Chapter 10

The evening had been one of the best he had experienced in a long time. Even with the occurrence of another pair of women from the Women's Association that had managed to track them down at the restaurant for another round of pictures. He had glared with a furious gaze at the tall, silver haired Lieutenant of Squad 4 and the Lieutenant of Squad 12 and both, to his relief, had gotten the message and high tailed it out of there. After that, he and Nyruki had a very enjoyable evening and he would very much like to do it again sometime.

After their meal, he had escorted her back to Squad 13 where she had requested to go for the night to prepare for upcoming training with Captain Ukitake and Captain Kyōraku at his estate the next morning. They had parted with a tender kiss and he walked home alone under the silver light of the moon with a soft smile across his lips.

Now that morning had arrived, and the air just as warm as it had been the previous day, Byakuya drew in a deep breath as he stretched and dared to opened his eyes from his night's sleep. The sky had barely begun to turn away from the black of night, meaning that it was just on the cusp of dawn, just as he preferred it.

As he rose from his bed and slipped on his thin morning robe, he thought about his coming tasks for the day. With the report for the Royal family about Zaya Dejan'Ra's actions and intentions complete and sent, he was faced with the task of completing his drafting and presentation for Central 46 regarding Grimmjow's pardon. He had gotten a good jump on it before he and Nyruki's date, but he needed to finish its other half and schedule an appearance with Central 46. The battle royale was tomorrow and he needed to get into the Central 46 chamber sooner, rather than later.

With another deep draw of air, he opened the sliding door of his bedroom and stepped out into the already warm air of the garden, taking note of the thousands of pink petals that had fallen from his cherry trees. They were nearing the end of their blooming cycle and as such, had shed most of their flowers, covering the whole of the garden in small pink dots. They covered everything from the surface of the pond, to the bamboo porch that wrapped around the whole of his estate. They were everywhere and even stuck to the estate's walls.

"Good morning, Lord Byakuya." Said his attendant softly as he walked the porch, carrying a tray with a single cup of tea.

"Good morning. I understand it's early, but at some point today, if it isn't too warm, could the gardens get cleaned up from the cherry tree petals?" Byakuya asked as he accepted his morning tea from his attendant.

"Of course, My Lord. I apologize for the time it has taken, but the heat-"

"No need for apologizing. The heat has been quite dreadful as of late. If it continues, I imagine this battle royale tomorrow will be miserable." Byakuya said with a sip of tea.

"Oh... That reminds me, My Lord. Central 46 issued an order late last night saying they are postponing the battle another day to allow for the heat to break. You had gotten back so late from your outing, I felt it better to wait to forward it to you." Said the attendant as he held the tray beneath his arm.

Hearing that, somehow, his heart felt lighter, as if the pressure had just got let out from the pipes. He felt as if he was given just enough extra room to breathe and despite the lateness of the message, it was a pleasant way to start his morning.

"Thank you. That is actually a relief." Byakuya said with another sip.

With just a bow, the attendant turned and headed back the way he had come, leaving Byakuya to watch the sky shift from the lightening blue to the yellow and white of dawn. Even before the sun crested over the horizon, the thin robe he wore was nearly too much for the lingering heat and he decided to get an early jump on his day.

He finished his tea and headed back into his bedroom to ready for the day. He showered and dressed, dried his hair and clipped in the silver hair piece before glaring at the captain's haori, having an internal debate with himself whether to even wear it with the day already shaping up to be hot. He sighed as he put it on anyways and figured he would just take it off once he reached his office.

He reached the Squad 6 barracks just as the light of the sun hit the broad side of the building, slipping inside while still shrouded in shade. Not a soul was around as he made his way through the halls towards his office, save for the heavy footfalls of bare feet from a redhead that stood 6'2.

The second Renji's half lidded and tired eyes set on the Captain of Squad 6, they shot wide and his whole form went rigid.

"G-Good morning... Captain." Renji stuttered with a gulp.

Byakuya arced a brow, "Good morning." He said flatly as he stopped in front of the petrified Lieutenant.

"Um... I uh-" Renji shook.

"Where's the camera?" Byakuya asked, glaring up with his trademarked blank expression.

Renji shied away from his captain as he rubbed the back of his neck, "Um-" He gulped again, "R-Rukia t-turned it in." He started to visibly shake.

"To whom?" Byakuya asked with a narrowing of his eyes as he clasped his hands behind his back.

"T-The W-Women's A-Associate?" Renji's teeth began to chatter.

Immediately, Byakuya's brows pulled down hard over his eyes.

"I'm sorry! Rukia paid me off! She offered me a popsicle yesterday and to get me another pair of glasses from that sunglasses shop!" Renji cowered as he dropped to his knees in a low, desperate bow for forgiveness.

"And?"

Renji covered his head as if debris was cascading down around him, "She said I could design 'em." He nearly whimpered.

"And there is the whole truth. To think that one of my own familiars conspired against me." Byakuya said as it took considerable effort to keep from grinning at Renji's fear.

"Please don't take the ring away! I'm sorry!" Renji said, this time, whimpering like a kicked dog.

Byakuya sighed as he stepped around his Lieutenant, debating whether, or not, to make the man sweat it out, but the amount of cowering and shaking he was doing was far too amusing to let go. He figured it best to cut the poor man a break since it was his sister whom had dragged him into the fray.

"You're in no trouble, Renji. However, I have a task for you." Byakuya said, stopping just in front of his office door.

Renji peaked up from beneath his arms and looked back with worry still in his eyes.

"Get. Me. That. Camera."

Leaving Renji to sit and stew, Byakuya stepped into his office and shed his captain's haori, as the air was stifling inside and far too warm. He hung it on the coat stand near the door and went for the window, opening it up to get some fresh air coming through before turning around and opening the laptop. He sat down and turned on the device, sifting through the small pile of files on his desk while he waited for it to boot up, setting aside the files he had already finished with so that all that remained was the files he still needed to type up. With a sigh of relief, there were only three more to do.

As soon as the laptop had finished booting, he slipped on the thin wire framed glasses and began to work, typing just as fluidly as he had done the day before. He was so engrossed with his work, that he paid zero attention to the sun creeping across the sky. The heat was rising and the air thick, but even that went unnoticed as he worked on his presentation.

He set aside another file as he finished up and progressed right into the next, not noticing that someone had stepped into the office and was setting down his water bottle that was filled with water so cold, that mist was rising from between the lid.

"Thank you." Byakuya said blankly without looking up from the laptop.

"You look pretty hot in glasses."

Byakuya instantly looked up at the voice to see Nyruki standing across from him, sweetly smiling with her hands on her hips. He smiled as he pushed himself up from the chair and stepped around the desk, setting his hands on either side of her neck as he duck his head to placed a soft kiss to her lips.

"And what do I owe the pleasure? I thought you would be training by now." He said, breaking the kiss to stand up straight and take his hands back.

"I'm on my way there to get my ass kicked by Rukia for a bit and tonight is Zanpakutō training with Papa and Captain Kyōraku." Nyruki said as she softly crossed her arms, still smiling up at him.

"Ah. Here's a piece of advise; Rukia's abilities are directional. They are not wide arcing like mine. When she casts, get behind her, but beware of her ability to lower her body temperature. She can freeze the area around her and that will end your battle." He said as he went back to his chair and sat down.

"Gotcha. In all honesty, being frozen in a giant pillar of ice might feel good today." Nyruki huffed a laugh and clasped her bottom lip between her teeth.

"Perhaps, but getting injured because of it would, however, be bad." He said, sending her a quick smile as he continued his work on the laptop.

"Good point," She nodded, "I had a really great time last night." She said after a moment as she stepped around the desk to back against it.

Byakuya's eyes flicked over to her, "As did I. Perhaps another date is forthcoming."

"After all this craziness. I'm not looking forward to tomorrow." She said with her smile dying a quick death.

"Oh... That reminds me. My attendant informed me this morning that Central 46 has postponed the battle for another day. We are hovering at the day after tomorrow." He said, this time not taking his eyes off the screen.

Nyruki's eyes widened, "Really? You're not joking just to make me feel better right?"

Byakuya lowly laughed, "No, I am not."

Nyruki squealed and clapped her hands together with joy, "Amazing! This is amazing!"

"I am happy I could put a smile on your face." He said as he returned to his normal expression.

Nyruki's cheeks colored themselves pink as she leaned in close to his face with eyes half lidded and blocked his view of the screen.

"You do more than put a smile on my face." She said lowly and in a sultry tone as her tongue slid across her upper lip.

Byakuya's cheeks instantly turned red, "Do I now?"

"Would you like to see?" Nyruki winked as she trailed her hand down his chest, slipping her fingers beneath the hem of the exposing V.

"It's hot enough in here, My Love. It doesn't need you turning up the temperature." He said with his lips curling up in an amused, yet mildly uncomfortable smile.

Nyruki's bottom lip jutted out, "D'aw... No fun at all." She cooed as she ran a delicate finger down his neck.

Byakuya sucked in a sharp breath as he straightened up and rolled his shoulders, with cheeks burning an even deeper shade of scarlet from his blush.

"You blushing is actually pretty adorable." Nyruki giggled as she backed away to give him some breathing room and turned off the sensual torture.

"Not something that typically happens." He said, rubbing his cheeks before taking a decent sized gulp of water from the water bottle.

"Point for me." Nyruki beamed with pride.

"Don't you have training to get to?" Byakuya smirked without irritation, setting the bottle back down on the desk.

Nyruki crossed her arms, "I'm procrastinating."

"Clearly." He returned to his work on the laptop.

"That the presentation for Central 46?" Nyruki asked as she watched him work, enjoying the determined furrow in his brow as his fingers effortlessly worked the keyboard.

"Yes. I'm nearly finished and then comes the task of presenting it to the chamber members. I will not be around much today." He said with a soft sigh, but offered her a glance as he continued typing.

"I understand. Maybe I'll see you tonight." She said.

"I wouldn't expect it. This presentation could take quite awhile. You're more than welcome to stay at the estate since you'll already be there training. My bed is open to you if you wish." He said, stopping his work to look up at her, over the top of the thin wire frames.

"It's a tempting offer since it'll be super late by the time the Bopsy Twins are done." She said softly, smiling down at him as she rubbed the back of her neck.

"Hence why I made the offer." He said as he reached out and grasped her hand.

Nyruki's smile broadened, "Well, thank you," She leaned down and placed a gentle kiss to his softening cheek, "I should get going. Good luck today."

"You as well, My Love."

Nyruki's hand slipped from his as she left the office, having to make a considerable effort not to gush like a schoolgirl and skip down the hallway. She made her way through the halls until she reached the main door and stepped out into the draining heat that made her black hair instantly feel as if it was sizzling against her scalp. Her eyes narrowed to help shield them from the sun as she stepped through the main gate of Squad 6 and headed towards Squad 13 which was across the Seireitei.

It was a bit of a trek because of the heat, but she made it with no trouble and headed directly for the back of Squad 13 territory to the training ground. She was not surprised to see that Rukia was already there, practicing on her own with Sode no Shirayuki. She swept her Zanpakutō in a wide arc with a trailing white slash as a glowing icy circle appeared a few paces away. The familiar pillar of ice shot upwards, piercing the sky like the javelin that had pierced through her and Byakuya that seemed so long ago. The ice crackled and popped from the heat that battled against it and a descending fog fell from the pillar, crawling downwards where Rukia had come to stand directly next to it.

"That looks nice!" Nyruki called out as she walked down the hill into the training ground.

"Feels nice too!" Rukia called back as the cold fog reached her for relief from the sun's heat.

Nyruki chuckled, "Sorry I'm late. I brought Byakuya some ice water." She said, reaching the splaying fog that felt like heaven against her legs.

"Oh good. You ready to get started?" Rukia asked as she slapped the blade of her now sealed Zanpakutō against the pillar.

The metal clang echoed through the ice pillar, spidering long, jagged cracks through its entire length. Huge chunks broke off and began to fall, but evaporated before they even got close to the pair standing at the pillar's base.

"As ready as I'll ever be." She said, rolling out her neck and shoulders to loosen herself up.

"Start in Shikai." Rukia said as she took her place on one side of the training ground.

Nyruki nodded as she went for the opposite side, hopping from foot to foot in the process. She shook her hands, rolled her shoulders some more, and gave her neck a quick crack, all in preparation to spar with the little sister of the man she loved.

She stopped once she was directly across from Rukia, and the small woman called out the name of her Zanpakutō. The simple blade glowed white as every aspect turned the icy color of white with a hint of blue. A long white ribbon shot from the sword's hilt, curling around Rukia like a breeze and the blade turned from silver to white. The sword was beautiful, a physical embodiment of elegance and it seemed to be a unanimous ideal that Sode no Shirayuki was the most beautiful blade in the Seireitei.

"You're turn!" Rukia smirked with a bit of pride as she ran a delicate hand along the length of her Zanpakutō.

Nyruki's grin spread across her face, "Too late." She winked her crimson eye.

"You can enter Shikai without calling its name?" Rukia asked with a mild reel.

"Recent development." Nyruki smiled.

"Renji can do the same." Rukia said as she took her stance, gripping Sode no Shirayuki out in front of her with both hands.

"That's because Renji and Zabimaru are one and the same." Nyruki chuckled, balling her fists and rising up onto her toes with knees bent, ready for combat.

"Touché." Rukia's crooked grin widened, "Some no mai; Tsukishiro!"

The ground beneath Nyruki began to glow with an icy circle, and without thought, Nyruki grabbed the long tail of her hair and backflipped, evading the giant pillar of ice as it shot upwards.

The column of ice provided Nyruki with a moment of cover as she racked her brain with what to do next. She was at the disadvantage, as her power was not meant to go toe to toe with a far more capable Zanpakutō. Without a thrall to aid her, she was left with her wits, her hand to hand ability and her will to continue.

As the ground beneath her began to glow again, Nyruki wheeled around, still gripping her tail of hair so it wasn't caught up in the rising ice. She shot out from behind her pillar of cover and pointed two fingers towards her opponent.

"Hadō #4; Byakurai!" Nyruki called as the pale blue began to build at her fingertips.

With a static scream, the pale lightning shot out for Rukia, but the arcing fingers only plowed into the dirt. Rukia had flash stepped out of the way, having reappeared on the far right of the training ground, still opposite Nyruki. She turned her blade down and began to stab the ground.

"Tsugi no mai; Hakuren!"

Rukia aimed her sword at Nyruki as a massive jet of ice and snow erupted from the blades tip, heading straight for Nyruki. With no defense against such a direct attack, she was left to attempt to do as Byakuya had suggested in getting behind her. She flashed stepped aside, only just dodging the icy blast that plowed headlong into the tall side of the training ground that sent a plume of dirt mixed with snow high into the air.

As she reappeared back where she had started, Nyruki aimed the palm of her hand up at the ice pillar, aiming high towards the top.

"Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the South! Hadō #31; Shakkahō!"

With the incantation, the red blast was far stronger than it would have been if she had simply fired it. The red blast screamed upwards and smashed into the pillar, shattering it into large chunks that shot upwards, carried by the red wave she had fired from the palm of her hand. It carried the chunks high into the hot sky before dissipating, where gravity took over and carried the ice chunks back down to the ground.

Nyruki had aimed just right to arc the chunks across the training ground, dropping them right where Rukia stood. They slammed hard into the ground with an echoing shatter that bounced within the walls of the canyon, sending plumes of ice and dust into the air that shrouded Rukia from sight. She stood silent, breathing only slightly faster than normal as she scanned the training ground, waiting, watching for any sign of her opponent and Lieutenant. The only sounds her ears could hear was the crackling of ice and the dissipating thunder from the ice chunks hitting the ground.

As the dust cloud began to thin, Nyruki's eyes narrowed to squint through the glare of the sun overhead, staring, unblinking, at what appeared before her.

Rukia had done exactly what Byakuya had warned her about. She had lowered her body temperature to such a degree, that she had frozen the moisture in the air around her, completely shielding her in thick ice from the fall of the ice chunks. Her silhouette stood stock still against the blue of the ice, unmoving, but when cracks began to streak across the ice dome's surface, it soon exploded outwards, where Rukia stood with her arms spread wide.

"Shit." Nyruki mumbled under her breath as she balled her fists.

She was getting nowhere, as Rukia was keeping her at a distance. With her ability to lower her body temperature, getting close to her was going to be nigh impossible so long as she was as battle aware as she was. She had to disrupt her reaction time which meant, she had to start listening to Kibōyūwaku.

Drying her forehead of sweat with the back of her hand, Nyruki racked her brain, but she only had a moment to decide. Rukia was preparing to cast another Tsukishiro and as the ground below her feet began to glow with that tell tale icy blue, Nyruki decided on her next move.

With a quick flash step to dodge the ice pillar that shot up beneath her, only having moved a few feet, just enough to get her out of the way, she raised an arm up into the sky.

"Kokoro Yokubō; Kōjun Misuto*!" Nyruki cried out as she clenched her fist and rocketed her arm downwards.

With a quiet hiss, a thick cloud of mist began to swirl high above Rukia's head like a developing hurricane. It fell down like sand, washing over her and spreading outwards like the fog that fell from her ice.

The moment the mist fell over her, Rukia's sinuses were assaulted with the scent of freshly made rice dumplings, causing her to take in a deep inhale that spread a smile across her face. It was heavenly, causing her violet eyes to roll into the back of her head, but the delight she felt all over was soon shrouded by a sudden whirl in her head.

Her vision blurred and she felt wobbly on her own feet. Everything was hazy like she had been drugged and the very ground beneath her feet felt as if it was moving like the surface of the ocean. It made her dizzy and all she could do was hold her head and use her Zanpakutō to help stabilize her so she wouldn't fall over.

"W-What is this?" Rukia managed to ask, squeezing her eyes shut in an attempt to clear the blur.

"Feeling dizzy?... A bit disoriented?" Nyruki asked, smirking as she began to walk forward, unaffected by the wide spreading mist.

"Y-Yes." Rukia choked out, digging the blade of her sword into the ground to keep standing.

"It's an incapacitating mist meant to disorient my opponents that I have trouble getting close to." Nyruki said as she continued towards her.

Rukia dared to look up from the ground, "W-Why didn't you use this to start off?"

"It feels like cheating to me. I didn't wanna use it because I wanted to try and get close to you on my own." Nyruki said as her smirk vanished.

"If it's your ability, then it's not cheating. Don't give yourself a handicap that you don't need." Rukia said, taking in deep breaths to help settle her head, but it wasn't working.

Nyruki came to stand in front of Rukia, only feeling the slightest bite of cold against her skin. It felt wonderful against the heat and it also told her that the mist had worked in delaying Rukia's reaction times.

Suddenly, Rukia's arm sprung forward, jamming a finger into Nyruki's shoulder, but with Nyruki far faster, she grabbed her wrist and pushed it up towards the sky, just as a Byakurai shot outwards in a screaming arc.

"Just slow enough." Nyruki said softly as she brought her hand to her mouth.

She exhaled softly into her palm, expelling a slow trickle of mist that swirled into a ball the size of a golfball. She balanced it on the pads of her fingers as she held it down, still holding onto Rukia's wrist as she flicked those very fingers and hopped the ball of mist into Rukia's face.

The mist whisked down Rukia's nose and mouth, withdrawing the life from her eyes to make them dull and gray. Their natural shine was gone before Nyruki released her wrist, where Rukia just stood there awaiting her command.

"Stand up straight." Nyruki said simply.

Rukia did as told and straightened her posture, still grasping her Zanpakutō, but let it hang at her side.

Nyruki huffed a smile that barely lasted a breath before she swept her arm to the side, ridding the training ground of the mist. She suddenly felt awful for enthralling her friend, and told herself that it had to be done, but a small part of her was incapable of believing that.

She sucked in a long breath as she gently placed her fingers against Rukia's lips and drew her hand back, sucking the mist from her body.

Rukia sucked in air as the life returned to her violet eyes and she stumbled backwards, nearly tripping over her own feet until Nyruki caught her and helped her stand.

"You alright, Rukia?" Nyruki asked with genuine concern.

Rukia nodded, "Yeah. Just feeling a bit odd. So that's what Renji was talking about." She gave her head a quick shake before sheath her sealed Zanpakutō.

"Yeah... It's weird." Nyruki said as she placed her hands on her hips.

"How much time am I missing?" Rukia asked.

"Just a minute. I didn't keep you under too long. Didn't see a need." Nyruki said with a half shrug.

Rukia nodded, but both women's attention was soon drawn to the loud applause from the top of the canyon. They looked up to see a long line of other members of Squad 13, having gathered to watch the sparring match between their Lieutenant and the rumored powerhouse and apple of the Captain of Squad 6's eye. They cheered and hooted their amusement as they clapped, all smiling at the show they just witnessed. It was a line of black that was only broken by the singular figure draped in white with long white hair right in the middle.

"Bravo!" Called Captain Ukitake, applauding right along with the rest of them.

Both Rukia and Nyruki mildly blushed as they glanced at each other with a half shrug each. They started to giggled as they took a bow, which only served to make the applauding louder and to become filled with loud cheers.

As they rose from their bow, Captain Ukitake dismissed the squad as he flash stepped down into the training ground, smiling wide at the impressive display of prowess.

"Well done. Both of you. That was truly a spectacular display." Ukitake continued to smile as he placed a hand on Nyruki's shoulder.

"Thank you, Captain. Her decision making is getting faster." Rukia said, glancing over at Nyruki.

"That's outstanding to hear." Ukitake said, still smiling.

"I had to do something. I couldn't get close to you because of that body temperature thing." Nyruki said as she rested a hand on top of Ukitake's.

Rukia grinned a big toothy grin, "It comes in handy... As you saw."

"I was so sure that ice cascade was gonna work too." Nyruki scoffed, slowly shaking her head.

"It was a slick maneuver, especially since you gave it power with a full incantation Shakkahō. That was smart to use her own ice against her." Ukitake said, finally taking his hand back, due to the building sweat between their hands.

"I was really trying not to use that mist attack." Nyruki sighed as she crossed her arms.

"This is the first time seeing that ability. Do you have others?" Ukitake asked as he slipped his hands into his sleeves.

Nyruki shook her head, "No. Anything passed that, I need to enthrall, which gives me access to my thrall's abilities. In other words, I give them a command and my thralls use their abilities to carry out that command. The only thing Kokoro Yokubō; Kōjun Misuto is meant for, is to help me acquire a thrall I'm having issues getting close to."

"Interesting. Your power grants you access to all of our abilities, so in exchange, your direct attacks are limited to simply ensuring you acquire a thrall as fast as possible." Ukitake said, resting a knuckle on his chin as he mused.

"And the more thralls she accumulates, the more formidable she becomes." Rukia added, crossing her arms.

"This battle should be very interesting then. Even if she is able to acquire a single captain as a thrall, our job becomes drastically more difficult." Ukitake said as his smile faded.

"See why I'm nervous?" Nyruki sighed as she looked down at the dirt.

Ukitake nodded, "I understand, but even if this ends with a less than desirable outcome, you will still be involved in all our lives." He offered her a smile.

"I know. It's just a huge relief knowing that if I do end up washing out, Byakuya won't see me any differently." Nyruki said as she released a long, almost defeated sigh.

"I don't think there's any way he could. He's pretty well in love with you." Ukitake said.

Nyruki huffed a soft smile, "Yeah, well the feeling's mutual." Her cheeks started to turn pink.

Rukia squeaked, but instantly covered her mouth, "We can train more if you want. Given a little bit more time, your decision making will be far better than it is now."

"Actually, the black flag order was given a little bit ago while you were in the middle of your battle. I came here to tell you to shut it down, but figured I'd let you finish. That's when everyone came over to watch." Ukitake said, drawing in a deep breath.

"Gonna be another scorcher today. I'm glad Central 46 delayed the battle another day." Nyruki said, rubbing the back of her neck to dry it from the coating of sweat.

"Yes. The Department of Research and Development is predicting this will break in time. We've been granted another day to try and break free, though I feel that it may be in vain." Ukitake said as he reached behind him to move his hair off the back of his neck.

"How come?" Nyruki asked.

Ukitake sighed, "My desires are too strong. When I'm in them, all I want is to stay." He admitted.

"I'm actually not surprised. You're a dreamer." Nyruki said with a soft and sweet smile.

"I always have been." Ukitake admitted with the slightest coloring to his pale cheeks.

"I wonder if Captain Kyōraku is having just as much trouble." Nyruki mused as she tapped a knuckle against her chin.

"Quite possibly. Shunsui has always been a man who daydreams." Ukitake said.

"Great... Which, again, leaves it up to Byakuya." Nyruki sighed as she plopped her face down into her hot hand.

"Try not to think too hard about it, Nyruki. You'll work yourself up and that won't do you any favors." Rukia said with a comforting hand on Nyruki's upper arm.

"I know. I just wish there was something else I could do to help keep my mind off things. Byakuya's busy with Central 46 and I'm all settled again here. I need a distraction." Nyruki shrugged.

Rukia suddenly snapped her fingers, "I know! How about we go out tonight to celebrate Renji's indoctrination as a Kuchiki familiar? We haven't done it yet!"

"Hey! That's a great idea!" Nyruki instantly beamed.

"That's the spirit. Go on and have a good time. I imagine you still wish to try and train again tonight?" Ukitake asked as he rested a soft hand on Nyruki's shoulder once again.

"Yeah. We'll still do that until the night before the battle. You two should at least get a good night's rest before then." Nyruki said with a nod.

"Wise decision. The squad's dismissed for the day, so off you go. Enjoy yourselves." Ukitake's wide smile returned.

Both women bowed to their captain before heading off with a bit of an excited bounce in their steps. Instead of going back to their rooms, they made their way to the Kuchiki estate to get cleaned up and showered from the sweat that had built up from their match. They wanted a cold shower and with the sheer size of the estate, they were able to get cleaned up without waiting for a bathroom to clear.

Nyruki had to admit that she felt a slight pang of awkward from taking a shower in Byakuya's bathroom without him, but it was quickly over shadowed by the wondrous feeling of cool water raining down from overhead. She washed and dried herself before putting on a clean Shihakushō and combing through her whip of hair. She threw it up with a pair of hair sticks before finding Rukia outside in the garden, already at work putting together their afternoon plans.

The attendant bowed before heading off and that is when Rukia noticed that Nyruki was cleaned up and dressed.

"You're quick." Nyruki said, actually rather impressed that Rukia had gotten cleaned up so fast.

"I have so much less hair than you." Rukia chuckled as she flipped her still wet hair.

"Show off." Nyruki snickered.

"Ready to go? Everyone's going to meet us there." Rukia asked, smiling up at her.

"Lead on... Rukia? Lieutenant? Rukia-" Nyruki shrugged and playfully grinned.

Rukia, again, chuckled as she started for the gate, opening it up just enough for the pair to slip through and out into the strangely busy streets considering the heat. Groups walked and did their thing, buying cold water that many establishments were offering to help keep everyone cool and several kiosks were selling sun umbrellas so people could keep the harsh rays from baking their skin.

Hardly any of the others paid Rukia and Nyruki any mind as they walked and made their way towards Renji's favorite restaurant, chatting and enjoying having the day off. It only took a short while until they reached the restaurant, where they found the rest of their group, including Renji, standing outside waiting for them.

"Yo! Look who's fresh outta the clink!" Ikkaku grinned as he jabbed an elbow into Yumichika's side.

"I was never, actually, under arrest." Nyruki said with a cringe at how that sounded.

"What were you off doing with Captain Kuchiki?" Rangiku asked, having to try very hard not to squeal her excitement.

"It's not what you think... Sorry." Nyruki said as she loosely crossed her arms and ignored the heat in her cheeks that she was having trouble telling if it was the sun, or a blush.

"That's too bad. We were all hoping it was a pleasure trip." Yumichika said as he flipped his hair.

"No... It wasn't a pleasure trip." Nyruki shyly chuckled.

"We keep hearing rumors that there's a massive battle coming up between you and all the captains. Is it true?" Ikkaku asked, grinning as if he was looking forward to it.

"Yes, it's true." Nyruki said, opting to keep things vague with hopes that the conversation would shift away from her.

"Outstanding! Think we'll get to watch?" Ikkaku asked with clear hope in his eyes.

Nyruki shrugged, "No idea. It's supposed to be Seireitei wide so I don't see why not."

"Yes! I can't wait!" Ikkaku beamed.

"Will you relax, Ikkaku." Yumichika sighed as he pressed his fingers into his forehead.

"Yeah... Give it a break. She's probably nervous." Renji said, have flopped an arm over Rukia's short shoulders.

"Sorry." Ikkaku frowned.

"I have to ask, Nyruki! Is it true that you and Captain Kuchiki are an item?" Rangiku blurted out with eyes so big and doe like that they glistened.

Now Nyruki could tell that it wasn't the sun, but she was blushing, "Um... Well, y-yeah. We um... We went on a date last night." She rubbed the back of her neck.

This time, Rangiku squealed as she produced a camera from somewhere and snapped a quick picture, "Oh my gods! The Women's Association is going to love this! You landed the stoic noble Captain of Squad 6! That's a hell of a big fish!"

Nyruki's eyes widened, but the group continued to talk as they headed inside.

"There is no end to how far you women would go for an article. Please don't make this one a pure gush piece." Shūhei Hisagi sighed, but it came out more as a groan.

"What? The Gotei wanna know the who's who when it comes to who's snagged Captain Kuchiki's heart. It's been a long time coming." Rangiku pouted, which colored a soft pink hue across Hisagi's cheeks.

"How is it any of your business?" Izuru Kira asked, trying to hide behind his own bangs.

"Not my problem. If we can get this article written up, then it can double as Captain Kuchiki's photo spread. It'll be a great article." Rangiku shrugged as they stepped into their dining room the restaurant set aside for them.

Nyruki glanced over at Rukia as they all sat down, silently pleading for the woman to save her.

It wasn't gonna happen.

"You know, we'll have an easier time getting the shots we need if we don't look for the... um... those kinds of shots. Why not do the article centered around their relationship?" Rukia suggested to Nyruki's stunned shock.

"That's perfect! We can get some wonderfully romantic shots of them! Maybe some from their date, out for a walk, maybe of them sparring... Oh! Maybe some candid shots?" Rangiku fired off, ticking each idea off on her fingers.

"Perfect!" Both woman said at the same time.

Nyruki pinched the bridge of her nose, "Isn't the purpose of this to celebrate Renji's indoctrination as a Kuchiki familiar?"

"You made it? You got inducted?" Yumichika asked, nearly giddy with the anticipation for Renji's answer.

"Hell yeah, man! Check this out!" Renji beamed wide, still with his arm slung over Rukia's shoulders as he held out his right hand.

The silver ring gleaned beneath the light overhead and all across the table leaned closer to get a better look.

"It's so gorgeous! Look at that silver!" Yumichika glowed.

"And I'm not just a familiar either. I'm an enforcer. If the Captain can't get to protecting Rukia, it's my job to step in." Renji said, taking his hand back.

"You do that anyways." Ikkaku said.

"Then I don't need to change a thing. It's just nice to get recognized is all." Renji said with a crooked smile as he glanced down at Rukia whom returned it.

Nyruki sighed with relief that she was able to steer the conversation away from her and Byakuya. Having seen Rangiku Matsumoto's sheer excitement for the piece only served to prove that fending off the Women's Association like Byakuya was hoping to do was going to be a lot harder than they thought. There were multiple cameras held by multiple people and if they somehow managed to acquire a camera from one, there was a multitude of more out there.

Their waitress soon arrived with several jars of sake that she set down on their table to immediately be assaulted. A cup was poured for everyone, but none drank as Rukia held hers up in a toast.

"To Renji! For finally finding his way home!"

*Descending Mist of the Heart's Desire