my face was completely red as I asked, almost squeaking, "Would you dance with me?"
"Sure Isane-fukutaicho," he said.
"I can understand if you don't want to but…wait really?" I asked.
"Of course, although you may need to lead for a bit," he said and smiled, "This will be the first time I've ever danced with anyone."
"I…okay," I said. We walked together under the moonlight as I could hear the next song come up of the loudspeakers
Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world
She took the midnight train going anywhere
I looked at Hakutan-san.
Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train going anywhere
The two of us reached the dance floor.
"May I have this dance Isane-fukutaicho," Ion asked as though a gentleman.
Without a word my hand slipped into his and we began dancing together, I was leading. Hakutan-san seemed lost at first, staring down at the floor in order to pick up the movements but he eventually did pick them up. In fact eventually he began leading.
"This is really nice Isane-fukutaicho," he said.
Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard
There's shadows searching in the night
"You don't have to be so formal Hakutan-san," I said.
Streetlights, people, living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night
Hakutan-san smiled with a nod and said, "Fair enough Isane,"
For a first time dancer, Hakutan-san wasn't so bad at leading.
"A-are you sure this is okay?" I asked him, "I mean I tower over you and…"
Working hard to get my fill
Everbody wants a thrill
Paying anything to roll the dice just one more time
"It's fine," he said happily, "I really like the music that's playing, and I really like this experience," he smiled, "It's a lot of fun."
Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard
There's shadows searching in the night
He's so kind, I thought to myself, Why can't I tell him exactly how I feel about him?
Don't stop believin' hold on to that feeling
Streetlights, people
Hakutan-san, I know I'm too shy to tell you how I feel, but one day I'll find that courage and when I do, I will tell you how I feel
Don't stop believin' hold on to that feeling
Streetlights, people
Until then, I'll hold onto this feeling we have between us and never stop believing in what we have.
Luke's pov
After parting from Rangiku I wandered towards the dance floor only to see Kiyone come out from one of the buildings that intersected my path as she brushed off her dress. She saw me immediately.
"Oh hi Luke," she said cheerfully.
"Hey Kiyone, what are you up to?" I asked.
"Nothing really," she answered, "I just had to get away from scotch and then had to take a spell to the restroom." There was a brief pause between us, "Say you're not doing anything important are you?" she asked.
"Not at the moment," I answered, "Why?"
"Would you dance with me?" she asked.
Her too? I thought to myself, why does everyone suddenly want to dance with me? "Uh…" I said rubbing the back of my neck and looking away, "C-can you keep a secret?" I asked her.
"Of course I can, I can do anything for my fukutaicho," she said with excessive cheer, "I'm so much better at keeping a secret than that two-timing low-life scum-sucking idiot over at the bar," she grumbled thinking about Sentaro again.
"I well," I said speaking quietly as I drew closer to her, "I've never danced before in my life."
Kiyone smiled, "You don't have to worry about that, I'll lead if you want."
"B-But what if end up tripping, or I do something to embarrass myself?" I said trying to get out of it, sort of flustered.
"Oh I'm sure you'll be fine," she said reassuringly "You'd be surprised how many people that say they've never danced before actually do really well on their first try."
"Um, are you sure about that?" I asked.
Kiyone nodded, "I've seen it before, Isane's a perfect example."
I surrendered, "Well okay, you got me,"
"Great," she said, "Why don't we practice a bit first and then you can lead when we go out onto the dance floor, I wouldn't want to ruin my fukutaicho's reputation."
"Uh, sure I guess."
Kiyone took us to a secluded area and practiced with me until I seem to get the hang of the dance motions and then proceeded with me to the dance floor as a suitable song came over the loudspeakers
I can't stand to fly, I'm not that naïve
"For a beginner you're certainly elegant on your feet," Kiyone said.
"I…uh…" I said flustered as we danced with so many people around.
"Didn't I tell you there was nothing to worry about?" Kiyone asked.
"Yeah you did," I answered.
I'm just out to find, the better part of me
I'm more than a bird, I'm more than a plain, I'm more than a pretty face beside a train
And it's not easy to be me
"You know I don't think you and I have ever had a proper conversation before," Kiyone said as we danced.
Wish that I could cry
"Well I would've talked if you wanted to, I don't want to see unapproachable," I said.
Fall upon my knees
"Yeah, but if I did Sentaro would've come barging in," she said slightly irritated.
Find a way to lie, about a home I'll never see
"Why are you two so competitive anyway?" I asked.
It may sound absurd, but don't be naïve, even heroes have the right to bleed
"Well before you showed up we wanted to be recognized as the superior between each other for vice-captainship." Kiyone answered.
And I may be disturbed, but won't you concede, even heroes have the right to dream
"What about now?" I asked.
And it's not easy, to be me.
"I…well, I know I want to be recognized by you or Captain Ukitake, but Sentaro always has to undermine my hard work," she said solemnly.
I can't stand to fly, I'm not that naïve
"You work quite well Kiyone, I mean I know the work you two put forth, you're both important to the sustenance of the squad." I told her.
Men weren't meant to ride, with clouds between their knees
"I…so does that mean you recognize me as a subordinate worthy of a superior of your caliber?" Kiyone wanted to know
I'm more than a man in a silly red sheet
"What do you mean by that?" I asked curiously
Digging for Kryptonite on this one way street
"I…I read your profile when you were being transferred over, your psychological profile made you seem like some form of noble hero."
Only a man, in a funny red sheet, looking for special things inside of me
Inside of me, Inside of me
"Hero?" I let the thought sink in for a minute, "Yeah I could see that."
Yeah Inside of me, Inside of me
I'm more than a man in a funny red sheet
"So I wanted Luke to recognize me as a subordinate worthy of his talents,"
More than a man looking for the dream
"Yeah but even heroes are still human Kiyone," I said to her.
"Luke?"
I'm more than a man in a funny red sheet, and it's not easy
"And even heroes make mistakes. No one's perfect. Even I have some things I've done that I regret, but I'm not some hero, I'm just a regular guy. If my beliefs and deeds make me out to be a hero then so be it," I stated.
"Luke"
It's not easy, to be me.
After the song and dance was over I went over to the buffet table to get something to eat, I hadn't had any of the delicious food I'm sure the Kyoraku family could prepare since I got here. As I ate I was suddenly met with a girl who sidled up right next to me. She was wearing a long hoop skirt dress, typical of these girls in high nobility. I didn't recognize the clan emblem, but that didn't matter much.
"Heeey Luke," she said to me all cute-like, she was right in my personal space.
"Yes is there something you need?" I asked.
She giggled, "Can't a girl say hello to a magnificent dreamboat like yourself hmm?" she asked.
I suddenly notice that a tingling sensation running through my right leg, I looked down the girl was caressing my right leg with her left hand, and it was sort of making me feel uncomfortable, "They can but they don't need to be so close," I answered the girl and shifted my position only to be met with another noblewoman on my other side.
"Heeeey," she said all cutesy like much like the other girl.
What the, I wondered when she got there, "Uh, hi," I managed to get out, what's with these people?
"So tell me, how would a hot young devil like yourself feel spending some alone time with an angel like me?" she asked as she began to straddle me with massaging my shoulders. I was really starting to feel uncomfortable.
I decided to use my promise to Rangiku as an excuse, "I…no thanks…I sort of have to keep an eye out for someone while I'm here," I said.
The girl on my right suddenly pulled me towards her, "Could you spend a little time with me then? It'd only be for a little while."
Urk, I need to get out of this and fast, "Sorry, but I can't leave the grounds, my captain wouldn't be very pleased with me even as easy going as he is," I said.
The girl on my left dragged me back to her side, "Oh so you're a Shinigami, that changes everything!" she began to play with my hair, "I wouldn't dare drag you away from the party, but we can just go for a nice leisurely walk in the ceramic garden."
"A walk sounds nice," I said, "but I would rather relax in the meantime." Honestly I was super-hungry and I wasn't going anywhere till I finished eating.
The girl on my right snaked her hands around my arm and rested her head against me, "That's fine with me, I have everything I need right now anyway, you just enjoy your meal."
The girl on my right ran a hand across my chest, "You're body is so well toned," she complimented, "And your shoulder makes the nicest pillow."
What I wouldn't do to get out of this situation right now, I thought to myself.
Suddenly I heard a familiar voice call out, "Luke-dono."
In a frenzied panic to avoid being seen like this I stood up rather hastily, knocking both girls off balance and turned around to face Rukia, knocking both girls to the floor, "R-rukia," I said momentarily jittery, "Wh-what is it?"
The first girl got up after dusting off her dress and said snootily, "Well if it isn't Kuchiki Byakuya's vagrant little sister."
"I can't believe you got up on a dime for her," the other girl complained, "She's not even a real noble."
Their words seem to be heavily affecting Rukia's morale, I wouldn't see a member of my squad be harassed on my watch, "She's a member of my division," I said calmly, "I have to be considerate of my subordinates. And so what if she's not a real noble?" Even though technically I'm the same way.
"Oh so she was the one you were 'looking out for'" the first girl was rather peeved.
"Look at her would you Liara," the second girl said snottily, "She's wearing Chappy earrings, how childish can you get?"
My knuckles balled up into a fist, "Well she wasn't the one I was looking after. But whats wrong with her earrings, I have several friends that have worn things similar to that." Now I knew why Asch didn't like any of the nobles around him, these girls were mean to anyone except their targets.
Liara stuck up her nose, "Well if you want to waste your time with a no-name brat like this instead of high-class citizens like ourselves maybe we should just leave.
I strode towards Rukia and turned to face the girls as I put a hand on my subordinate's shoulder, "Sorry, but my friends come first," I said.
"Fine suit yourself," the second girl said, "Come on Liara." Both of them left.
Rukia bowed to me, "Th-thank you Luke-dono," she said.
"Eh, don't think to much of it," I said, "I'm actually grateful you came here when you did." Who knows what would've happened if she hadn't shown up.
"Yeah you looked like you were in some pretty hot water there," Rukia laughed, "I saw you dancing with Kiyone earlier you seemed to be enjoying yourself.
"Well it was my first time," I said, "So it was a new experience."
"Really, you seemed to be doing pretty good, I never would've guessed," she said sincerely. After a brief pause she said, "Um do you think maybe we could dance?" she asked.
"I'm still tired after that first dance," I said, "Maybe another time."
"Th-that's fine," she said, "I-I wasn't really hoping it would be tonight anyway." There was a brief pause and both of us smiled.
"Do you want to sit and chat for a while at least?" I asked her.
"Oh was there something you wanted to talk about?" she wanted to know.
"Nothing specific," I said, "I just want to get to know my subordinates a little more that's all. I'm still fairly new to my post."
"Well you practically heard my story from those girls. I'm just an adopted member of the Kuchiki family from a non-noble district, that's really all there is to it," Rukia answered bluntly.
"Oh c'mon, there's no way you could have such a boring life like that. There's got to be some fun times you had or something like that," I pushed the subject feeling as though Rukia may not have been telling me everything.
"The only fun I ever had was fighting for survival when I lived in Rukongai with Renji and my other friends. If you could even call that fun," she said sounding depressed.
"You don't have to beat yourself up about the past so much," I said scratching the back of my head, "Otherwise I'm going to do the same," I said looking away, slightly depressed.
"What do you mean? I thought you were from Junrinan?" Rukia inquired.
"Uh, well you see back when I was alive I was," I paused "Nevermind, I actually don't like talking about that, and Asch would be pretty pissed about it too."
"Huh, what does Asch-fukutaicho have to do with this?" she wanted to know
"Asch and I were, of course, comrades back in Auldrant, the living world sector where I used to live. We both died in a mission to help save thousands of lives."
"Interesting" Rukia pulled out her sketchbook "Care to tell me more?"
Where did she…forget it I don't want to know, "Later," I told her, "Now isn't the best time when…"
I suddenly got a violent headache and crouched down on one knee as Asch scolded me, REPLICA
"Ah crud..." I said aloud
Say one more word about it right now and i will personally turn you into dust! Asch threatened.
"Luke-dono are you all right?" Rukia asked, panicked. She knelt down in front of me and put her hand to my forehead, "Hmm, you're a little warm, maybe you should go sit down in the gardens there's not a lot of people there so it's kind of quiet and peaceful."
"Y-Yeah, thanks Rukia," I said. She bowed with a cheerful look on her face and walked off, damn, why did he have to cut in like that?
The Garden
Taking Rukia's advice I wandered over to a section of the gardens where it was nice and quiet and relaxing along with the several sounds of nature. It was rather soothing as I sat on a bench underneath some of the trees that were starting to bloom this time of year.
"Hey Luke, mind if I sit here?" I heard someone call out. I turned around to see Momo nearby.
"Sure, its not reserved for anyone" I told her.
"Thanks," she said sitting down. "So are you enjoying the party Luke?" she wanted to know
"Well it's been fun so far, everyone has been trying to get my attention from all sides so I haven't gotten much time to relax," I said.
"Hey you're a popular vice captain, nothing wrong with that is there? I'm actually sort of jealous," she said cruching her arms around her knees.
"Huh, why is that? You've been around much longer then I have," I told her, bewildered by her statement.
"Y-yeah, but I always seem to be pushed to the side. I mean normally I'd be with Captain Aizen right now, but all those noblewomen would eat me alive," she said sort of depressed.
"Maybe you should be more, you know, conversing with others. You're talking to me now aren't you?" I asked trying to cheer her up.
"Well I would talk to Shiro-chan, but he's asleep. Izuru's drunk and well you've always been really nice to me so...I mean I'm not bothering you am I?" She was always worried about others before herself.
I sighed and smiled, "No, you're actually helping me relax after being attacked by so many people already. It's good that I can actually sit and talk to someone rather then getting praised so much by several noblewomen," I said.
"Does Luke-san already have someone he likes is that why he's always pushing all the pretty girls away?" Momo asked turning to look directly at me.
"Hmm" I instantly looked up at the sky and thought of Tear. I could almost see her long chocolate brown hair covering one of her turquoise eyes. I missed her, a lot. "Who knows, maybe I'll tell you one time" I looked at Momo smirking, "Just to keep you in suspense."
"Ah hah so you do have someone you like?" Momo deducted from my statements.
"Like I said, maybe I'll tell you later," I teased her.
"Hey no fair!" she whined. We laughed a bit and then she said peacefully, "Rangiku-san told me that you're from Junrinan, that's where Shiro-chan and I are from you know."
"Really? It's a nice place sure, but they were quick to kick us out," I said remembering what happened.
"The less mouths to have to feed the better, that's almost a universal mentality of Rukongai. We're some of the luckier ones to be from higher districts. In the lower districts there isn't always enough food to go around and some people resort to thievery to survive, that's what Renji told me anyways. He and Rukia are both from Inzuri," Momo stated.
"I see. Well I was a noble back when I was still alive so they say because of that I ended up there. Although Asch was as grumpy as always," I stated.
"That must be why he fits in with Captain Kuchiki so well," she joked.
"Hey," I said. Momo laughed. After which I said, "I was hoping to get along with him now but he is always being so anti-social with me."
"I don't understand how you two could've grown up together, but he won't even talk to you. Even though Shiro-chan's a captain and I'm only a vice-captain, more importantly of a different squad, he still goes out of his way to talk to me on occasion," Momo questioned.
"Me talking to him though is like making amends of the past though, it was...never mind."
Momo seemed to have a question mark above her head. She shook it off and then said, "Do you mind if I ask you a question?"
"Sure," I answered.
"Why did you decide to be a Shinigami? I know it's weird for me to ask," she said defensively before returning to a normal tone, "But I'm just curious, I mean everyone has their story. I became one to follow Captain Aizen. Shiro-chan became one to control his spiritual power. Rangiku-san became one to follow Ichimaru-taicho cause they used to live together. Renji and Rukia came here for a better life, so what's Luke-san's story?"
"I'd rather not get into detail about it. All I can tell you now is that I have a promise to keep, and I'm going all the way to fulfill it," I told her
"Ahhhh," Momo whined, "Why do you have to be all secretive?
"Because i like to tease you thats all," I said sarcastically.
"You're so mean," Momo giggled and pushed my arm.
I chuckled, "Well at least your enjoying yourself right now right?"
Before she could answer a smooth voice from behind us said, "Momo." We turned around to see Captain Aizen. Momo sprang to her feet and I got up slowly.
"Ah Captain Aizen hi, how are you?" Momo said cheerfully.
"I'm doing quite nicely, I was coming to look for you, I thought it'd be best if we headed back to the division," he said smiling.
"Ah yes, of course," Momo bowed.
Captain Aizen looked at me, "And how are you this evening Luke-fukutaicho?"
"It's been alright Aizen-taicho, Momo here has been keeping me company so it killed any boredom that would've killed me," I said almost joking.
Aizen smiled ever kindlier, "It's nice to know she has someone to connect with, speaking of connecting how are you adjusting to vice captaincy I know it's only been a few weeks since your promotion."
"Oh yeah is been great," I answered enthusiastically, "Just trying to get myself used to it that's all. Along with my lower seats Kiyone and Sentaro going at it over me like Ukitake-taicho"
"Speaking of them, I heard that you'll be cooperating together as a division in the upcoming project that 12th Division has put together. I find it admirable that you're willing to cooperate with a Division that put you up on the chopping block," Aizen complimented me.
"Oh man, I would rather not think of that situation I was in," I said remembering that whole ordeal.
"Yes, you certainly were in some hot water, weren't you?" he asked. When no one said anything he said, "In any case, we should be going, take care of yourself."
"All right, see you around Aizen-taicho," I said. He and Momo then left.
Nanao's pov
"Rangiku-san, I'm surprised how little you've drank this evening," I said. Normally Rangiku would've drunk herself into a potential hangover by now at this point in the evening.
"Huh?" she said and then answered, "Oh Luke promised to dance with me so I want to stay sober till then."
"Well that's awfully determinate of you," I said. She wasn't even dedicated that much to anything, even if someone like Ichimaru-taicho had promised to dance with her later.
"Well I can't exactly dance drunk," she said, "Besides I've hardly ever seen Luke dance and I don't want to drag him down with me if I'm so drunk I can't remember my name," she explained, and then said, "More importantly I thought for sure you'd be dancing with Asch-fukutaicho."
I flushed, "Wh-why would you say that?"
"You like him," Rangiku smiled sneakily.
"I-I do not," I said, even though I knew I was lying, "At least not in the way you're implying."
The door slid open and Isane walked in stretching, "Oh hello Nanao-san, Rangiku-san," she bowed to each of us.
"Ah hi Isane, where have you been?" Rangiku-san asked her. At least she wasn't pressing the issue with me anymore.
"I-I was…" Isane seemed almost embarrassed to answer.
"Hmm," Rangiku seemed a little perplexed by this.
Isane flushed and answered, "I was dancing with Hakutan-san."
"Isane," Rangiku cried out gleefully, "Are you…?"
"It was…fun," Isane squeaked out.
"Oh you simply must sit down and tell us," Rangiku yanked Isane to sit down.
"Aaaah," Isane cried as she was yanked down.
I sighed, this would prove to be rather interesting.
Luke's pov
I decided I'd wander about until Rangiku finally decided she wanted to dance again.
"Luke!" Someone called out to me. I looked to see Ion waving and he ran over to me when he saw that I had seen him.
"Oh Ion, I didn't know you were here," I said to him. I could've sworn the guest list only composed of Captains, Vice-captains, nobles and a select few outside that category.
"It was Unohana-taicho's idea," he said, "She thought I could use some R&R. She says I'm working too hard."
"You've been working hard? I would think that you're job would be relatively easy compared to mine," I said.
"Yeah, well I wouldn't want to be one to question Unohana-taicho when she's made up her mind about something," Ion said not to thrilled at trying to do that.
I swallowed, Neither would I, I thought to myself.
"So Luke," Ion said amiably, "I heard that you're joining the expedition that 12th Division has set up,"
"Where did you here that form? I mean I am but I haven't told anyone," I said.
"Isane told me, information like that is privy to the vice captains and she thought I'd want to know since I'm joining as well. While I'm not big on having any dealings with 12th Division the topic seemed rather interesting," he answered and the asked, "Also is it true what Isane said, that Head Researcher assistant Nebilim is from Auldrant?"
"Yeah, you don't know about her do you?" I asked.
Ion shook his head, "I was only around for two years and for the most part I was holed up in Daath so I don't know anything, but from what Isane told me, which Rangiku heard from Nemu, was that you seemed to already know the Head Researcher Assistant."
"Figures," I sighed, of course the chain of information had to have passed through Rangiku at some point, "I guess that would be a topic for later though. It wouldn't be right speaking of her right now."
"Oh does she have some sort of special connection to one of our friends?" Ion asked.
"You could say that," I said.
"I see," Ion answered.
I suddenly heard a cry of, "Oh Luuuuke!"
"That sounds like Rangiku-fukutaicho," Ion said.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about something. See you around Ion," I said headed towards Rangiku.
"Oh Luke there you are," she grabbed my arm, "So are you ready to dance?" she asked, "I saw you warming up with Kiyone earlier so I figured I'd give you some time to get your energy back up."
"Alright, c'mon I promised you one and I'll have to give it to you."
Rangiku excitedly dragged me towards the dancefloor.
Get a load of me get a load of you walking down the street and I hardly know
(Hardly know you)
It's just like we were meant to be
Rangiku and I made it to the dance floor and locked hands to dance her rather large chest sort of filled the entire gap in between us, it was hard to resist gazing right into her cleavage.
"10th Division just hasn't been the same without you Luke," Rangiku said.
Holding hands with you and we're out at night, got a girlfriend you say it isn't right
"Oh come on I don't hink I left that big of an impact did I?" I asked.
And I've got someone waiting too
But this is just the beginning, we're already wet and we're gonna go swimming
"You should've seen Gina the other day," Rangiku was laughing, "She went to your office for something only having forgotten that you'd been promoted. And just the other day I almost put your name down on division paperwork,"
Isn't this the best part of breaking up, finding someone else you can't get enough of
"Yeah but you're it's…well that's only just the two of you," I said flushing.
Someone who wants to be with you too
Rangiku laughed, "You sound embarrassed,"
"I-I'm not…" I stuttered.
It's an itch we know we are gonna scratch gonna take a while for this egg to hatch
"It's fine you don't have to defend yourself to me," Rangiku told me. After a brief pause told me, "You know Gina was so disappointed when she couldn't come. It's not exactly easy for a 6th Seat to make trips to another division and she really wanted to know how you're doing."
Why can't I breathe whenever I think about you
Why can't I speak whenever I talk about you
It's inevitable, it's a fact that we're gonna get down to it so tell me
"Well when you see her tell her I said hi," I told Rangiku
Hi enough for you to make me wonder
(where it's going)
Hi enough for you to pull me under
(something's growing)
"Of course," Rangiku said cheerfully, "Should I tell her that you're doing well too?"
"Go ahead,"
"You know I actually didn't drink a lot because you promised to dance with me and you're really good at keeping your promises,"
Why can't I speak whenever I talk about you?
My promises yeah, I thought still thinking about the one I hadn't fulfilled to Tear.
"What's wrong?" Rangiku asked.
"It's nothing," I said.
Why can't I breathe whenever I think about you?
"I know that face anywhere that's the face of a person with a secret crush," Rangiku said all bubbly.
Why can't I speak whenever I talk about you?
"I…It's not…"
It's inevitable it's a fact that we're gonna get down to it so tell me
"You don't have to defend yourself to me if you don't want to," Rangiku eased my fears, "I don't want to spoil this time between us right now, but one of these days Luke I will get the answer out of you."
Why can't I breathe whenever I think about you?
She does have that habit doesn't she? I asked myself
Whenever I think about you
"Hey Luke,"
Whenever I think about you
"Thanks for dancing with me,"
Whenever I think about you
"It was nothing really,"
Whenever I think about you
After Rangiku and I danced she went off to get her captain and go back to her division I was about to go see if I could get some rest myself when I was tackled in the chest along with hearing a high pitched squeal of "Lukeeshi!"
"I know that high pitched voice anywhere," I said getting up off my back and looked to see Yachiru standing next to me, "How's it going Yachiru?" I asked as I rose to my feet.
"I'm so happy to see you Lukeeshi!" she squealed, grabbing my leg and avoiding the question. She looked up at me, "Will you dance with me Pleeeeeeeeeeease!" she begged.
Eh why not? I thought, "You too huh?" I asked myself aloud, "Alright then, I guess I can go one more round," I said.
"Yay! Yay!" Yachiru cheered.
There was a fast paced song on right now. It was hard to dance since Yachiru was about a foot shorter than I was but the experience was still rather enjoyable.
I took a walk around the world to ease my troubled mind
I left my body lying somewhere in the sense of time
Yachiru laughed and laughed all the way through the song
But I watched the world float to the dark side of the moon
I feel there's nothing I can do
Out of all the people I knew in the Gotei, Yachiru was a one of a kind individual. She was always cheerful no matter what went on and saw everything in the world in the way an 8 year old might.
I watched the world float to the dark side of the moon
After all I knew it had to be something to do with you
Even when she was my superior she always acted looked up to me, both literally and metaphorically, like someone she aspired to be like. She always managed to put a smile on my face
I really don't mind what happens now and then
As long as you'll be my friend at the end
I wondered what Yachiru would think if she knew about the person I was and used to be when I was alive.
If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well will you be their holding my hand
I remember how whenever I got injured, even when I was in other squads, I'd always find Yachiru in my recovery room at some point always asking me how I'm doing and wanting to know when I will recover
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might
Kryptonite
"Thanks for dancing with me Lukeeshi," Yachiru said, even though the song wasn't over, but I guess her stamina an attention span wasn't cut out to dance through a whole song.
You call me strong, you call me weak, but still your secrets I will keep
"Oi Luke," I knew that gruff voice,
"Hi Kenny!" Yachiru scrambled over to Captain Zaraki and crawled up his back and hung off his shoulder.
"Luke long time no see," he said to me.
"It certainly has been a while," I said, "How have you been Captain Zaraki?"
You took for granted all the times I never let you down
"Same as always, what abou you? Any interesting fights lately?" he wanted to know
"Nothing you'd be interested in," I said.
"But what about all those times I found you in 4th Division Lukeeshi?" Yachiru asked.
You stumbled in and bumped your head if not for me than you'd be dead
I picked you up, put you back on solid ground
"That was usually just due to overexertion," I said.
"You fight hard, that's good to know," Captain Zaraki said, "You do remember the 11th Squad creed right?"
If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman
If I'm alive and well will you be there, holding my hand
"Of course I do," I said.
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might
Kryptonite
"When you fight you're not allowed to give up. You're not beaten until your dead. When you lose don't beg for death. Die first then admit defeat. If you survive get stronger and live until the day comes when you can surpass the person who beat you," I said crossing my left fist over my chest.
"Wow, Lukeeshi you remember all of it!" Yachiru smiled happily.
If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman
If I'm alive and well will you be there holding my hand
I'll keep you by my side with my Superhuman might
Kryptonite!
Yeah!
"Anyway we need to be going Yachiru," Captain Zaraki said to her.
"Aw already Kenny," she whined.
If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman
"If you behave I'll take you to that candy store you like so much," he told her.
"Okay well when you put it that way, we'll see you later Lukeeshi,"
If I'm alive and well will you be there, holding my hand.
The two of them walked off, "Yeah see you," I said.
I'll keep you my side with my superhuman might
Kryptonite
3rd Person pov
It was really late in the evening, most of the non Gotei 13 guests had up and left for the evening. Most of the food had been eaten and hardly anyone was on the dance floor. Byakuya stood in front of Asch with a sleeping Rukia in his arms.
"I'm going to take her back to the manor," he told Asch, "Can you find your way back to the 6th Division grounds on your own?"
"Hai, Kuchiki-taicho," Asch told him. Byakuya then shunpoed away.
Asch was about to make his way towards the outskirts of the grounds before heading back to his squad when someone called out to him. He turned around to see Nanao standing there in the moonlight, a few steps off the dance floor of which Asch was currently standing on, "Hmm? Oh Nanao, it's good to see someone who isn't trying to propose to me."
"Trouble with the nobles again I take it?" Nanao chuckled remembering Asch's similarly difficult encounters at the Ukitake and Kuchiki manors.
"You could say that, they kept trying to talk me into marriage since I'm a noble myself. I'm glad I never lived like this when I was alive," Asch said scoffing the behavior he had had to put up with.
"That's an odd mentality coming from someone who lived in Junrinan out in Rukongai as well as being respected enough to almost be seen as the most eligible to take the Kuchiki name seeing as your directly under Captain Kuchiki and he doesn't have an heir besides Rukia," Nanao said, puzzled.
"I didn't think that I was so much of a celebrity, I was always in the military even when I was a kid," he told her.
Nanao smirked, "It's the way you carry yourself as well as your status beneath Captain Kuchiki and your roots. Girls like that look to men and bishoen like yourself so shamelessly it's painful to watch" she adjusted her glasses giving the sense that she couldn't tolerate that kind of behavior. Then much more calmly she said, "I would've approached you sooner, but you were so surrounded by girls I would've been chewed up alive and when you weren't surrounded I was either tending to my captain or Rangiku-san. I always seem to be surrounded by at least one drunk" she let out a deep breath and apologized, "Sorry I didn't mean to vent"
"Its alright, it's better then listening to lectures from my Captain every now and then," Asch admitted.
Nanao smiled and then looked out onto the practically empty dance floor and started fidgeting with her hands, "I know it's really late and all, but if you wouldn't mind would you have one dance with me?"
Asch paused briefly and then smirked, "Sure." It would be the first time he would dance in the entire evening.
Over and across the way Rangiku and Isane were watching the scene unfold while helping to sweep up the place, "I can see what's happening," Rangiku said cheerfully looking at Nanao and Asch.
"What?" Isane asked picking her head up.
"And they don't have a clue," Rangiku sighed.
"Who?" Isane wanted to know what Rangiku was talking about.
Rangiku put her arm around Isane's shoulder and gestured to Asch and Nanao, "They'll fall in love and here's the bottom line. Our trio's down to two."
"Oh," Isane said disheartened.
"The sweet caress of Twilight, there's magic everywhere. And with all this romantic atmosphere, I can't help but despair,"
Can you feel the love tonight the peace the evening brings?
The world for once in perfect harmony with all its living things
So many things to tell her, but how to make her see? Asch thought to himself as he danced with Nanao looking directly at her frame protected blue eyes, the truth about my past? Impossible, she'd turn away from me.
He's holding back he's hiding, but what I can't decide. Why won't he be the hero I know he is, the hero I see inside, Nanao wondered to herself
Can you feel the love tonight the peace the evening brings?
Asch and Nanao continued to dance looking at each other, Nanao began to become entranced in Asch's sea green eyes. She pursed her lips and slid her hand farther up the arm, belonging to Asch, that it was currently resting on.
The world for once in perfect harmony with all it's living things
Asch closed his eyes and so did Nanao, there were no words between them, there didn't need to be. Slowly but surely their lips met together and they shared a passionate kiss, which showed almost no signs of stopping.
Can you feel the love tonight? You needn't look too far
Stealing through, the night's uncertainties, love is where they are.
Rangiku and Isane looked at the happy couple. Nanao had a contented look on her face as she had her head happily craned into the side of Asch's shoulder. Asch had his arms wrapped around her and was holding her to him.
"And if she falls, in love tonight," Rangiku said.
Isane sniffed, "It can be assumed."
"Her every nights, with us are history," both of them said simultaneously, "In short Nanao, is gone."
Isane started crying and Rangiku let Isane dry her eyes against her chest, "Aw there there Isane there's nothing wrong with crying. My bosom is your pillow let it all pour out."
"Look at that would you Jushiro?" Shunsui asked Ukitake as both men looked at the sight beneath the moonlight on the dance floor as they were also helping to clean up.
"Those two certainly seem content with each other," Ukitake said cheerfully.
"I never thought Nanao-chan had those kinds of feelings for Asch-fukutaicho," Shunsui said.
"You would've had to have been blind not to see that Shunsui, though I suppose I can't blame you since you were so busy chasing after Nanao yourself," Ukitake teased as he returned to sweeping.
"Should I congratulate them?" Shunsui asked.
"Let them be," Ukitake said, "I'd hate to spoil the moment wouldn't you?"
"I suppose so," Shunsui said and returned to sweeping the floor, you've got a really good woman there, Shunsui thought taking a backwards glance at the new couple, don't let go of her Asch-fukutaicho.
(A/N: Awww, ain't that sweet. So yeah I know this chapter was incredibly long. I would've gotten it out sooner, but I'm spending the weekend at my grandparents and they don't have wifi which forces me to rely on my flashdrive to transport documents between my laptop and their computer. Whatever comments and reviews you guys have on this chapter I look forward to hearing it. Honest to god I think this is the longest chapter I've written for any of my stories period. It exceeded 24 pages on Microsoft Word, thought that could've just been because of the song lyrics. I really hope you guys thoroughly enjoyed this chapter. I put a lot of effort into crafting it. And yes I do know that I didn't use all of the lyrics to some of the songs. Part of the song has to play in the background for the sake of the dialogue. Anyway, please Review. And if you haven't done so already, please subscribe and fave. This is DH19 signing off.)