23: Encounter
A Hell Butterfly had fluttered in Sakura's window in that morning. The small black messenger had perched on her finger and relayed its announcement as she blinked drowsily, having just woken up. However, her sleepiness instantly dissipated when she heard that it was from Sousuke, and he declared that training sessions were to begin again. Sakura had practically leaped out of bed and promptly sent a message back, telling him she would be there in an hour. She had gotten dressed and washed up quickly, then bounded down the stairs for breakfast.
She left for the Fifth Division as soon as she had finished eating. The morning air was crisp and cool, the sun shining bright in the sky. Sakura tilted her head back as the breeze blew her dark tresses back, closing her eyes to enjoy the cool air. When she opened them again, she jumped back, startled by the pale, narrow face that had suddenly and silently materialized in front of her. "Ichimaru-san!"
"Hey there, Kuchiki-chan!" Gin greeted her with that same wide smile he had been wearing the first time they'd met. His silver hair fluttered in the wind, blowing in front of his eyes, which Sakura was sure further inhibited his sight.
"I-I wasn't expecting you to be here…" she managed to stutter out. A moment later, she realized how stupid that had sounded. After all, he was in the Fifth Division.
His grin only widened. "Sorry 'bout that. I ain't tryin' to scare you or nothin'." Even though his words were apologetic, his tone was anything but. He sounded as if that had been his exact intention: to scare her. Suppressing a shudder, she glanced around the street, looking anywhere but at this creepy kid and his terrifying grin.
Just as she began formulating an excuse to leave, another voice spoke up from behind her, this one a familiar, rich baritone. "Gin, may I ask what it is you are doing?"
Sakura turned around to face the newcomer, relieved. Gin merely smiled at his superior, raising a hand to scratch the back of his neck. "Oh, I was just talkin' to Kuchiki-chan here. I ain't doin' anythin' wrong."
Sousuke raised a disbelieving eyebrow. He was quite aware of Gin's sly attitude and often unusual behavior. And from the look of relief on Sakura's face, he could tell that she hadn't been enjoying Gin's company. "Oh, really? Well, I'm afraid that Kuchiki-chan will have to leave now. I will see you later, Gin."
Gin managed to pout while grinning simultaneously. "Aw, what a shame. We were just gettin' acquainted and all too."
Sousuke fixed Gin with a dangerous gaze, making sure to keep it concealed from Sakura, who was standing beside him. "Goodbye, Gin."
The silver-haired boy merely smiled wider. "Bye-bye, Aizen-fukutaichou!" Then he turned to Sakura. "Bye-bye, Kuchiki-chan! Maybe we can talk later."
"Um, sure, Ichimaru-san," Sakura managed to say. "Bye." Then Sousuke took hold of her arm, leading her away.