"Warm and enlighten, Amaterasu!"
Izuru watched as Aniston shouted out her Kaigo, the release incantation to activate Shikai. Flames circled her feet and the blade as her katana grew drastically, gaining dramatic, spike-like ridges.
The hollow—a Menos Grande, to Izuru's surprise and slight concern—fired a cero at Aniston, which she easily dodged. It continued to fire cero after cero at her, which she continued to dodge, although she was beginning to slow down—the ceros were getting closer and closer to hitting her.
"Bakudo #73: Tozansho."
Aniston stopped, a blue, inverted pyramid forming around her. The Menos' ceros were unable to break through, at least for the moment. Aniston clasped her hands together, five small yellow orbs rising from between her fingers as she recited an incantation.
"Walls of iron sand, a priestly pagoda, glowing ironclad fireflies. Standing upright, silent to the end. Bakudo #75: Gochutekkan."
The orbs rose above her head, forming into a circle. She raised her hands above her head, then lowered them, the orbs falling with her hands. A bright light appeared above the Menos, followed by five gigantic pillars, connected by chains. The pillars plummeted to the ground, pinning the Menos.
The last cero fired by the Menos shattered the barrier, but didn't hurt her; the Kido had bought her just enough time.
Aniston pointed her Zanpakuto at the Menos.
"Lesson two: don't touch an open flame."
The Menos caught on fire, incinerating.
Aniston closed her Shikai, sheathing her Zanpakuto, and exited the arena. She washed up and emerged in the stands, searching for Izuru. When she spotted him, she rushed over and sat in the empty seat beside him to wait for London's exam.
"Hey, Izuru!" she chirped.
"Hey, Aniston," he smiled shyly back at her. "You did great. I've never seen anyone below lieutenant use Bakudo that advanced."
"Thanks!" she beamed. "You think I'll get a seated position?"
"I'm sure of it," he nodded.
"Yay!" she giggled. "Ooh, London's coming out!"
"What's wrong, Hun?" Aniston asked, peering down at Hunter.
Hunter sighed, looking up from her seat on the grass.
"Shiro's got some dumb captain meeting," she pouted.
Aniston laughed.
"Aren't they discussing our placements?" she grinned.
"They are?" Hunter blinked.
"That's what Jaede said," she nodded. "She's waiting for Gin outside the building—why don't you go wait for Toshiro with her? I doubt they'll take too long."
"Ok," Hunter smiled, jumping up.
She smacked a kiss onto Aniston's cheek and ran off.
"Have fun doing whatever you're gonna do!" she called back.
"Uh-huh. Bye, Hunter!" Aniston waved after her, grinning. "C'mon, Izuru."
"Where are we going?" he asked, following her.
"We're gonna find London and go shopping!" she giggled
He wasn't sure how to comment on that….
"Captain Hitsugaya," Yamamoto addressed Toshiro, first, foreseeing his response, "do you have a preference as to whom should be assigned to your division?"
"I want Hunter and Hayden."
"Of course ya do," Gin chuckled.
Toshiro shot him a look that was a mixture between an "I-hate-your-guts" glare and a "WTF-that's-real-mature" stare.
"Why shouldn't he get them?" Ukitake asked curiously.
"I'm not sayin' he shouldn't," Gin chuckled again. "I'm jus' sayin' it's not a surprise, given 'is and Hunter's relationship."
"We've been friends since we were children," Toshiro sighed. "We know each other well and we would work well together. Besides, aren't you going to request Jaedelyn?"
"'Course, and Aniston as well. I-"
"As long as your personal relationships don't interfere with your work," Yamamoto interrupted, casting both captains stern looks, "I see nothing wrong with either of your requests. Does anyone else have a request?"
"I want Cozette and Capri," Unohana said softly.
"What?!" Kenpachi shouted. "I want Cozette and Capri!"
"Cozette's healing abilities are incredible," Unohana argued calmly, "and Capri's are close behind. They would both be wonderful additions to Fourth Division."
"Yeah, but didn't you see their fighting?! They're perfect for Eleventh!"
"Eleventh could use a skilled healer," Ukitake pointed out.
"All the Atchisons are highly competent healers," Toshiro said. "Their mother required that they learn."
"Cozette is particularly gifted, though," Gin added.
"Captain Unohana, I'll assign Cozette to you, and I'll assign Capri to you, Captain Zaraki," Yamamoto sighed. "Does that work for each of you?"
"It's fine with me," Unohana smiled.
"I want Josette, too," Kenpachi grumbled.
"Very well."
"I'd like Brooklyn," Ukitake said, leafing through his files, "and... Levi."
"I'd like Theia," Aizen said mildly.
"I like the looks of that Avalon girl," Shunsui grinned. "And Nevaeh."
"I think Venetia looks interesting," Mayuri said gleefully.
"I think Paris and London would be good additions to Ninth Division," Tosen said.
"All right. I'll take your requests into consideration. You'll receive the results as soonas the papers are complete."
"Perhaps Cap'n Kuchiki'd like Kailyn," Gin suggested, grinning.
"That's fine," Byakuya replied coolly. "She has a good record."
"She 'as strong morals. Tha's your big thing, ain't it?"
"Upholding the law is important."
"You won't have any problems with Kailyn," Toshiro sighed, rubbing his temples-he was so ready to be out of the meeting. "She's devoted and responsible."
"How dull," Gin grinned. "Bein' responsible's no fun."
"Don't let Jaedelyn hear that."
Gin paled.
Toshiro couldn't help but take satisfaction in that.
"You're done!" Hunter squealed, rushing at Toshiro and hugging him excitedly.
"Yes."
"How was the meeting?" Jaedelyn asked, leaning up to give Gin a brief kiss.
"Borin'" he said, taking her hand in his. "But we'll 'ave your assignments soon."
"Great—"
"Hey, Jaede," Hunter interrupted, "make sure he takes you on at least another date before you hit the sack—I'd recommend at least two more."
"... Where the hell did that come from?" Jaedelyn asked.
"Watching you guys kiss. Bye!" She grabbed Toshiro's hand and ran off, dragging him along.
"Wha's with your sisters an' throwin' sex comments at us?"
"Dunno," Jaedelyn shrugged, "but I think Hunter has a point."
"A'course," he sighed.
She grinned up at him.
"And the quantity will depend on quality, so you can't just take me on a date and then expect to get laid!"
"You're killin' me, Jaede," he groaned.
"You love me and you know it."
"Yea'," he sighed.
"C'mon, I want some ice cream," she said, pulling on his hand.
"Aniston," Izuru said suddenly, pulling her to a stop.
"What?" she glanced back at him, confused.
"You're bleeding."
"Huh?" she blinked.
"He's right, Toni," London said, pointing to Aniston's arm.
There was a thin trail of blood trickling down her arm.
"Oh…." She blinked again. "I must've cut it on something…."
"Here," he sighed, pulling her closer and pushing up her sleeve.
She watched as he hovered his hand over the cut, a soft blue light emanating from his palm. The cut was gone almost instantly.
"Thanks," she grinned up at him, starting to walk backwards.
"Anis—"
She shrieked, slamming into something and falling forward. He caught her in his arms, steadying her.
"Sorry."
She looked behind her to find a familiar face staring down at her.
"Shuhei?" she blinked, straightening.
He stared at her for a moment before his eyes widened slightly.
"Toni."
"Shuhei!" she squealed, hugging him enthusiastically.
She released him and stepped back, bouncing excitedly. She watched as his gaze landed on London.
"Hey, Shu," London said softly, smiling tentatively at him.
He stared at her silently for a moment before exhaling slowly, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"You dyed your hair."
"I did," she smiled fully, walking briskly forward and throwing her arms around him.
Aniston grinned, watching them hug. She glanced over at Izuru, who looked confused and surprised but not particularly concerned.
"Just watch," she whispered in his ear.
London took a step back, looking up at Hisagi.
"You got another tattoo."
"Ah, yeah…."
She tilted her head, studying him. After a moment, she smiled.
"I can live with it," she giggled, leaning up and kissing him on the nose.
"That's good," he laughed slightly.
"Mm-hm," she giggled again, leaning into him.
"Izuru."
"Hey, Shuhei."
"You know Shuhei, Izuru?" Aniston grabbed Izuru's arm, leaning her head against his shoulder.
"Yes," he nodded, "I met him when I was in the academy. He led my first field training."
"Oh," she blinked. "Wait—was that the one with the Hollow attack?"
"Yeah, Izuru's team was the one that helped me hold off the Hollow until Captains Aizen and Ichimaru arrived."
"I thought I recognized him…." London mused. "From right when you guys got back. Y'know, I bet Jaedelyn did, too."
"She probably did," Aniston agreed. "Anyway, I'd ask if you want to join us, Shuhei, but I think I'll just leave London with you."
"Ok."
"London, send me a Tenteikura if you wanna meet up somewhere. Otherwise I'll see you at home."
"'Kay. Have fun, Toni," London grinned.
"Back at'cha," Aniston grinned back.
She kissed her sister on the cheek, repeated the action with Shuhei, and walked away, pulling Izuru behind her.
"I missed you, Shu," London sighed, looking up at him.
"I missed you, too, Lonni."
She smiled, taking his hand. He smiled back at her.
"C'mon."
"Where are we going?" she asked, following him.
"You'll see."
He flashstepped, taking her to a place in the woods that she knew well. She smiled, jumping to a large rock in the middle of the creek and sitting down. He jumped over and sat down next to her, pulling her close.
"It's a lot nicer here with you," he said softly.
"Oh? Who else've you been here with?" she asked, looking up at him.
He couldn't tell if she was being serious or just teasing.
"No one. Just myself."
"Why?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.
Now she was definitely serious.
"I missed you," he said again. "I'd come here when it got too hard. I'd sit here and remember. Sometimes I'd bring my guitar. It made me feel closer to you."
"Aw," she smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"I really missed you," he said softly, lifting a hand to her cheek.
"I really missed you, too."
He tipped her chin up and leaned down slowly, pressing his lips to hers softly. Her eyes fluttered closed as she kissed him back.
It was just like their first kiss.
"C'mon, Shuhei!" London giggled, running through the trees.
"London, slow down! You're gonna—"
He flinched as she tripped and fell, disappearing from sight with a shriek.
"—get hurt."
He sighed and jogged over, peering down at his best friend. She was lying facedown in the creek. She pushed herself up onto her knees and looked up at him, a pout on her face. She looked like she was about to cry.
"I told you."
"Shut up, Shuhei!" she glared at him, standing—well, trying to.
She shrieked again as she fell back to her knees, inadvertently splashing him.
"Hey—!"
He sighed as she glared at him again.
"C'mon, Lonni," he grabbed her by the upper arm and pulled her to her feet.
She started to go down again, and he quickly grabbed her around the waist.
"What's wrong?"
"My ankle hurts," she said softly, looking down. "My left one. And my right leg hurts, too, but not as bad."
"Let me see," he scooped her up into his arms and set her down on a large rock in the middle of the water.
He frowned, seeing blood trickling down her right leg from a gash on her thigh. It didn't look too serious, though. He moved his gaze to her left ankle. He crouched, slipping her shoe off, and his frowned deepened; her ankle was swollen and purple.
"I think your ankle is broken," he murmured.
"What?!" she shrieked.
"Calm down!" he sighed. "You're gonna be fine."
"B-but—"
"You're gonna be fine, London," he repeated, sitting next to her on the rock.
She didn't say anything, staring down at her ankle.
He sighed and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. He felt her tremble as she fought back tears.
"It hurts," she whimpered. "It hurts and I'm scared."
"Why are you scared?" he asked softly.
"I-I don't know," she sniffed. "I've never broken a bone before. And we're all alone out here."
"We're not alone, Lonni," he said, shaking his head.
"What—?"
"We're together."
She blinked, staring at him.
"I'll take care of you."
She felt her cheeks heat up, looking away. Her lips twitched in a small smile. She sniffed again, a tear running down her cheek.
"What's wrong, Lonni?" he asked, wiping the tear away.
"My ankle just hurts," she whispered, another tear escaping from her eye.
He turned her face toward him, tilting her chin up slightly. Her eyes widened as he leaned in slowly, pausing millimeters from her lips.
"I'll take care of you," he repeated in a whisper before crashing his lips into hers.
Her heart skipped a beat, her eyes as wide as saucers.
Shuhei was seriously kissing her.
Her eyes fluttered closed as she leaned into the kiss, kissing him back tentatively. His hand slid around to the back of her head, his other hand gripping hers. She tangled her fingers in his somewhat-long black hair as his tangled in her long brown locks (which she hated, by the way). His tongue ran along her bottom lip, and she gasped, giving him the opportunity to slip his tongue into her mouth. She groaned softly as his tongue roamed, sending lightning bolts through her body. His tongue ghosted across hers, and she responded immediately, fighting her way into his mouth for her turn to explore. He groaned, giving her a smug sense of satisfaction. He pulled away. They were both breathing heavily, their expressions slightly dazed. He smiled and kissed her nose, making her giggle.
"I love you, London," he whispered.
She blushed, smiling shyly.
"I-I love you, too, Shuhei," she mumbled.
His smile widened as he pulled her to him, hugging her tightly. They stayed like that for several minutes before he sighed and pulled away reluctantly.
"We should get you some medical attention," he said, sliding off the rock to stand in the water.
"But I can't—"
"C'mon."
He turned his back to her and backed up, grabbing her wrist and pulling her forward. She squealed and wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him. He hooked his arms under her knees and straightened, wading toward the bank. He carried her all the way to the academy.
London smiled up at Shuhei, pressing another brief kiss to his lips.
One thing she'd never done was take him for granted; she almost didn't get to have a relationship with him.
The next day, he kissed her goodbye as he set off with Kanisawa and Aoga to lead a field lesson. She was supposed to go with him, but they were making her take a day off to recoup from her injury, despite it already being healed.
When word reached her about the Hollow attack, she rushed to the gate as fast as she could. She waited anxiously for a glimpse of him; when she finally caught sight of him, she took off at a sprint, shoving her way through the crowd.
"Shu!"
"Lonni."
She ran into his arms, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist.
"I'm so glad you're ok," she murmured, tears streaming down her face.
She looked up at him, doing a double-take; there were three long gashes down the side of his face.
"You're hurt!" she gasped.
"They don't hurt anymore," he shook his head.
"But—"
"I'm fine," he said softly.
She frowned and took a step back, looking up at him; no matter what he said, something wasn't right.
"Shuhei, what—"
"Kanisawa and Aoga are dead, Lonni."
"What?" she gasped, more tears flooding her face. "No…. No..."
"I'm sorry, London. The Hollow came out of nowhere and killed Kanisawa. Aoga tried to avenge her, and it killed him, too. I…. I'm sorry. I couldn't save her."
She was surprised to see tears in his eyes.
"It should've been me."
"No!" she gasped. "No, Shuhei, don't you dare say that!"
"But, London—"
"No, Shuhei," she shook her head. "Kani wouldn't want you to say that, and neither do I."
"She was your best friend—"
"She was, and so are you. It hurts to lose her, Shuhei, but…but you're still here, so I'll be ok."
"London…."
"As long as you're here, I'll be ok," she whispered, stepping back into his arms.
She cried. He sank to his knees with her, holding her close while she sobbed.
"I'm sorry, London," he murmured, kissing the top of her head.
He looked up when a shadow fell over them.
Jaedelyn smiled sadly down at him. She knelt beside them, placing a hand on her sister's back. London started, staring at Jaedelyn.
"Jaede," she whimpered.
"I'm sorry about Kanisawa, London," Jaedelyn said softly. "I wish I'd gotten there sooner."
"Y-you—you were there?" London blinked.
"Mm-hm," she nodded. "Sosuke, Gin and I dispatched the Hollow."
"And saved my life," Shuhei added softly.
"Well, I couldn't let my sister's new boyfriend die—especially when she'd just lost her best friend."
"Thank you, Jaedelyn," London threw her arms around her sister. "Tell Gin and Sosuke 'thank you,' too."
"I'll tell Sosuke—once I find him—but Gin's right behind you," Jaedelyn said, hugging her sister.
London looked up to see Gin standing behind her. His signature grin was still plastered on his face, but there was a melancholy aspect that wasn't usually there. She stood and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Thank you for saving Shuhei, Gin," she whispered.
"A'course, London," he murmured softly, hugging her tightly. "I'm jus' glad you weren't on tha' trip."
"I got lucky," she sighed. "But I'm sure Gin-aniki would have saved me."
"A'course," he repeated, "but yer boy-toy'd prob'ly be dead."
"What?" she blinked, her eyes widening.
"'e'd'a got 'imself killed tryin' ta save ya."
"Probably," Shuhei agreed, standing.
"Then I'm extra glad I wasn't there," London said.
"We all are, Lon," Jaedelyn said. "Gin, we'd better find Sosuke and get outta here—we're gonna have lots of paperwork to do for this one."
"A'right, a'right," he sighed.
"Take care, you two," Jaedelyn said, kissing each teen on the forehead.
Shuhei scowled, but kept silent; he'd long since learned that complaining did no good.
"Bye, Jaede—don't forget to tell Sosuke," London said.
"I won't," she promised, grabbing Gin by the hand.
"Bye-bye, London!" Gin called, letting Jaedelyn drag him away.
"Bye, Gin."
London looked up as Shuhei's arm wrapped around her shoulders.
"Want me to take you home?" he asked.
"Yes, please," she nodded, "and promise you'll stay."
"Of course," he nodded, kissing her temple.
"What's wrong, London?"
"This place brings back memories," she said softly.
"I know."
She sighed and laid her head on his shoulder.
"I love you, Shuhei," she whispered.
He smiled softly, and uncharacteristic warmth in his eyes.
"I love you, too, London."
She smiled, snuggling closer to him.
"Does this mean we're together again?" he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
"Mm-hm," she looked up at him, watching a bright smile cross his features.
"Good."
He leaned down, catching her lips in another kiss. He groaned as she bit down gently on his bottom lip, her tongue slipping into his mouth. He pulled her toward him, leaning back.
London gasped as Shuhei suddenly disappeared, sending up a splash. She peered over the edge of the rock, giggling.
"Shut up," he glared up at her, brushing his wet bangs out of his face.
"If it makes you feel better," she giggled, "you look sexy wet."
His glare disappeared, replaced with a slightly stunned expression; his eyes widened slightly, a faint pink tinting his cheeks. He sighed, standing. He leaned against the rock, smiling as she pecked his lips softly.
"Let's go home," she said.
He looked at her quizzically, and she grinned.
"We can make some yummy food."
He grinned and straightened, scooping her up off of the rock and into his arms. She squealed, and he laughed lightly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled against it as he Shunpoed.
So much...cheesiness...and...melodrama...and fluff! I love fluff... And I can't resist being a bit cheesy sometimes ("we're not alone, we're together" LOL). Anyway, reviews are much appreciated :)