A/N: Alrighty! Here it is! Sorry it took me so long to update. Thank you everyone who took the time to read and review this story. Hope y'all enjoy it!

Chapter 5

The next day was a productive one for Rangiku. She was adjusting nicely to her new routine. She hadn't drank even an ounce of sake since her heart to heart with Toshiro. She was getting to work on time and finishing all her paperwork. All of her friends were very proud of her and most of all she was proud of herself. Now, she knew that it had technically only been four days but that was by far the longest she had ever been without it. She had been drinking since her and Gin were just kids. It was almost an addiction. No matter the occasion or circumstance alcohol was always involved, until now that is. Now she drank only water or tea. Healthy choices as her best friends and captain put it. Toshiro suggested that since she wouldn't be out partying that she should put some more energy into trying to achieve her Bankai. That of course was no small task to try and tackle. Only the most powerful and dedicated Soul Reapers ever achieved Bankai, and even then it takes years to fully master. But she was willing to try.

By midday Rangiku had finished her scheduled morning patrol and done more than half of her paperwork. She planned on having lunch with Ise Nanao and Nemu Kurosutchi before heading off to do some training with the newest recruits of her division. Then she wanted to head back to the office and finish her paperwork before heading over to the training arena to work on her Bankai with Captain Hitsugaya. Rangiku figured that if she kept herself busy she wouldn't feel the need to drink or go partying.

She then headed to their usual little café for lunch. Nemu was already there waiting at a little booth. She slid into the seat across from her and said, "Hey Nemu! How has your morning been?" Nemu just shrugged and replied, "It has been well. My father is starting a new experiment this afternoon so I won't be able to stay too long. How were patrols this morning?" Rangiku just gave a little laugh before replying, "They were boring. Ever since Aizen was defeated things have been incredibly chill." Nemu made a very confused face before stating, "Rangiku. It is spring. The weather has been quite warm lately." At this time Nanao had just joined them in time to hear that last exchange. She sat down next to Nemu and smiled saying, "Nemu. It's just an expression. She means that things have been very relaxed around here lately." Nemu then blushed and said, "I see."

As she said it the waitress brought them their food that Nemu had taken the liberty of ordering for them. The food was great and the company even greater. Towards the end of their lunch Nanao looked at Rangiku and asked, "So, have you started dating?" Rangiku had honestly forgotten about it, and very nearly spewed the entire contents of her drink all over Ise at the mention of dating. "Of course not!" She exclaimed. "I have been focusing all my energy on work and staying away from bars. I don't think I even have time to date now." Then it was Nanaos turn to laugh. "Well Rangiku, I suggest you make time soon. My Captain and I, along with a few others who are still a mystery to me, have been trying to arrange a little blind date for you." Rangiku's dumbfounded expression was priceless.

"What? Who? When?" Was all Rangiku managed to say. Nanao smiled and said, "Honestly I haven't the slightest clue. Shunsui refused to tell me anything He kept saying that was going to be a big surprise. Apparently it's a big secret for everyone involved. So it's best that you not mention it to anyone. So basically, this information never leaves this table okay?" She said glancing between the two other occupants at the little booth. Nemu just nodded her head and Rangiku whom was still in shock just stared at her in disbelief before finally saying, "I can't believe you all actually started planning a date for me. I don't think I'm ready for that just yet." Nanao just gave her a reassuring smile before saying, "You better start getting ready. From what Shunsui says the time and date will be decided within a week. You are the most beautiful and social woman in the whole Soul Society. I have complete faith in you."

After another couple of minutes of shock and date discussions Nemu excused herself to go back to her barracks. Then Nanao and Rangiku both decided to go their separate ways as well to finish up what work they had left for the afternoon. Rangiku just couldn't fathom the idea of dating, but she decided to push the thought to the back of her mind till she could finish her work.

On the other hand Byakuya felt like he couldn't get any work done. He had three meetings scheduled for the morning. Later that day he was scheduled to give a lecture at the Academy and then he had a Captains meeting. In between his meetings he tried working on paperwork but was always interrupted either by Renji or some other subordinate. Renji, whom was obviously distracted a majority of the day, kept turning in the wrong forms and when he did happen to submit the right one it was full of errors. Byakuya felt like he just didn't have the time to get his paperwork done, and couldn't possibly let Renji do it with all his errors. Plus Renji had been acting strangely all day, and Byakuya had strong reason to believe that it had something to do with Rukia.

When Renji was finally given leave for the evening Byakuya thought he would finally have a chance to finish up his paperwork. Unfortunately, paperwork just wasn't in the cards that evening. Twenty minutes in and he was almost halfway done when he heard a small rustling sound. He quickly glanced behind him, and saw that nothing was there. When he turned his attention back to his desk he was horrified to see a little black cat stretched out on the stack of already finished paperwork lazily grooming its fur. His eyes widened and his mouth formed a hard line when the reality of the situation set in. He was being visited by Yoruichi Shihoin.

The cat then sat up looking amused. Byakuya froze. He just knew that this experience would be another unpleasant one. "Well Byakuya, aren't you going to greet an old friend?" the cat asked. Byakuya then schooled his features into his usual stoic mask. "Miss Shihoin. I am in no mood for your childish antics. Please leave. I have work to attend to." Was his cool response.

Byakuya and Yoruichi had known each other since they were very young. The Kuchiki and Shihoin families were among the most prestigious noble families in all of the Soul Society. The two families were very close. So, Byakuya and Yoruichi knew each other very well. Yoruichi was quite a bit older than Byakuya and always managed to beat him at just about any game, especially tag. As kids she would constantly tease him and always tried to goad him into picking a fight with her just so she could beat him. Byakuya considered her his rival and trained hard to beat her. He was jealous when she became the Captain of Squad Two. At the time she was the youngest person to ever be given a captains position. Even as rivals they were very close, but that ended when Yoruichi disappeared over a century ago after Aizen created the Vizards. She reappeared again when Rukia was given her death sentence to help Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends rescue her. She had only gotten stronger, smarter and faster since then. Byakuya knew that this encounter had the potential to get nasty.

She just flashed a cat like grin before saying, "Byakuya. I came here on very important business." "No business of yours interests me. You need to leave." He responded coolly. "Let's be honest Byakuya. You can't make me leave. So, until you hear me out I will do everything in my power to make you miserable." With that being said she then transformed herself into her human form. So now where the cat once laid across his desk a beautiful naked Yoruichi laid sprawled out for the world to see. Clearly having no sense of modesty. Yoruichi couldn't contain her laughter as Byakuya's normal composure flew out the window. His eyes opened wide and he tried to stand but fell backwards knocking over his chair and landing on his back in embarrassment. Closing his eyes he stood up and removed his outer captain's robe and threw it at the still laughing woman. After waiting a few moments for her to dress he opened his eyes to see her sitting on his desk cross-legged with his robes loosely draped around her body. "I do not find your lack of modesty amusing."

Yoruichi then got very serious. "Hahaha." She said sarcastically. Then she continued, "Just hear me out so I can get outta your hair and you can get back to your business." Byakuya thought it over for a minute. "Fine. Then you must leave. I am a very busy man." "Alright Byakuya Boy. I've come to make a deal with you." As she said it she crossed her arms in front of her mostly exposed chest. Her dark skin contrasting against the white Captains coat. "What's the deal?" he asked with his best poker face. "If I win you do whatever I want. If you win I do whatever you want. Sound fair?" "That depends on what game you are playing. Also, I fail to see exactly how this can possibly benefit me. You have nothing I want." He answered matter of fact. In turn Yoruichi laughed then said, "Everyone wants something, and I know you better than anyone. You don't seek out material possessions. Think about it. If you win you could make me leave you alone. Hell, I could even make a public announcement that you finally beat me at something. What do you say Byakuya? You have to want something." This made Byakuya chuckle a little. "What exactly would the game be?" he asked. Then Yoruichi surprised Byakuya be saying, "Whatever you choose. I am confident I will win. I always win. Right Byakuya Boy!" Then without notice she flash stepped over to Byakuya and stole his precious family scarf from around his neck before sitting back down on Byakuya's desk. She did it so fast that Byakuya didn't even notice till the scarf appeared around her neck. "Maybe if I win this will be my prize. I won't know for sure till I win."

Byakuya was stunned first then mad the next second. "How dare this insufferable woman come in here and treat me this way," he thought to himself. Now he knew that he had to accept her challenge. He couldn't just let her keep thinking that she was superior to him. But what game should he choose. As much as he hated to admit it to himself, he knew he'd never be able to beat her in a race. She was too fast. Then he thought about chess, but decided against it because he knew that she was a master strategist. He needed to think of something and think fast because the smug expression on Yoruichi's face was highly unsettling. He had really hopped that she would grow bored and just leave him be. That's when he thought of the seemingly perfect solution.

"I challenge you to a game of stares." Byakuya proclaimed in his usual cool tone. Yoruichi just fell back across his desk in a fit of laughter. "And you say I'm childish. We haven't played that in over one hundred years." Byakuya just glared at her. When she finally regained her composure she said, "Alright let's get the show on the road." Byakuya just sighed and said, "The one who can stare at the other the longest without breaking eye contact will be the victor." Yoruichi just smiled and said, "And to the victor goes the spoils. We start in thirty seconds. Prepare yourself Byakuya."

They both readied themselves into comfortable positions and pulled their hair away from their faces. Yoruichi tied her long purple locks into a high ponytail while Byakuya threw his medium lenghth ebony hair over his shoulders. The last time they had done this they were just kids, and Byakuya had won that time. But just barely. As soon as the allotted time was up, they both kicked it into serious mode. Neither moved nor spoke for what seemed like an eternity. After about twenty impossibly long minutes both of them were experiencing some discomfort, their eyes were red and watery. Byakuya spoke first saying, "Just give up. Admit defeat." Yoruichi replied saying, "It's insulting that you think I would just give up. But I can tell that you're exhausted. So I'll forgive you this time."

Another fifteen minutes had passed before anything else was said. "You know Byakuya. You're actually kind of cute with tears in your eyes. You should cry more often." Yoruichi teased. Byakuya's shoulders stiffened and he narrowed his eyes at her before saying, "You on the other hand look sickly. After I win I will call for a vet." Without missing a beat Yoruichi said, "Come now Byakuya, has it been so long that you can't think of anything else to do with a woman? Tisk. Tisk." Byakuya's eyes went wide and his jaw hung open in shock. "Yoruichi. You disgust me." Was all he said.

Five minutes later, both were nearing the end. They could hardly see straight and both had a steady stream of tears running down their cheeks. When from out of nowhere Yoruichi smiled and yelled as loud as she could, "I WIN!" Byakuya blinked in confusion breaking their eye contact. Yoruichi flashed a devilish grin as he realized what had happened. "That does not count Shihoin." She used his robes to dry her face as she said, "All is fair in love and war." Byakuya was furious about being tricked so easily. "The deal is off. I suppose I'll just have to take my paperwork home." He said trying to remain calm. He stood to leave but Yoruichi caught him by the arm and said, "Don't be such a sore loser. Perhaps I think too highly of you. Maybe your just a big baby." She said to taunt him. "This is childish. I am leaving now." This time when he turned to leave she beat him to the door.

"A deal is a deal Byakuya. You are not really going to back down are you? It's sad to think that the once noble Kuchiki family leader has reverted back to his childish ways. Oh well. I suppose I'll take my leave now." She sighed handed him his robe and scarf and turned to leave. "I bet the ladies of the Women's Association will find this hilarious." Byakuya hated the way she always managed to get her way with him. He blushed and looked away from the naked woman standing in his doorway. "Fine. A deal is a deal. You can keep the scarf." He held out his hand and tried to give her the scarf back. Byakuya was confused when she didn't automatically take it. "I don't want it." Byakuya just stared at her for a moment before finally asking, "Well what do you want?"

She just gave a smug grin and said, "Next week you have a date. Seven o'clock sharp at The Dragon Palace Restaurant. Don't back out. If you do, I'll be sure to post all of your embarrassing childhood photos around the Seireitei. Bye." Byakuya didn't even have a chance to argue. She was gone in the blink of an eye. All he could do was sigh and head back to his desk to finish his paperwork, hoping that she had enough decency to transform back into a cat before anyone saw her.

A?N: Well what did you think? Any suggestions on how the date should go? I already have what I want to happen planned out but I am open to suggestions. Please review! Thank you guys!