I just realised how hard it is to put what I think into words...and i keep complicating stuff...so it took me a lot of effort to write this chapter. Anyw, enjoy. =.= r/r

disclaimer: I do not own naruto
_

Skye's POV

When I woke up, the first thing I saw was the white ceiling. Then I heard a voice. "You are finally awake. You have been unconscious for a week, you know that?"

I allowed my eyes to adjust to the light before I turned my head and saw Unohana taicho. "One week? Ouch. What's these?"

"Don't move. You need rest. Apparently, after your fight with Kenpachi, you have become quite famous in soul society. So these flowers and chocolates are given to you by your 'fans'."

I allow myself to digest these information as Unohana taicho leave the room. "Skye! You are awake! I have to come and see you almost everyday to pass you these chocolates!" I turned my head to see Renji smirking at me. "So when are you gonna be discharged? It's not like I missed you, but there are tons of paperwork and I need some help!"

"I'm fine. I can leave now. It's just minor injury. Let's go now." I replied, getting up and grabbing my sword. Without saying a word, I flashstepped away. I needed some fresh air and a quiet place alone to think.

I came to a stop at the fields of seirentei. This place looks so close to the sky. Unconsciously, I reached out my right hand and tried to touch the sky.

"Beautiful, huh. What ya doing here, Skye chan? Ya look pretty fine now compared to one week ago, aren't ya."

I tilted my head as I glimpsed at the person. Silvered hear, fox-like smile, slender figure…no other than…"Umm, sorry you are?"

"Ya don't remember me? I'm da 3rd division taicho…" "Ichimaru Gin!" I finished his sentence. You are disrupting me, Ichimaru. I thought.

"I see ya know my name!" He paused and gave me his trademark grin. "But ya still don't remember me, don't ya?"

"Umm…I just had a proper conversation with you, like 5 seconds ago, so why would I remember you?" I stared at him more closely, confused.

He smiled even wider. "Oh well, I guess ya really don't remember me. See ya then, sora chan!" With that, he vanished.

I almost lost my balance. Sora chan? He called me sora chan? Only one person calls me that, and that's…years ago. Is that male shinigami who saved me from the hollow called Gin too? If I'm not wrong, Ichimaru Gin. ICHIMARU GIN! He's my…my…he's someone I'm indebted to. How can I forget him?

He saved me from the hollow that killed Taeda. I was weak, Taeda was killed by that monster to protect me. My head is swirling as shards of memories that I feverishly struggled to keep lock in a cage come lashing out. I was badly injured by the time Ichimaru saved me. I stayed with him for one month before my sister, Kara found me.

I was reminiscing while walking at the same time that I didn't realize I actually bumped into someone. All I saw was a flash of red before I was grabbed and being flashstepped away.

"Hey put me down Renji!" I yelled. "What the hell…"

As I was complaining, he suddenly came to an abrupt stop. "You should be more alert Skye, and what's with your-"

I yanked my arm away from him before barging into the room. "You interrupted my trial of thoughts, idiot. Now where the hell am I? You-"

What the hell? I stare wide eyed at Byakuya Kuchiki. Before my mind register what is going on, I screeched. "Why are you here?" I pointed to Byakuya, before realizing my mistake and mentally slapped myself. "I mean…Umm…Byakuya taicho, nice to see you." I bowed. I feel like dying of embarrassment. I can hear Renji trying to stifle laughter.

"This is the 6th division headquarters. And Unohana taicho have informed me that you ran off from her ward without permission. Explain yourself." Byakuya didn't even look at me when he speaks. I gave a death glare to Renji before trying to come up with an explanation.

"Go back and apologise to Unohana taicho. When you are able to presume your duties, I want you to be in charge of the 6th division. Renji and I will be going to the human world. You are dismissed."

"Ha..hai." Me? In charge? I motioned Renji to follow me as I exit the office.

"I am gonna kill you when you get back, you bitch. I was almost killed by his calmness just now!" I growled. "Why are you going to the human world?"

Renji laughed casually. "Your attitude really changed a lot after you woke up just now. I like you better like that though. Don't get too cocky just because you beat Kenpachi. He's just going easy on you. I heard that Rukia gave her shinigami powers to a human during her mission to the human world, so Byakuya and me are gonna find her. See ya."

So I changed huh. I guess I concealed this devilish part of me ever since Kara died. I told myself that I don't deserve such happiness. I sighed. I am still as pathetic as ever.

Byakuya's POV

I was surprised when she came barging in and demanding my purpose in the 6th office. Her behaviour was so different from the one she exhibits one week ago. Nevertheless, I noticed her blush as she realized her mistake.

I heard every single word she uttered to Renji after they exited my office. So Renji noticed her changes too. Minori Skye. She is really a mystery.

It's been really a long time since I seriously thought about anyone, especially a girl. What is this feeling, I wonder.
_

Two weeks later

Skye's POV

It's been two weeks since Byakuya taicho and Renji left. I made some good friends, especially with the 11th division. Kenpachi is nice in his own way, I guess. 10th division is not bad too. Hitsugaya taicho is fun to be with, and he reminds me of a certain someone. Oh well, he looks like a younger version of Taeda. The most important friend I made again is Ichimaru Gin. Though many shinigamis think that he is scary, I am grateful that there is at least someone from my past who remembers the real me.

I still concealed my true self, but with Ichimaru, I can be totally open. That's good, I guess. If I compress my feelings for too long, something inside me may snap.

"Skye chan! I heard from Kenpachi taicho that Renji is coming back today! Lets have a race to see who reaches the West gate and greets him first!" Ikkaku exclaimed.

"No. I have work to do." I replied.

"Come on. Yumichika is participating too! The first one there gets to order the last one to do one thing for them. Come to think of it, you still own us a favor after we retrieved the paperwork that you have accidentally lost." Ikkaku winked.

I grumbled. "Fine. Whatever. But you do know that I will…"

"Ha! Don't be too confident. Who can predict the results before the competition starts? Anyway, Yumichika, Skye chan, the race starts…NOW!" And both of them flashstepped away.

"Sheesh. Who said that I cannot predict?" I smirked.

I took my time to get back to the 6th division and leave the paperwork there. "This is irritating…" I whispered. With that, I flashstepped to the West gate. At the speed of light.

"Renji. Rukia chan." I stopped ten centimeters away from Renji. "Byakuya taicho." I bowed slightly as I said that. But as usual, he just glanced at me.

"Skye! What are you doing here! And don't stand too close to me, idiot." Renji jumped away from me, slightly blushing.

I ignored him and said, "Where's Ikkaku and Yumichika?"

Rukia pointed to the two panting figures behind me. "There they are."

"Nice to see you, Renji! Skye Chan's fast! Ikkaku is last though, so what's he gonna do?" Yumichika laughed while trying to catch his breath.

"Just stop disturbing me. I am going back."

"You are causing a ruckus here. Go back to your divisions now. And Rukia, as a prisoner, you do not speak unless given the permission to do so." Byakuya suddenly spoke.

Rukia is a prisoner? I can't help but feel sorry for her. Even though we did not talk much, I consider her as a good friend. According to Unohana taicho, Rukia asked Renji to send flowers to me everyday when I was unconscious after fighting Kenpachi.

Rukia is his sister, and yet Byakuya treated her like that. I would have argued with Byakuya, but I have hid the 'real' me behind this façade for a long time now. I am no longer the reckless Skye. I could only pray silently that nothing would happen to Rukia.

I gave a sympathetic smile to Rukia before looking coldly at Byakuya. "Please excuse me then, Byakuya taicho. See you later, Rukia chan!"

The next day…

"Hey Skye, taicho is finding you. Need help with paperwork, I think." Renji waved at me.

"What are you doing then?" I grumbled.

He chuckled. "teaching kidos."

I silently cursed as I made my way to Byakuya taicho's office. Still not used to being too formal, I pushed the door gently and poked my head inside. "Taicho, you called for me?"

"I need your help to do the paperwork today, since Renji is supposed to train the 6th division." Byakuya pointed to the thick stack of paperwork on his table. "Classify these information according to dates and difficulty level. I need to sign them afterwards. You may start now."

I grabbed a seat opposite of Byakuya and started on the boring and tedious paperwork. For a while, its silent. I stole a glance at Byakuya. He is concentrating on his work and doesn't seem to notice me at all. He is definitely a workaholic. I really want to figure him out, understand him; the real him behind the façade he puts on. Not to mention he is hot.

I signed and glanced at him again. He is still lost in the world of paperwork. I shook my head and rubbed my eyes to wake myself, but soon, I started to dose off again. A sharp pain woke me up. "Aww…"I mumbled as a rubbed my head. My hands must have slipped and my head just naturally hit the table.

"You should focus on your task, Minori. I need this by four in the afternoon." Byakuya finally regarded me.

The 'real' me wanted to blurt out "splash water on me then, idiot.", but I suppressed my irritation by saying, "Hai."

I forced myself to continue the task without arguing. I stole glances at Byakuya every few minutes. I know a thing or two about pretending to be someone you are not, but how could he look so calm and focused for so long?

"Do you feel hot?"

"Eh?" I looked up, surprised that he actually talked to me about something other than work. "Not really. Why?" I touched my forehead, I'm not sweating.

"I see. Your face is red." He stopped writing and looked into my eyes. "Perhaps its just my imagination."

Shocked, I touched my cheek. What? Why is my face red? My cheek does feel hot now that he mentions it, and it is getting hotter by the second. Wha…I…I am blushing? Realizing the reason behind this, my cheeks became redder. Now it feels like its burning. "Sheesh what the hell. Why am I…Byakuya? Because of him? This is ridiculous! Oh no he better not find out ab…"

"Find out about what?"

I almost jumped out of my seat. He is still staring at me. I just spoke my thoughts out? I can just die right this instant. This is Byakuya I am talking about, not some random taicho, but Byakuya taicho! Calm down. You need to calm down and breathe, Skye. Hide your emotions. You can definitely face him if you are THE Minori Skye. I talked myself out of it before I am completely freaked out.

"I was just talking to myself. Sorry if I bothered you, Byakuya taicho." I forced a small smile on my face.

Byakuya's POV

I can't help but stare at her. Even though I know the smile she showed on her face is strained, I can't possibly ignore the fact that she is beautiful. And she looks even cuter when she is trying to hide the fact that her face is red. Come to think of it, Hisana used to turn red too when I stared at her.

"Why are you red, Hisana?"

"Ano...I'm blushing, Byakuya sama." She smiled and tried to hide her face.

After a long silence she looked up at me again. "Please do not stare at me, Byakuya sama. My face is burning already."

"Are my stares causing you to blush so madly, Hisana?"

"H…Hai. I can't help feeling attracted to you when you stare at me so intently. Don't you know what your stares do to others, Byakuya sama?"

"Others?"

"Ano…the female population. Especially those who have a crush on you."

"Really? Do you have a crush on me, Hisana?"

She stopped walking, surprised that I actually asked her that. "Of course, but that was so long ago. It's not called a crush anymore when we are married, Byakuya sama. It's called love."

So Minori is blushing because I am staring at her. However I do see that she is trying to hide it and concentrate on her work. I know that she tries hard to keep her large brown eyes void of emotions, but I can still see the confusion in them. It takes a lot of practice to become calm and composed in any situation, like me. What is she hiding?

"Taicho. Is there something on my face?"

Her voice broke my trial of thoughts. "No. Why do you ask, Minori?"

It seems that I talk more when I am with her. "You are staring at me, taicho."

"I see." I grabbed my pen and continued working. Nevertheless, my mind keeps drifting off to Minori. What kind of person is she really? Her presence is truly intriguing.

Later that evening.

After finishing the paperwork, I realized that it was already past eight. Minori already left one hour ago. I should be heading home now but I feel like I should stay a bit longer. There's no one at home waiting for me anyway. I made my way to the roof top of the 6th division. I would sometimes go there and just look and sereitei. There, it was peaceful and quiet.

As I set my foot on the roof top, I closed my eyes and inhaled to the wind that is gushing by. I feel refreshed instantly. Then I frozed. Because someone else is here, on the rooftop.

Skye's POV
After what seems like forever, Byakuya finally dismissed me, not before asking me to pass some paperwork to the 3rd division. Reluctantly, I dragged my leg there. The 3rd division seems quiet. Has everyone gone home? What the hell, so I came here for nothing? I cursed in my mind.

"Skye chan! Wha' ya doing here?"

"I turned my head. "Ichimaru! Ahh…I mean Ichimaru taicho, nice to see you. Where is everyone else?"

"No need ta be so formal, sora chan." He flashed his trademark grin at me. "I released 'em early today!"

"Hey! Its Skye! Stop giving me weird names…Oh well…" His presence brought complicated feelings to me. Just after I dealt with Byakuya and my blush…argh…me and my feelings…But I am happy that he's here. Because he's the only one in sereitei who knew the real me. However, I also wished that he's not here, because I can't help thinking about the past when I see him. It's like he's dragging me behind, preventing me from moving forward. Besides that, I feel really awkward talking to him. Not that I don't enjoy his company, but just that I don't want us to talk about the past. So basically, I have no idea how I feel about him. I guess I'm just glad that we get to see each other. After all, he's quite close to me at one point of my life. "Uhh…there, Byakuya taicho wanted me to pass you these." I handed him the pile of paperwork.

"So uhh…I guess I'll see you again, Ichimaru…taicho." Remembering his position at the end. He's still a captain, no matter what. I bowed to him and hurriedly flash stepped away.

I was walking and deep into my thoughts when he appeared beside me all of a sudden. "Skye chan. Where ya going?"

"You almost gave me a heart attack, idiot!" I shrieked before composing myself. "I thought you are still working, Ichimaru taicho."

"told ya to drop da taicho. I just went to put the paperwork ya gave me 'fore catching up to ya." He stopped walking suddenly. "Are ya going home?"

"Its late. Why?"

"Nottin. Come on." He grabbed my hand and before I can register, he pulled me into his arms and flashstepped away.

"What are you doing? If you want me to go somewhere just tell me."

"Aww come on, Skye chan. It's more fun this way." All of a sudden, he stopped.

"Hey I almost fell! What's your problem anyway?" I said angrily as the inertia almost made me fall flat on the ground. "So where are we?"

"On the roof top."

"Why did you stop?" I asked, holding on to his arm so that I don't collapse due to dizziness.

"ya asked meh to."

"Your answers are nonsensical, do you know that, Gin?" I glared at him. "Now I think I'm lost. All buildings look the same, especially when its dark."

"Come on, don't be so pissed. Don't ya recognize your own division, Skye chan? Tsk tsk, ya haven't been to the roof top of the 6th division, have ya?" Ichimaru opened his eyes slightly to reveal his red orbs.

I froze. "What? We're at the 6th division?" I whispered. My heart started beating faster. I did not want to be here at all. It only reminded me of this afternoon.

"Aww…you're blushing, Skye chan. Don't ya wanna be here? Oh and look, there's your captain!" Ichimaru whispered the last sentence into my ear, causing me to shudder.

Byakuya's POV

I stared at the two shadows standing in the moonlight? Who would come to the 6th division at night? I walked towards them. And standing in front of me, is Minori Skye grabbing onto Ichimaru Gin's arms, with his lips at her ear, and they seem very very comfortable in that position.

Ichimaru, who probably sensed my presence long ago, broke the silence by acknowledging me. "Ahh…Byakuaya. Nice to see ya. We're just enjoyin' a moment of peace an' quiet. Well, I shall return your officer to ya now." He finally let go of Minori, who now look like she's seen a ghost after realizing I'm here.

"Skye chan, why don't ya spend a lil' time with ya captain. I needa go now."

"I do not need her to spend time with me, Ichimaru. I am going home." I calmly stated, even though my mind is filled with questions. What are they doing? Do they have a relationship?

"Don't be so cruel, Byakuya. Ya needa treat ya officers with more care. Skye chan?" He turned back and looked at her. Minori looks so shocked that she just stood there, not responding. Gin patted her head and said, "Sora chan, I'll see ya tomorrow!"

She finally snapped back to reality as she retorted, "What did I say? Never ever call me sora chan. You just stepped out of the line, Gin."

"I was just waking ya, Skye chan. I'm going now, have fun with ya captain! See ya, Byakuya!" With that, he disappeared, leaving Minori gaping at his sudden disappearance. I stared at her. They must have some kind of special relationship, or Minori wouldn't have called him Gin. She seems so much at ease with him. I knew it when I heard her retorting back. So she's not as aloof as I think. I can't help but feel angry at Ichimaru for being so close to Minori. But I decided to put my feelings aside and see how Minori reacts.

Skye's POV

I gulped. I'm alone with him now. I know I'm blushing madly for some unknown reason. This is so embarrassing. Being caught in the act by none another than Byakuya, even though there's nothing going on between me and Ichimaru. How am I going to explain myself? Calm down, there's nothing to be afraid of. I told myself mentally. Hide your emotions now.

"Ano…Byakuya taicho, I apologise for the…uhh…my actions just now. I shall head back home now." I bowed to him before walking away.

"Stop."

My heart pumped even faster. He's going to punish me. He's going to punish me. He's going to…I felt his presence beside me. Slowly and carefully, I lifted my head and tilted left. "Taicho…"

"It's really nice today, isn't it? It's breezy and the moon is at its peak." He stared straight ahead.

"H…Hai." I nodded, looking at him with unbelievable eyes. He's talking to me about something that's not work. He doesn't look like he's going to punish me. Byakuya is talking to me! My heart skipped a beat. I feel happy that he's actually talking to me, considering his cold attitude towards everyone.

"What are you doing here so late at night?" Byakuya continued.

"Ichimaru taicho brought me here without warning, I'm afraid."

"I see. You look quite close to Ichimaru." He looked at me. "I'm amazed at your behavior when you are with him."

Oh shit. Why must he comment on that? I bit my lips and stole a glance at him. Obviously he's expecting me to answer his doubts. After confirming that he's not going to back down when he's still looking at me after one minute, I timidly replied, "I was close to Ichimaru taicho before I became a shinigami."

I raised my head. I don't really want to talk about my past, but my mouth just unconsciously spoke out things that I shouldn't have. "He saved me…years ago."

My eyes connected with his. Though his eyes showed no emotions, I can see the confusion lingering deep inside the pools of black. My past is really intriguing, isn't it? I don't like to tell my past to people because all they do is feel pity and glad at the same time that such unfortunate events did not happen to them. I do not want their compassion. I just want someone to smile at me and say, "Let's move on together." However, with Byakuya, I do not feel the need to hide my past. I can see it clearly in his eyes. He's been through countless conflicts in his heart too. He had a tainted past, just like me. Only people who are hurt so badly would conceal their emotions, for fear of being exposed to the truth.

"Renji gave me your profile information shortly after you arrived. Your past is totally blank. There's nothing written on it." He said without breaking eye contact with me. I can feel the atmosphere getting more intense. My cheeks continued to blush.

I smiled forcefully. "I want to forget about it. I want to start anew and move on without regrets."

"You can't." He replied almost instantly.

I narrowed my eyes. "I am trying to."

"You can't forget. That's why you concealed your feelings. Am I wrong?"

"I bit my lips. "I am not concealing my feelings. This is who I am." I replied hastily. Of course, he saw through me. My lie doesn't even sound convincing to me.

"You don't what to be who you were in the past, that's why you try to change. But you are yourself again when you're with Ichimaru." His stare is piercing into my heart. Looks like he hit the jackpot. I felt angry at him all of a sudden. He understands how I feel, and yet he is trying to expose me.

"Why does it matter to you? I can handle my own matters." My voice hardened.

"Why indeed."

I stiffened. "You are doing that too. Concealing your feelings."

His eyes widened a bit before he put on a calm composure again. I guess he didn't expect me to retort back. He broke the eye contact and stared once again at the sky.

After ten minutes of silence, I looked at Byakuya again. He doesn't look like he's going to say anything anymore. "Uhh..it's late, I think I should go now. See you tomorrow, Byakuya taicho."

It was only when another gush of wind blew by did I hear what he said to me. Forgetting is as painful as remembering.

thanks for reading:) please give me suggestions!