Hello All!

I am back again..I almost forgot to update actually. I wanted to do it yesterday, but I did some fall cleaning in my attic.

Enjoy!

Chapter Seven:

Rani found herself at the front gate to the Kuchiki Manor on her normal Monday visit. She still had the fate of her birth clan on her mind, so while she came to this place to see Lily, she was acting more like a robot than anything else. She did end up entering the manor and found Lily back in her studio working diligently on her previous projects.

"So, how are the paintings coming along?" Rani said calmly as she came into the doorway.

"OH! Rani! Let me know what you think!" Lily exclaimed as she worked on one.

"Will do." Rani replied as she walked around. "How did my notes work out for you?"

"Great! And I didn't know you could draw like that."

"I..uh..didn't." she confessed. "I may have asked Momo for some help in that department. She's seen more shikais and bankais than I have. I felt it would look really weird and seem off if I asked all of the captains and lieutentants to see their shikais and bankais."

Lily let out a small giggle at the realization.

"I'm just glad you helped me out. What did Lieutenant Hinamori say when you asked for the help? Did she suspect anything?"

"I was honest with her and told her you wanted to paint everyone something. I said I thought the shikais and bankais would be a great option." Rani explained as she slowly walked around. "You've gotten quite a bit done too."

"Yes, I have." Lily said proudly. "I only have a few more to do. Great-grandfather is going to help me deliver these to the squads."

"Too nervous to go by yourself?"

"A little bit, but daddy wouldn't want to see me walking around the Gotei 13 alone, either."

"I could help too, you know. We could deliver them on a Monday."

Lily looked up at Rani and grinned.

"Really? Then should I let great-grandfather know?"

"I'll go see Lord Ginrei before I leave today."

"Okay, but I want to deliver yours and Toshiro's together."

"Uh, why don't we deliver his and Rangiku's together before he gets off for the day. Then we can head to my place and you can present mine to me?"

"You knew where I was going with this, weren't you?"

"Yup. And I have no idea what you are drawing and painting for me."

Lily smiled as she put the paintbrush down.

"I can't have you know all of the pictures beforehand. That wouldn't be fun." Lily teased. "But, a few of these will be wrapped up tomorrow since they are officially complete."

"Just make sure you label them correctly."

"I know. I know."

Lily and Rani walked around the ground of the Kuchiki Manor and talked about things that were bothering them, including Rani's tough decision. Before they knew it it was time for Rani to head home, but she did stop and see Lord Ginrei about the delivery of the gifts. He agreed Rani should go with her when Lily was complete with her self-imposed project.

She took her time walking home enjoying the peaceful night. Once she entered the gates of Squad Ten she made her way to the house and found Toshiro waiting on the roof.

"I haven't seen you up there in a while." she commented causing him to look down.

"You're home later than normal."

"Eh." she shrugged. "I just walked slower and enjoyed the surroundings."

"But it's all buildings." he commented confused as the two walked into their home.

"It was peaceful."

"You were mulling over your necessary decision, weren't you?"

"Maybe."

"I'm not buying that 'maybe'. You were. You haven't stopped thinking about it."

"Thank you for stating the obvious, there, Captain Hitsugaya." she teased.

"Do you have a deadline for this decision?"

"I don't think so. Have you decided if you want to go to Yoshi's wedding with me?"

"If you are going to go, I will too. However, I will need to find a different outfit than this. I don't think wearing a captain's haori would be the best idea."

"We've got seven weeks. We can find something. I have plenty of kimonos."

Toshiro let out a small chuckle.

"Yes, I would definitely say you do. You have like seven, not counting what you wore to the wedding."

"You could wear what your wore to Yoshi's wedding."

"All right - let's change the topic. What should we do for dinner?"

Rani laughed as the two made their way to the kitchen.

~Two Days Later~

Rani had had it with the debate constantly going on in her head and she had finally come to a conclusion. Before officially announcing it, however, she made arrangements to speak with the Captain Commander. So, when one o'clock came around, she made her way out of the Squad Six office and headed over to Squad One. Once she was announced she walked into the captain's office and approached his desk.

"Ah, Lieutenant Hitsugaya. Welcome!"

Rani bent down and bowed before getting closer to him.

"Hello Captain Kyoraku." she greeted. "Hello Lieutenant Ise."

"Hi Rani. I'll be back later, Captain."

"Okay." he replied to his lieutenant. "I understand you wanted to tell me first your decision on your clan."

"Yes." Rani admitted as she grimaced. "But before I do, what would you have done?"

"Well," he started, "THAT is a very good question." he added as he stood up. "It's a hard one, I'll give you that. But truthfully, I have NO IDEA what I would have done. Taking into account your personal history, I am not sure I could picture myself in your situation."

"I just don't want to regret my decision that I have made."

"Are you looking for someone to make you change your mind?"

"I was kind of hoping."

"No one I know in the Gotei 13 that is a member of any clan would ever try to convince you to do anything. It's your decision, and your decision alone. Don't let anyone dissuade you from what your heart is telling you."

There was a few moments of silence before he continued.

"With that being said, what is your decision?"

Rani, who was looking out at the scene of the Seireitei before her, looked up to the captain commander and took in a deep breath.

"I think I am just going to keep things the way they are."

"You think?" a familiar voice asked from behind startling her.

"Captain Kuchiki! Sheesh! You scared me."

Byakuya just raised his right eyebrow.

"It needs to be a definite decision."

"I know, but…how did you know I was here?"

"My lieutenant was missing from her post. I had no idea where you were but then sensed you here."

Rani turned her head in one of those 'duh' moments and bit her lip while the head captain let out a small chuckle at her expense.

"Why come if you sensed I was here? I'm thoroughly confused."

"Do you really need me to answer that?"

"Uh..no. Think of it as a..rhetorical question." Rani nervously stammered out. "But, back to the topic at hand - I have decided that I AM going to keep things the way they are." she restated. "And like I mentioned to Umeko of Squad Ten, if the Seireitei survived this long without the Sutahomu clan, they can survive eternity without it." Rani added. "And I am rather fond of who I grew up to be, in a matter of speaking. How I was raised and all of that."

Byakuya nodded and then swiftly turned around and started to walk away.

"I am never going to understand half of the things he does, and why he does them." Rani said absent-mindedly causing the head captain to chuckle.

"My dear, NONE of understands him. He's too…stoic."

"Well, Captain Kyoraku, I must go. I am sure he's timing me on my return to Squad Six." she said with a small bow and roll of her eyes.

"Have a nice day, Rani."

Rani left Squad One and shunpoed all the way to Squad Six. Byakuya was waiting for her, or so she thought, but he didn't scold her for arriving after him. She quickly, and quietly made her way to her desk where she continued her work before it was time to head home.

Two weeks later, Rani and Lily were delivering Lily's paintings to each squad, starting with squad one and going down numerically, save Squads Six and Ten.

Lily was nervous, to say the least, in approaching the captains and lieutenants, well most of them. Captain Kyoraku and Lieutenant Ise were very pleased, and surprised with Lily's portraits, especially since they were one hundred percent sure that the young soul had never seen their shikais before. The responses were all the same down the line, but Lily's gift to Lieutenant Hisagi made Rani laugh hysterically. Lily made him a bonus portrait of Kiyomi and she devilishly grinned as he opened it.

By the end of the day, the young girl was utterly exhausted, but she had a few more deliveries to make, including one to her father.

"What brings you two here?" he asked confused as the Third Seat brought the canvas into the office. "And what is that?"

"Now, captain, don't be mad. This is the surprise that Lily has been working on…or at least part of it."

Lily smiled.

"Daddy, I was working on paintings for every captain and lieutenant in the Gotei 13. I had help from Rani, and Lieutenant Hinamori, for the majority, but yours has been completed for a while." she started to explain as her father walked over to the canvas.

"So this is mine?" he asked confused as he looked at Rani.

"Yes. She wants to deliver mine to me at home in Squad Ten. We still have to deliver Toshiro's and Lieutenant Matsumoto's." Rani explained.

"Open it please, daddy." Lily asked politely, but looked as if she was going to pop with excitement.

Curiously, he did as was requested by his daughter. Carefully he took off the wrapping and revealed the painting of the cherry blossom in their manor's courtyard.

"I am very impressed."

"I actually wasn't sure if that's something you would want, but it seems to be a family thing with the cherry blossoms. And something you have everywhere."

Although he didn't let it show since the Third Seat was still in the room, inside he smiled.

"Will you want this hung here in the office, sir?"

"Yes. We'll hang it later." the captain answered the Third Seat. He then walked over to his daughter. "Thank you, Lily. I will see you later at the house. Finish your deliveries. Don't get home too late."

"Yes, father." Lily said with a smile.

The two left the office and made their way over to their remaining deliveries at Squad Ten.

"Do you think he liked it?"

"I am sure he did. I think he was both speechless and trying to keep his emotions in check in front of Third Seat."

Lily smiled as they made their way into Squad Ten.

"Do you think they're both in the office?"

"They'd better be." Rani said as Umeko walked up.

"Hey ladies! Do you need help?"

"PLEASE!" Lily pleaded.

Umeko took the canvas that Lily was trying to get out of the cart. Rani grabbed the other one.

"Are they in the office?"

"Yes, ma'am. Follow me." Umeko said leading the way.

The three made their way up the stairs to the office and found the lieutenant asleep on the couch and Toshiro at his desk.

"Knock knock." Rani said softly.

"Rani!" he said surprised after looking up. He then saw Lily. "What in the world are you two doing here?"

"We've come to make a special delivery." Lily answered smiling. She walked in the office and Rani and Umeko followed. "Umeko, that's the lieutenant's. Rani has Toshiro's."

Umeko smiled and nodded as she gave out a little laugh at Lily's use of her captain's first name.

"MATSUMOTO!" Toshiro yelled waking up his lieutenant.

"Huh? Wha?" she said groggily. "Ah, Umeko. What is that?" she asked as she blinked her eyes a few times.

Umeko just shook her head towards the two guests.

"Lily has a surprise for you two." Rani started to explain.

"Lieutenant, can you open yours first, and then the captain can open his?" Lily asked and requested at the same time.

"S-sure." Rangiku answered. She stood up and walked over the gift to unwrap it. "Aww…you painted Haineko. It's beautiful." Lily smiled as the lieutenant walked over to her and gave her a hug. "Thanks kiddo!"

"You're welcome." Lily said and then turned to the captain in the room. "Your turn."

Toshiro rolled his eyes as he opened his.

"And you painted Daiguren Hyorinmaru for me." he stated. "But how did you know what they looked like, Lily? I know Rani hasn't seen -"

"I had help from Lieutenant Hinamori." Lily interjected.

The two gave Rani a confused look.

"I asked her about the shikais and bankais of about half the captains and lieutenants. She knew what she wanted to paint for the rest." Rani explained nonchalantly.

"Did she suspect or ask questions?"

"Not really. But she was happy with what I gave her." Lily answered. "So…do you like them?"

"I love mine."

"I do too." Toshiro replied causing Lily to smile.

"But who's the last one for in the cart?" Umeko inquired.

"Oh, that's Rani's. I want to give hers to her at home."

"And then we have to get you home after or else Captain Kuchiki will have a fit."

Lily nodded.

"Shall we head out then for the night?" Rani asked Toshiro. "Unless you want to stay here?"

"Nah, I"m done. Rangiku, on the other hand, needs to stay and do her work."

"But Captain!" Rangiku whined.

"Quiet." he barked. "You slept. It's time for you to work. I will see you in the morning."

Once they left Rangiku hurriedly finished her work before calling it a night. Meanwhile, the others, minus Umeko, headed to the Hitsugaya homestead. Once inside, Rani carefully unwrapped her gift.

"OH, Lily-bean!" Rani said in awe.

Before her eyes, Rani saw a family portrait done by Lily. Included were Yasuo and their parents. Rani's birth parents, siblings grandparents, uncle, as well as Lady Sugi and Yoshi.

"Wow, Lily. That is impressive."

"Thanks. I didn't exactly know what to do, but after the whole dream thing, I thought this might be better than anything else I could have and would have painted."

"Do you have a photographic memory or something?" Toshiro inquired.

"Uh…no." she answered with a slight laugh. "Great-grandfather snuck me that chip a couple of times without daddy knowing, and as far as Lady Sugi and Yoshi go, he requested a private visit for me and they happily obliged." she confessed. "But don't tell daddy about the chip. I'll get into trouble."

The couple agreed not to divulge her secret and talked with her for a little while before there was a knock on the door.

"Now, who could that be?" Toshiro questioned.

"As if you can't sense his pressure." Rani joked as she walked over to the door. "Hello Captain Byakuya."

"I've come to take Lily home with me, if that's all right."

"Did you purposely work late tonight, father?" Lily asked as he let himself in.

"I may have." he admitted. "But I also wanted to see what you painted for my lieutenant."

Rani smiled as she turned the painting so he could see it. She then looked over to Lily who looked scared.

"Beautifully done. I can see why this one took longer than the others." Byakuya complimented and then grew quiet.

"Something wrong, Captain Kuchiki?" Toshiro asked.

"No. Just admiring her work." he answered and then turned around. "Shall we go?"

Lily smiled and nodded. She said her farewells to Rani and Toshiro before heading out the door with her father leaving the couple alone.

"So, now what?" she asked.

"Well, dinner obviously. Where do you want to hang yours? We have plenty of wall space." he teased as he glanced at the bare walls.

"I'll have to think about that. I mean, it would be nice having it hung in here so our guests can see it."

"What guests?"

"Funny." she replied. "Come on. I'll make dinner tonight."

He smiled and nodded as he followed her into the kitchen.

Toshiro woke up the next morning before Rani and quickly got ready. He sat back down on the bed and watched his wife sleeping peacefully, which had been a welcome sight as of late. He pushed the small clump of hair off of her eyes and tucked behind her ear. He quickly pulled his hand back when she started to move.

"Morning." she greeted with her eyes still closed.

"Morning. You might want to wake up if you want to have breakfast and get to Squad Six on time."

She fluttered her eyes open and smiled.

"Yeah, I probably should." Rani replied and then stretched. "Are you going to make breakfast?"

"Yes, as long as you get up."

Rani grinned and then slowly sat up.

"I'm up. I'm awake. I'm going to get ready." she commented as she uncovered herself.

Fifteen minutes later, Rani was enjoying breakfast with her husband.

"I have Living World duty starting today for a few days, don't forget." he said as he picked up her finished plate.

"Yeah, I know. If you can, and if you want to, try and find a new kimono for Yoshi's wedding."

"Will do."

"Time to go. I'll see you in a few days." Rani said and then kissed him before leaving.

Rani made it to Squad Six with a few minutes to spare. She saw Lily's painting off to the side of the captain's desk and looked around the office to see where it could be hung, and what could be moved. There was the opportune spot behind her head so he could see it every time he looked up, but she wasn't sure he would want it there or behind his head. She was interrupted mid-thought by a knock on the door.

"Oh, hello Captain Abarai." she greeted with a smile.

"Hey lieutentant, is your captain not in yet?"

"Uh…no. He'll be here soon. What's up?" she asked as Chiharu came in. "Hey Chiharu!"

"Hi Rani. Is that what Lily painted for the captain?"

"Yes. It's one of the cherry blossom trees in Kuchiki Manor."

Renji and Chiharu walked in and over to it.

"Impressive." Renji started. "She painted Soo Zabimaru for me."

"And Aiborikiba for me, but we can't figure out how they knew what they looked like."

"With my, and Momo's, help." Rani confessed as Byakuya came in. "Hello Captain Kuchiki."

"Good morning. Did you bring what I asked, Abarai?"

Chiharu and Rani looked at each other and smiled.

"Yes, I did."

The ladies excused themselves and headed into the smaller office to do their work, where they also chatted about all of Lily's gifts to the captains and lieutenants.

"Wait, so she actually gave Captains Hirako and Otoribashi, and Lieutenant Kuna paintings of their Visored forms?"

"Yeah. Momo's a great artist herself so she was able to draw what they looked like." Rani answered with a small giggle. "Sui-Feng loved the one she received of the butterfly stamp that Suzumebachi forms."

"What was Captain Kuchiki's?"

"Rukia's?" she questioned. Chiharu nodded. "A painting of a family of rabbits since she loves them so much. Lily wanted to paint her bankai, but we didn't know what it looked like."

"Yeah, I don't think I want to know, but I am sure if you asked, she would tell you."

"I might ask her now. All I know is that it's dangerous for her and those she attacks with it."

"You ladies done gossiping?" Renji asked while standing in the doorway.

"Are you done with your captain business?" Chiharu retorted.

"Yes, and I have a surprise for you later." Renji said with an evil grin. "Rani, I'll see you in about two hours. Come on Chiharu." he added with a laugh and then walked away leaving the girls confused and worried.

Well, that's it for today. If it seems like I left you hanging, I guess I kind of did.

~Kirby42280~