CHAPTER 17: CAPTAIN OF THE 5TH DIVISION

Hitsugaya stared at her in awe. The both of them had become Captains of the Gotei 13 in the end, just like they said they would decades ago. Tayomi smiled at everyone, before taking her place beside Captain Komamura. After a brief introduction, Captain-commander Yamamoto nodded and began the Captain's meeting. For the whole duration of that meeting, Hitsugaya found it hard to keep his eyes off her. He had not seen her for fifty years and she was still as beautiful as ever.

After the Captain's meeting, the Captains of the Gotei 13 filed out of the meeting room. Captain Shunsui smiled at her, saying that he would be organising a party at night, to celebrate Aizen's defeat and her new position as Captain. Captain Ukitake laughed, saying that he would be coming as well. Shunsui invited the other Captains to come, ensuring that it would be fun. Soi Fon simply smirked and told him that she might decide to come. Byakuya sighed and said he would consider. Komamura claimed that he had an awful lot of work to do and would have to take a rain check on that offer. Kenpachi cackled, promising Shunsui that he would come with Yachiru, making Byakuya groan. Mayuri said he would be busy in the lab and would not be attending. Everyone turned to Hitsugaya, wondering what he would say. Tayomi looked at him as well, with her attractive eyes. He sighed and said he would come, claiming that Matsumoto would somehow drag him there. Shunsui smiled and bid them farewell, as the Captains headed to their respective Divisions' barracks.

Hitsugaya ran up beside Tayomi, offering to accompany her to her new Division's barracks. She simply smiled at him and told him it was okay, running off towards the 5th Division's barracks. He sighed and turned around, instantly spotting Matsumoto standing there, shaking her head.

Tayomi spotted Hinamori waiting for her inside, along with the rest of the 5th Division. The 5th Division seemed like nice people and there was a lot of murmuring going around, as her subordinates wondered what their new Captain was like. She certainly looked young and child-like, but she was quite well-known. According to Lieutenant Hinamori, she was a prodigy at Kidou. Hinamori ran over to Tayomi and hugged her, before turning to the 5th Division and shouting in joy.

"Everyone! This is our new Captain, Tayomi Sakuri!"

"Hi everyone!" Tayomi waved at them happily, excited to meet her new subordinates. "Um… Pleased to meet you! I hope we'll get along well and let's work hard to protect Soul Society. And as your Captain, I will be ready to help you and protect you always, so please feel free to approach me if you have any problems!"

The 5th Division applauded and let their new Captain enter her office. Carrying her belongings in a box, she moved into her new office. The Captain's office was huge, with a wooden desk and chair, as well as a carpet, sofa and coffee table. Giggling to herself, she set up her desk, placing her stationery on it, as well as her favourite ornaments. Hinamori looked at her and smiled. Just then, Hitsugaya entered her office, followed by his Lieutenant. She introduced herself as Matsumoto Rangiku. Tayomi stared at her for a moment, before calling her 'Rangiku-chan'. Her name was not easy at all and Tayomi could not think of a better nickname for Matsumoto. She smiled and nudged Hitsugaya, who was glaring at her all the way. Hitsugaya did not say a word and Matsumoto sighed, asking Tayomi if she was attending the party at the 8th Division's barracks. Tayomi nodded happily and Matsumoto grinned, telling her that Hitsugaya and she were going as well. Tayomi giggled and hugged Matsumoto. Matsumoto was a warm and friendly person, and Tayomi knew that they would be close friends in future.

That night, Captains from the various Divisions of the Gotei 13 gathered at the 8th Division's barracks, celebrating the new addition to their group. They had brought their Lieutenants as well. Hinamori, Kira, Hisagi and Renji all came of course, being long-time friends of Tayomi. Most of the Captains were there as well, even Byakuya, as he had been dragged there by Renji. Tayomi giggled as she looked around, excited to meet all her new colleagues. She recognised most of them, having met them already or grown up with them. All the Captains and Lieutenants welcomed her graciously, congratulating her on her promotion. She could only smile and thank them, since there was no other way to express her gratitude. Shunsui waved at her, motioning her to come sit with the Captains and their Lieutenants. Everyone sat in a circle, drinking tea or sake. Hitsugaya sighed, as Matsumoto excitedly pushed him towards Tayomi and made them sit together. Hinamori, Kira and Renji all laughed to themselves, watching both Tayomi and Hitsugaya show the same reaction. Tayomi looked down and so did Hitsugaya. Matsumoto laughed, nudging her Captain playfully.

"Tayomi-chan, your Bankai is so unique!" Shunsui smiled, appearing to a bit high on sake. His Lieutenant, Nanao Ise, sighed and shook her head.

"Thanks…" Tayomi laughed. "I'm really glad to be a Captain and work with all of you!"

The Captains and Lieutenants started asking Tayomi questions, eagerly finding out more about their new colleague. She answered all of their queries happily, blushing whenever they praised her. Hitsugaya gazed at her, smiling. Suddenly, Matsumoto suggested they play 'Truth of Dare' and everyone agreed, all thinking that it would be fun and it would be a good chance to play a prank on the new Captain. Before they got the game started, everyone promised that tonight's events would remain within the circle and be kept secret. Having Captain-commander Yamamoto find out that they were fooling around at night was just like asking to be killed voluntarily. Matsumoto picked up an empty sake bottle and spun it on the table, as everyone held their breath in suspense, wondering who would be her first victim. Matsumoto was a bit high on sake and it was clear to everyone that she would be making up the most outrageous dares. The bottle pointed at Tayomi, much to everyone's delight. It was a good chance to have fun with the new Captain of the 5th Division. Tayomi laughed and chose 'Truth'.

"Tayomi-chan…" Matsumoto asked cheekily, still sober. "Are you in love with anyone in this circle?"

"Eh…" Tayomi blushed, fully aware that she had to tell the truth. "Yes…"

The whole circle was in an uproar and they started to buzz with excitement, wondering who it possibly was. Hitsugaya was curious as well, hoping it was him. Tayomi had not really spoken to him or connected with him at a personal level, ever since her return. He had to admit that he missed the affection she used to show him and wondered if the boy she was referring to was him. Perhaps it was Hisagi? They shared a good relationship and he had spotted them chatting together happily in the afternoon. He secretly hoped that that possibility was not a reality. Just then, Tayomi spun the bottle and it landed on him. Matsumoto screamed with joy, speaking on her Captain's behalf and saying that he would pick a dare. Hitsugaya glared at Matsumoto, knowing that there was no way that she would go easy on him.

"Taicho…" Matsumoto had a sly grin on her face and it was clear that she was high on sake. "Kiss Tayomi-chan… On the lips…"

"Matsumoto…" He growled. "You're high on sake…"

"Hitsugaya Taicho, just do it!" Shunsui laughed, adjusting his straw hat. "You're both young, so it's perfectly alright…"

Nanao took out her book and whacked her Captain on the head. Hitsugaya looked at everyone. Hinamori was smiling happily, Matsumoto was obviously still high on sake, Kira was smiling, Renji gave him a thumbs-up sign, Hisagi did the same and Yachiru was jumping up and down happily. Shunsui was laughing happily, Ukitake simply smiled nervously, Byakuya had the same stern expression, wondering what he was doing here and Kenpachi had the usual grin on his face. Matsumoto hurried her Captain eagerly and Hitsugaya turned to face Tayomi. She was staring right into his eyes and her cheeks began to turn bright red. He gazed at her for a moment, before tilting his head to the right, touching her cheeks with his left hand and laying his lips on hers. It felt absolutely amazing and his heart beat rapidly. He had not kissed her for fifty years and had been waiting to do so for such a long time. He ran his hand down her neck, before finally backing away slowly. They were both blushing and everyone stared at them in surprise. That kiss alone had taken at least a minute and Hitsugaya seemed to be enjoying himself for once. Matsumoto giggled, nudging her Captain and teasing him for finally showing an interest in girls. Hitsugaya glared at her angrily and sighed. He looked at Tayomi from the corner of his eye and saw her blushing.

The night was over at last and he heaved a sigh of relief. Matsumoto had really tortured him well, making him do all sorts of embarrassing things that made Tayomi's face turn red. Tayomi waved goodbye to everyone, before heading towards the 5th Division's barracks. Hinamori had returned to the Division's barracks before her, as she was exhausted from the day's work. Hitsugaya watched her walk, before running over to her and offering to walk her back. This time, she did not refuse and simply nodded. Matsumoto, Kira, Renji and Hisagi all smiled at each other, as their plan had proceeded flawlessly. Hitsugaya had finally taken the initiative.

Hitsugaya and Tayomi walked towards the 5th Division's barracks slowly. Although the distance between the 5th Division's barracks and the 8th Division's barracks was relatively short, but the walk seemed like an eternity. Hitsugaya looked at Tayomi, who was walking cheerfully, smiling to herself in content. After a brief moment of thoughts and awkward silences, he reached out his hand and interlocked his fingers with hers. Tayomi stopped in her tracks and looked at him. He smiled at her and walked her to the 5th Division's barracks. Though they did not speak to each other throughout the whole walk, they were both elated inside. Finally, they were outside. They stared at each other for a while, before Tayomi broke the silence.

"Goodnight, Hitsugaya Taicho…" She smiled and walked into the Division's barracks.

Hitsugaya watched her leave his sight. He sighed and headed back to his Division's barracks. He should have just caught her and told her how he felt. It would be improper of him if he were to rush into her room now. Walking away, he was disappointed in himself and promised himself that he would catch her the next time.

Author's note:
Awkward silence T.T Go Hitsugaya go! :D Alright, next chapter, we shall watch Matsumoto and Hinamori work their magical matchmaking skills and try to get their Captains together. Ultimately, Hitsugaya will still be taking the initiative and he finally pops the question! XD I can't keep them apart for too long, they've been separated for 50 years already...
I've been updating quite slowly because of school, so don't be too shocked if you don't see a Chapter up everyday. I will try my best to update as quickly as possible. My exams are round the corner so T.T But I won't stop writing of course :D
Hope you liked this chapter and please review! XD Thanks! ^.^