A/N: Sorry it took me sooo long to update. I had a con that I needed prep time for and work has been crazy. This chapter is a little short but I felt it was necessary.
The next day, Shunsui Kyoraku, Captain of Squad Eight was sitting in the garden of Squad Eight plotting. He had known both Byakuya and Rangiku for a very long time. He had practically watched Byakuya grow up. He knew him when he was just a babe in arms. Shunsui was even present for all his birthday parties growing up. He watched as Byakuya turned into a child and then a teenager and then into a young man. A very temperamental and egotistical young man. He then watched as he fell in love with Hisana. She helped him a lot. She was soft and fragile, and he felt the need to protect her. She softened him up and showed him what it was like to enjoy life. When he was with her he was always happy and smiling. He was even a tad bit nicer. When she died Byakuya's heart broke. His world stopped spinning. After that, he stopped smiling. He became cold and distant. He constantly schooled his features into a fine hard line in an attempt to block people out.
On the other hand, Rangiku he met when she was fresh out of the academy. She had accompanied Captain Kurosaki to a party. She was young and vibrant. She lit up the room. Not to mention she was one of the only people to ever beat him at a drinking game. Even though she was all smiles and laughter, Shunsui could easily see the darkness she held in her heart. He knew right away that she was in love with Gin Ichimaru and he knew then that it would only end with her broken heart. He had quite a soft spot for Rangiku. She was a dear friend to him and to his little Nanao. In fact she is the one who finally convinced Ise to accompany him for a date. He watched as she worked hard and advanced in the ranks. He was very proud of her when she was finally promoted to Lieutenant of Squad Ten. He knew that everything she did was to get her closer to Gin but he was still proud of her all the same. When Gin died he watched her begin to spiral out of control. She drank day in and day out. She slept around with random men and sometimes even women. Shunsui couldn't sand to see such an amazing and beautiful woman so hurt and defeated.
Shunsui sipped his sake and sighed. He already knew what he wanted to do. He just knew that it wasn't going to be easy. He was fixing to send for another bottle of sake when he felt Ise Nanao approaching, and decided against it. Instead he quickly adjusted himself to look as if he was taking a nap, hiding the empty sake bottle in his haori. A few moments later he felt her enter the garden. He then heard a small sigh followed by a swooshing sound. Then BAM! He was struck by what could only be a flying book.
"Agggahh! What was that for?" He fussed, once again clutching his head in his hands. "Sleeping on the job Sir." Was her very formal answer. He just chuckled and said, "I'm done for the day. Our gracious third seat is taking care of all my paperwork. The only thing I have left to do is attend a meeting this evening. I have a couple of hours to spare so I planned on taking a nice quiet nap." At hearing this Nanao gave him a sweet little smile and bent down to give him a little kiss while no one was looking. Or so he thought. Instead she reached into his captain's haori and pulled out the sake bottle. "I see you were also drinking on the job." As she said it she playfully went to smack him upside the head, but he caught her wrist and pulled her down into his lap. "Nanao. You really shouldn't be so mean to me." He then placed a small kiss on her lips. "I have been such a good boy today."
Ise turned beat red and jumped up as fast as she could. "It is very unprofessional of you to behave in such a way in the workplace," she scolded him. "Aww. But I even figured out exactly what to do for our dear friend Rangiku. I already have a game plan and everything," he said as he stood. "Well. What is it? You haven't told me hardly anything. She is my friend too. I think I should know who you are going to try and match her with." As Nanao said it she crossed her arms in front of her chest and gave Shunsui a look that meant business. He then stepped close to her and wrapped his arms around her little waist and leaned in to whisper something in her ear. "I'll tell you tonight after my meeting." He then flash stepped away leaving a very aggravated Lieutenant behind him.
A couple of hours later Shunsui entered the Shihoin household for a meeting with the H.O.H. (Head of household) herself. Immediately he was ushered by a servant into a private meeting room. The room itself was small and at the center was a small circular table surrounded by fluffy cushions. Laying across the biggest cushion was Lady Yoruichi sipping on a glass of milk. Sitting rigid as ever besides her was Captain Sui-Feng of Squad Two. It was no surprise to him. He knew they were lovers. Everyone knew. "Hello Captain Kyoraku." As she said it she motioned for him to sit down. She then called for a servant to bring in some sake for her guest. "Miss Shihoin. Captain Sui-Feng." He said in greeting and took a seat on a cushion across from the two lovers. Sui-Feng just nodded her head in greeting while Yoruichi smiled and asked, "Would you like some sake?" as the servant came back in with a couple of bottles. "Of course I would." He said with a chuckle.
Once he was settled in, bottle of sake in hand, they got down to business. "So what business brings you here?" Yoruichi asked. Shunsui sipped his sake before replying, "It has come to my attention that a couple of very dear friends of ours could use a little help." Yoruichi smiled and said, "Alright. I'm listening." "I was wanting to set them up on a blind date. I can for sure get one of them to agree but the other may take a little bit more convincing. That is why I wanted to meet with you." She stretched and sat up. Clearly interested in where this was going. "Alright. I'm in. Who are we hooking up?" She said with an evil grin. Shunsui took another sip of sake before stating, "Rangiku Matsumoto and Byakuya Kuchiki." At hearing this Yoruichi burst into laughter while Sui-Feng who was sipping her own bottle of sake nearly choked. Which then made Shunsui laugh as well. "I can see why you came to me," Yoruichi said still laughing. Sui-Feng chose to speak up just then and say, "That'll never work. They are too different. Captain Kuchiki will end up killing Lieutenant Matsumoto before this is over. Plus he would never agree to a blind date." But of course they ignored her and Yoruichi said, "This is just crazy enough to work. You know what they say. Opposites attract." This brought out even more laughter from Shunsui and Yoruichi, while Sui-Feng just skulked.
Across the Seireitei, Rangiku was with Nanao eating dinner and Byakuya was taking an evening stroll when their ears started ringing. They both thought to themselves, "Someone must be talking about me."
A/N: Where im from, if your ears are ringing it means someone is talking about you. Let me know what y'all think. I'm open to suggestions. Also reviews may motivate me to update sooner.