As school was back in session, Gengoro announced to the class news of Sakura's withdrawal from the Academy. Many of the students were shocked as they believed Sakura had what it took to become a member of the Kido Corps.

"Yo, Hajime," Kisume greeted with a gentle smile as he slowly walked up to her, keeping his distance, "Sakura told me what happened… I'm sorry for everything. I hope you know; I would never hurt you. It's just when I have too much to drink, I-"

"You're forgiven," Hajime interrupted, "for now." She said with a smile.

He gave a huge sigh of relief as he took his seat next to her.

"So," Kisume began, "Have you decided what to do about your dorm room bill? And have you put down your deposit yet?"

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"You didn't read it in the school handbook?"

You read the school handbook? Hajime thought to herself, confused.

"Since Sakura withdrew, you have to either pay for the entire dorm room yourself or leave and commute to class. As for the deposit, it's payment for our Asauchi. They finally arrived after being delayed for months."

"Asauchi?" Hajime thought back to her lessons when she was studying for the entrance exam. "ah, our zanpakuto, we're finally getting them?"

"That's if you get your deposit in on time. You have until the end of the day on Tuesday, or they won't have an Asauchi reserved for you. It's $250 for the deposit."

"$250?! I… I don't know where to get $250. How am I going to pay for that? How are you going to pay for that?"

"Most of us in these special accelerated classes come from high-ranking families. I'm lucky enough to be one of them. Other students were able to get jobs within the Academy at the beginning of the school year that goes toward their tuition. You really didn't know about all this?"

Looks like Rukia and Renji left out quite a major detail.

"You should probably talk to your advisor after class. If you don't start a payment plan or somehow find a job, you're going to get kicked out of the Academy. Maybe see if they can give you an extension or something."

"Right, I'll make sure to do that, thanks!"

. . .

As soon as class ended for the day, Hajime swiftly made her way over to her adviser's office. Her adviser explained that with Sakura's withdrawal, they kept Hajime's current dorm bill the same, with her owing $5,000 by the end of this semester. However, if she stays at their dorms next semester, she will owe $10,000 for the full room, as they typically split the cost between the two students. Noticing that she has no sponsorship and a lack of employment, Hajime's adviser strongly urged her to find whatever position she can in Seireitei to at least cover the Asauchi deposits that are due Tuesday.

Leaving her adviser's office with a defeated and sullen expression, Hajime paid Renji a visit at Squad Six's Barracks to see if he can help her find a job.

As she arrived at the Barracks, she saw Byakuya and Renji taking a break in the common area. Her gaze met Byakuya's, and she quickly turned away, as she was still embarrassed over what happened during winter break.

"Yo, Hajime!" Renji called out as he walked over to greet her. "You here for some training?"

"Actually, I was hoping you could help me find a job. Our Asauchi deposits are due soon and the bill for the dorm rooms is quite expensive. I'm not sure I'll be able to continue at this rate," Hajime explained with a defeated laugh.

"Oh shoot, I completely forgot about how much has changed since we've been to the Academy. Rukia and I found jobs pretty quickly when we enrolled and I'm sure everything costs more now. Ahh, I can give you a loan for your Asauchi but for your bill, we'll have to see if anyone's hiring. If you secure a job and set up a payment plan, they shouldn't be too strict with you."

"But where am I going to find something on such short notice?"

Byakuya, who was silently listening to the conversation and enjoying his cup of tea, finally spoke up, "There is a position open at the Manor if you want it. But it's a matter of putting your pride on the line."

"How do you mean?" Hajime asked, intrigued.

"The position is for Akane's personal attendant. Even if my wife dislikes you, the pay is fair and well. Mikasa oversees the payroll so you wouldn't be treated unjustly."

"No." There was no hesitation. She didn't even need to think about it.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Renji quickly spoke. "I would think about this before you say no. The pay is good and like you said, where are you going to find something so last minute?"

"She hates me. And honestly, the feeling is mutual."

"As a result," Byakuya added, "I would be your sponsor and cover your Asauchi deposit. You would also need to stay at the Manor to tend to Akane, cutting your dorm costs."

"Hajime, you know this is a good deal." Renji pleaded.

Hajime thought back to every interaction she's had with Akane so far and just let out a big sigh, "Argh, fine, I'll do it."

The Next Day

"Wait, what?! You're going to be staying at Kuchiki Manor?!" Kisume shouted louder than Hajime would have liked. All their fellow classmates turned their attention toward Hajime and whispered amongst themselves.

"Shh!" Hajime urged as she quickly covered Kisume's mouth and gave a small, embarrassed smile to her classmates.

"You make it sound like it's a great opportunity," Hajime whispered to him.

"It is! You'll be living with one of the Captains of the Gotei 13 and his sister, who happens to be Vice-Captain herself!" He whispered back.

"It's not like I'm going to be working under the Kuchiki siblings. I'm going to be serving as Akane's personal attendant!"

"You're crazy! I see how she treats Sakura. You really going to subject yourself to that?"

"In order to graduate and become a Shinigami? I have to. Unless you're willing to cover my tuition for me?"

"Hah, my parents barely wanted to cover the tuition for me."

"That's what I thought. I have to go; I'm supposed to head to the Manor right after class. I'll see you tomorrow!"

Hajime quickly shoved her books in her bag and packed up her dorm room. Her new life at Kuchiki Manor begins today.

As Hajime made her way to Kuchiki Manor, Tanaka and Mikasa, the head retainers of the house greeted her.

"Welcome back Kisumoto-San," Mikasa greeted her with open arms, "It's a pleasure to have you stay with us." One of the maidservants took Hajime's bag and brought it to the guest room she stayed in when she was here last. "Akane-Sama is currently out shopping, so you'll report to her when she returns. In the meantime, let's get you dressed and give you a proper tour of the Manor."

As she changed into the staff uniform (which was a standard black and white kimono), she was given an extensive tour of the Manor. By the time the tour ended, the kitchen was preparing for dinner and Akane finally returned home. Following behind her were two maidservants with their hands full of shopping bags.

"Welcome home Akane-Sama," Mikasa greeted with a bow.

Quickly glancing over to Hajime who was standing right beside Mikasa, she gave a smirk, "Well, well, well… how the tables have turned. When my husband told me he found someone to fill the role as my personal attendant I had no idea it would be you," She mocked, "he must really love me."

"Right, well, it's nice to officially meet you, my name is Ha-"

She put up her hand to silence her, "I don't care what your name is. I'll call you what I see fit." Motioning to her maidservants, she ordered them to hand all the shopping bags over to Hajime to carry, "Bring those to my room and unload them all. You know where my room is, don't you?"

"Yes, I'll get right on that."

. . .

After dinner was finished, Hajime headed straight to Akane's room to await her orders.

"Is there anything you need before you head to bed, Akane-Sama?" Hajime asked as she gave a slight bow.

"Yeah, grab me a robe from out of the closet there."

Heading to the closet, she found it was full of nightgowns, "Uh, which one do you-"

"Just grab whatever! Sheesh, do I have to tell you how to do your job too?"

Taking an aggravated deep breath in, Hajime grabbed the pink nightgown in front of her and handed it to Akane who looked at her dumbfounded.

"It's not going to go on by itself," she stated, "put it on me."

Hajime gave a small sigh and smiled, "Of course."

After her first encounter with dressing and undressing an adult, Hajime's really starting to regret her decision. I have to pull through, this is the only way. For Hiyoshi…

"Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Akane gave a smirk in response, "My shoulders are feeling quite tense," she stated as she was rubbing the side of her neck and shoulder, "Why don't you come and give me a massage? My last attendant was horrible at it, let's see if you're any better."

Hajime did as ordered and massaged Akane's neck and shoulders for over an hour. Continuing to ask for trivial things, Akane still wasn't ready for bed, she was having too much fun bossing Hajime around.

"I'm feeling quite parched, fetch me some tea. Oh, and some snacks," she demanded in a spiteful tone with a smile.

After returning with tea and a tray of snacks, Hajime looked over at the clock and realized that it was after midnight. How much longer is this going to go on? I have an early class tomorrow…

"Akane-Sama, I'm just reminding you that I am still an Academy student and I have work that needs to be done so if there's nothing else I can get you…"

Akane sipped her tea in silence, Hajime's words have put her in a bad mood, "You're right," she said coldly, "it is getting late."

Grabbing the tray of tea to collect Akane's teacup, Akane purposefully knocked over the (still very hot) teapot with her cup and it splashed onto Hajime's hand, causing her to drop the tray and breaking the entire tea set.

"Oh, oops." Akane said blatantly with a smile as she looked down on Hajime, "Why don't you get that all cleaned up and we'll call it a night." Dropping the teacup in her hand on the floor, she proceeded to place her sleeping mask over her eyes and headed to bed.

Hajime, whose hand was in absolute pain from the scorching tea, quickly picked up all the broken glass pieces, cutting her hands in the process, and quickly made her way back to the kitchen.

Throwing the tea set in the trash, Hajime went to run her hand under warm water, at least to wash away the blood. "She's crazy," She whispered as the water provided relief, even if it was for a moment.

Losing all motivation to get her work done, and the pain making it difficult for her to fall asleep, Hajime decided to explore the Manor a bit more. Eventually, she made her way to the outside garden and the dew on the flowers sparkled as they reflected off the light of the moon. The garden was beautiful, you can tell it is well taken care of. As peace settled within her, she took a seat on the bench, rested her arm on her forehead, and let out a long stressful sigh.

"Difficult first day?" A familiar voice asked behind her. As she turned around, she was surprised to see Byakuya.

"Kuchiki-Sama," she quickly tried to hide her injured hand as she greeted him, "What are you doing up so late?"

"Squad Six had a busy day today, I only just got back and couldn't rest yet. May I?" He asked as he wished to sit on the bench beside her. Flustered, she quickly slid over and gave a small smile, "And you? How was your first day?"

"Not what I expected," she simply stated with a smile.

"I understand Akane can be difficult. She grew up mostly an only child, spoiled and doted on by both her parents. Often, her anger would be left unchecked as her parents always let her do as she desired. I wouldn't offer you the position if I didn't think you could handle it."

"I hope you're not expecting me to change her. She doesn't care about a word I say."

"No, not at all. But perhaps, somehow, someway, a friend to her. She and Sakura were separated for most of Sakura's life, only being reunited recently. Despite her façade, she's been quite lonely. And to marry someone who, deep down she knows, can never return her feelings… Well, I can only imagine how much anger and sadness she harbors in her heart."

"You really care for her…"

"Just because I will never grow to love her as she does me, she is still my wife. I've spent almost five years with her, I know her more than she thinks."

How kind… Hajime thought to herself, I always thought he just tolerated her for the sake of his Clan but while albeit not love, he does care for her…

"Oh right," Byakuya broke her out of her thoughts, "I forgot to have Mikasa give this to you this morning. He took out a key from his haori, "this is the key to the Manor. Since you'll be staying here, it only makes sense you have your own key."

As she reached for the key, Byakuya noticed the discoloration from the burns and cuts on her hand. Forgetting about it for a moment, she quickly tried to hide it, but he grabbed onto her wrist, cupped his hand against hers, placed the key in her palm, and performed healing Kido. She didn't know whether the warmth came from the Kido or from his touch but whatever it was, it made her heart skip a beat.

"Maybe one of these days," she spoke softly as she lifted her head to meet his gaze, "I'll be able to heal you."

He gave a small chuckle, "I look forward to it."