Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach nor its characters.

Note: New chapter is up! Shihana is back at Shihoin estate, what is she planning to do? I hope you like it!

Chapter 25:

Shihana tried to arrange her thoughts on the way to the estate.

How shall I voice my excuse? How do I even explain why Renji was visiting me in the first place?

Calm down, Kuchiki Shihana. You are a Kuchiki, there's no such thing as breaking into sweat about a conversation.

First thing is to look imposing. Bear yourself like a noble and nobody will doubt that you are one.

Second thing, of course a friend of mine can visit me. Hm, on second thought, it would be even better to pretend Byakuya-san had sent him over to check on me. He's his fukutaichou after all.

Now, how to excuse my staying silent? Ah, why not use Reki's own image of women?

'I was so scared and shocked by the sudden display of violence that I was rooted to the spot!' An additional 'I did not expect a fukutaichou to act so rudely!' will do the rest.

Lying is awfully tiresome, but I guess the goal justifies the means.

When the soft swaying movement finally stopped, Shihana had already calmed her mind and was ready for the inhabitants of Shihoin estate.

"We are there, Kuchiki-sama", announced a bearer.

Shihana gracefully exited the palanquin and gave the man who had helped her out a small smile.

"The visit may take some time. Why don't you go on in and have some tea with the Shihoin servants?"

"Thank you, Kuchiki-sama", answered the bearers and bowed.

She turned away from them and focused all her attention on the task ahead.

Back straight, she climbed the stairs with the look of person not to be messed with.

As she had hoped, the guards let her through without comment.

When she was inside, she hesitated a moment, trying to recall the layout of the house.

Now it came to her that she didn't know the way to Reki's lodgings.

Well, she would have to ask someone.

Looking left and right, she tried to make up her mind which direction to take.

When Shihana saw a black cat wandering around, she chose the left corridor.

The cat seemed to have noticed her, because it stopped and turned its small head towards her.

The golden eyes watched her closely as she approached.

Careful not to disarray her clothes, Shihana crouched down and reached out a hand to pet the cat. It purred and pressed its shiny head against her palm.

"Such a beauty. You don't happen to know the way to Reki-san's rooms?" she joked.

To her surprise, the cat freed itself and began to walk down the corridor, stopping after a few paces as if to see whether she would follow.

Shihana chose to follow the cat for now. Sooner or later she was bound to meet another inhabitant of the house, who could tell her the way.

While they walked, the cat always a few steps ahead, Shihana couldn't shake the feeling that the cat's golden eyes seemed somewhat familiar. Where had she seen those eyes before?

Lost in her thoughts she barely noticed a door she had just walked past sliding open.

"Is that you, Kuchiki Shihana-san?", called a voice from behind.

Quickly hiding her surprise, Shihana turned around and bowed.

"Nice to meet you again, Shihoin-sama!"

"No, no, it is Yashin-kun for you, Shihana-san. I have not seen you lately and was worried about your health."

"As you see, I am fine, Yashin-kun", answered Shihana. "I came to see Reki-san. You do not happen to know where I can find him?"

Before Yashin could answer, another person stepped out into the corridor.

"Who are you talking to?", inquired the lady of the house. Her gaze swept over Shihana and only a slight trace of disapproval remained.

"What a surprise, it is Kuchiki-san! I do not recall you planned to visit today."

Shihana swallowed. She had totally forgotten that etiquette demanded a visit between nobles to be announced beforehand.

She smiled sweetly. "I was in the vicinity, so I stopped by on a whim. I hope it is not unsuitable?"

"Of course not!", replied Yashin. "I remember you have not seen the garden last time. Would you care for a little tour?"

"With pleasure", answered Shihana and stepped aside to let the couple pass.

A door to the garden was only a few steps away. They slipped into shoes that stood lined up next the the door and came out into the fresh winter air.

"It is more lovely with the flowers in full bloom, but even now I will show you its beauty", said Yashin. "Look at the biwa over there. It has been planted by my grandfather. The leaves always stay green and it has eat-able fruit during summer."

"Ah, they are small and look a bit like apples, right?'" asked Shihana.

"Yes that's right", nodded Reki's father and continued down the path.

"You might not recognize this quince tree during this season. It will have lovely red blossoms, but the fruit don't taste well."

"But I think you can make sweets from them", said Shihana. Cringing her eyebrows she wondered where she had heard about quince sweets. She had enjoyed the walk in the garden so much that she almost jumped, when Reki's mother spoke.

"But I guess Kuchiki-san is not here to listen to your botanic lectures, Yashin dear. What was the purpose of your visit again?"

"I apologize, I have not told you yet. I wanted to see Reki-san."

"You should have said so, dear. His rooms are right there." She pointed at the veranda to her left. Shihana could see light shimmering out from the room ahead.

"Thank you very much, Shihoin-sama. And thank you for the tour of the garden. It was very interesting", she hastily said and bowed.

Then she walked over towards the veranda, shedding her shoes on the foot of its stairs.

Shihana couldn't suppress a smile when she saw the cat sitting next to the door as if it had been waiting for her.

"You truly are a special cat. I will give you a nice scratching behind the ears on my way out, it's a promise."

Then steeling herself, she knocked at the door.

Reki's deep voice allowed her to enter.

She slid the door open and bowed.

"I am sorry to trouble you, Reki-san. I have come to apologize for my behaviour earlier today."

"Do come in, Shihana-san. You are no trouble. Come and have a cup of tea with me", said Reki gently.

Shihana almost smiled. Sometimes he was really likeable. She knew she could go through with this.

She sat down next to him and accepted a steaming cup of tea.

Reki watched her carefully blowing the hot liquid to cool it down. Truly, she was beautiful, but would she ever be good enough to please mother?

"You know, Reki-san", began Shihana, breaking his thoughts. "Abarai-kun visited me this morning because Byakuya-san asked him to. I was completely shocked by his behaviour!"

"Truly?" inquired Reki. "I had the impression you secretly believed he was right."

Shihana tried very hard to make an indignant face. "How would you come to such a conclusion, Reki-san?" she asked.

"Just a feeling", answered Reki and took a sip of tea. "You as a noble must know that it is of utmost importance that the family's name is not tainted in any way. There were horrible rumours of what had happened to you. I was worried."

Then why didn't you come and see for yourself? Shihana thought angrily.

"What changed your mind?" she asked, half out of politeness, half wanting to know the truth.

"It was all only made up by people who did not want our two great houses joined. I am convinced of that. I was foolish to make you wait so long. You do have missed me, Shihana-san, have you not?"

"Sure I have, Reki-san", Shihana managed to mutter, forcing a false smile on her lips.

"Then how about a kiss of betrothal? To strengthen our bond", whispered Reki. He had set down his cup and his left hand was gently but firmly holding down her arm, the cup still between her fingers.

This is it Shihana, she thought to herself. Don't back down now!

She closed her eyes and waited for the dreadful feeling of fear to appear.

She felt Reki's lips on hers, his other hand lightly touching her cheek. Yet there was nothing. No stabbing pain in the chest, no shadow of death approaching.

Shihana was almost happy in the arms of her future husband.

She left Shihoin estate with the ghost of a smile on her lips.

Gin flicked his finger against the surface of the mirror shard in his hand. His face had lost its ever-present smile.

Just when he was about to curse it for the seventh time, an image appeared on its surface. It showed a black-haired woman, smiling.

"Why the heck did it go off like tha'? You're not escapin' me, ya know. It's time ta spill some blood in Seireitei."

What do you think? I kinda like Yashin, though nobody knows how he ended up with such a snappish wife.^^ As always, reviews are much appreciated. And yes, there will be some action in the next chapter!