A/N: Just wanted to give a heads-up and let you all know that when the Captains and Vice-Captains are being addressed, I will be using the terms Taichou and Fukutaichou respectively. It sounds better to me when I read over the chapters (Ex. Kuchiki Taichou instead of Captain Kuchiki) possibly because I watch anime subbed and it just sounds more natural to me. I hope you're all enjoying the fic so far, until next time!
Grades for the outdoor training sessions were finally released and Hajime received an S+ in all marks noted by Renji.
"Whoa, Hajime, nice job!" Kisume remarked as he looked over at her scorecard.
"How did you do?" Hajime asked as she looked over at Kisume's scorecard: S+ across the board, "Nice job!" she exclaimed as they high-fived.
"Hey, how did you manage to fire all those Kido spell back-to-back like that? You even fired two level 60 Kido spells!"
"Well actually, since I've been staying at Kuchiki Manor, I've been able to spend more time with Rukia and she's been helping me train in Kido. I never mastered level 60s with her though…"
"Wow, you're so lucky Hajime!"
The students surrounding them were listening deeply to their conversation and as they overheard Hajime talk about her training sessions with Rukia, their eyes burned with hatred and jealousy.
"Let's start today's lesson," Gengoro called out to the class.
Today's lesson was in Zanjutsu and leading the class for today was Captain Hitsugaya Toshiro. With his reputation preceding him and his accomplishment of making it to Captain-level at such a young age, everyone was eager to learn from him.
Gengoro paired up the students and Hajime partnered up with a classmate named Tomiko. Tomiko was very confident in herself and in her abilities, though, she had every right to be as she trained every day with the hopes of joining the Onmitsukido. She comes from a long line of Shinigami and so she especially loathes those who try and climb to the top by cutting corners.
"What did you get on your scorecard from our outdoor training session?" She asked bluntly.
"Ah, S+ for everything…and you?"
"Obviously," she spoke as she brushed her hair off her shoulder, "S+ across the board."
"All right you two," Hitsugaya interrupted, "let's begin your sparring challenge. Ready…start!"
The two girls took their fighting stance and Tomiko quickly charged for Hajime. Watching the two of them Hitsugaya made sure to write down all his thoughts for Gengoro to reference after class.
Her stance is full of flaws, Hitsugaya thought to himself as he observed Hajime, and she's too cocky, she'll never improve that way.
Hajime and Tomiko's match was over before it even started. Still unaccustomed to fighting, Hajime was quickly overpowered.
"And you want to join the Gotei 13?' Tomiko asked, mockingly, "How did you even get here? Those S+ scores, did you bribe Abarai Fukutaichou? I also heard Kuchiki Taichou was your sponsor, are you blackmailing him or something? There's no way he would sponsor a nobody for no reason. I bet you didn't even join this Academy with your own power."
All eyes were on Hajime, and the entire class agreed (well, except for Kisume).
"Enough," Hitsugaya spoke, "One look at this girl and you can tell she has the spiritual energy to become a Shinigami." He walked over to give a helping hand to Hajime who was knocked against the floor, "I would worry about your own merits and skill before arbitrating others," looking back at Tomiko he stated, "You still have a long way to go as well," Looking at the entire class, he continued, "If you think the Captains and Vice-Captains are so easily bought, I would advise you to withdraw from the Academy."
Everyone shut their mouths and returned to today's lesson.
. . .
As the day went by, it was finally time for lunch. Kisume ran off to go talk to his adviser, so Hajime had lunch by herself today. Everybody looked at her with eyes of disgust and for those who were brave enough, some even purposefully bumped into her as they walked away.
Hajime let out a sigh, feels like high school all over again…
"Hajime~" A familiar voice called out. It was Renji. "Yo," he greeted with a smile.
"Renji!" She whispered, "What are you doing here?"
"Why are we whispering?' He whispered back as he stole a french fry off of her tray.
"Never mind." She spoke in her regular tone, "What is it?"
"Right," he said as he was still eating the fries off her tray, "I need your help with something. It's Rukia's birthday soon and I want to get her something special but I'm not sure what to get. I already got her a couple of Chappy products, but I think," he leaned in and whispered to her, "I think I'm going to confess to her," He said with a smile, "so I need something really special."
"Well, how could I say no?" Hajime giggled, "When's her birthday?"
"January 14th."
"Wait, the 14th? That's tomorrow!"
Renji scratched his head embarrassingly and gave a sly smile, "Haha, yeah, just a little last-minute shopping is what we need, huh? Please, Hajime. I wouldn't ask if I wasn't desperate."
"You're so lucky Akane doesn't need me tonight."
"Ah, you're the best Hajime! I'll meet you at Squad Six's Barracks after class!"
As Renji raced off to the Barracks, Kisume sat beside Hajime for the final ten minutes of lunch, "Was that Abarai Fukutaichou just now?" he asked.
"Yeah, he wants to go shopping tonight, it's Rukia's birthday tomorrow."
"Oh wow, I'm sure there's going to be a big party at the Manor then?"
"I'm actually not sure, I haven't been told anything…But anyway, how did it go with your advisor?"
"I was able to add the electives I wanted to my schedule next semester! Have you looked into any of the electives yet? It'll really help when you graduate."
"Electives add extra to the tuition at the end of the semester, right? I already feel terrible having Kuchiki-Sama sponsor me, it wouldn't feel right signing up for one without asking for permission."
"If he agrees, you should really look into it when you get a chance!"
The bell rang to mark the end of lunch and the two continued to their next class.
. . .
As classes officially ended for the day, Hajime made her way to Squad Six's Barracks as promised. Making their way to Shinigami Mall, Hajime noticed lots of stores dedicated to Chappy. There were Chappy plush toys, figurines, makeup, stationery, and even cookware.
"I didn't realize Chappy was such a popular figure," Hajime spoke in awe as she looked at the various products through the store windows. As the two walked by various stores, Hajime saw a beautiful lavender and silver decorated hairpin in a display window. Mesmerized by its beauty, Hajime simply smiled at it.
"I can get that for you if you like it, Hajime," Renji offered.
"No, I'm all right, thank you. Besides, we're here for Rukia, not for me. Though I think this will be a good place, let's look inside."
As the two carefully looked over everything in the store, a snowflake pendant caught Hajime's eye. Made with sterling silver and accented with a small diamond in the middle, Hajime thought this would be the perfect gift for Rukia.
"Ne, Renji, how about this?"
As Renji walked over to look at the pendant, he knew. It was perfect for Rukia, "You, Hajime, are brilliant."
As Renji purchased the pendant, he had the store clerk wrap the box in some nice blue wrapping paper and a white ribbon, "Good luck tomorrow, Renji. I'll be rooting for you!"
"Ha-ha, thanks. I'll have to see when I can sneak her away from the party tomorrow to give it to her."
"Oh right, so there is a party tomorrow? This is the first I've heard of this…"
"It was planned last minute; Kuchiki Taichou was supposed to be out on a mission this weekend, but it turns out it was a false alarm and was canceled. He had the Manor staff quickly send out invitations and had them prepare for the party tomorrow. I'm sure your invitation got lost somewhere, obviously, you're invited!"
"I wasn't worried about that, ha-ha, but thank you for letting me know."
"Well, it's getting late, I have to head back to the Barracks and I'm sure you have tons of work to do, I'll see you tomorrow!" Renji bid his farewell as he shunpo-ed away.
The Next Day
Per Akane's orders, Hajime was up early to tend to her needs. Since Rukia's birthday party was today and many young eligible noblemen were invited, Akane wanted to make sure she was attractively dressed for tonight. Preparing a morning bath for her, Hajime bathed and dressed Akane. After which, she performed a facial (which she only just learned how to do by reading the steps in a book) and gave Akane a manicure and pedicure.
Going through multiple outfit changes, Akane finally settled on a long, fitted lavender dress. Hajime did her hair and makeup to match her dress accordingly. As Hajime rolled up her sleeves to clean to bathroom as ordered, Akane noticed the lavender ribbon Hajime had tied around her wrist.
"That ribbon," Akane spoke, "give it to me."
Hajime stopped what she was doing and looked at Akane, dumbfounded, "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you."
"That ribbon, Akane walked closer to Hajime and quickly untied and yanked off the ribbon around Hajime's wrist, "I'll be taking this today. It matches my outfit."
"Surely, I can go buy you one, just please, give that back to me."
"If you can just buy one, buy yourself a new one."
As Hajime lunged for her ribbon in Akane's hands, she accidentally splashed soapy water on Akane's shoes.
"How dare you!" Akane scolded as she slapped Hajime across her cheek, "Now I suppose I'll keep this as well. Once you finish cleaning the bathroom, clean it again. I also expect my room to be in tip-top shape, you can show yourself at the party then." Akane left her room with an aggravated attitude.
Rubbing her wrist, she felt empty without the comfort of her ribbon. After all, it was Akashi who gifted it to her before he died, and it was the first gift she's ever received; it was incredibly precious to her, and she hasn't gone a day without it since.
Given her orders of cleaning the bathroom, twice, and organizing Akane's room, Hajime finally finished as the party was starting. Hajime found out yesterday from Mikasa that Akane was supposed to spread the news of Rukia's party to Hajime a couple of days ago and she only mentioned it this morning when Hajime was helping her get ready.
Rukia, who was looking everywhere for Hajime, finally spotted her leaving Akane's room.
"Hajime!" Rukia called out, "Where have you been? The party's started already! Quick, I have something for you," Rukia grabbed Hajime's arm and quickly dragged her to her room.
"What do you mean you have something for me? It's your birthday Rukia, I-"
"Ah, found it!" Rukia exclaimed, cutting Hajime off. From her closet, Rukia pulled out a blue mermaid dress for Hajime to try on. Fitted at the top, the dress flared out at the bottom with many layers, creating an ombre effect. It was a luxurious dress and Hajime felt she had no right to wear something so beautiful.
Throwing the dress at Hajime, Rukia pushed her into the bathroom and threw a matching blue choker and white pumps at her.
"H-How do I look?" Hajime asked as she walked out of the bathroom feeling embarrassed and ashamed. The dress looked gorgeous on her, and she even put her hair up to give the outfit a more refined look.
"See for yourself," Rukia commented as she wheeled over a full-length mirror. Hajime was surprised at her own appearance, "You'll be sure to attract some eyes," Rukia teased as she winked at Hajime, "We're already late, let's go!"
The two girls quickly made their way to the ballroom in a separate building behind the Manor where it was time for Rukia's grand entrance. Heading inside first, many eyes found themselves gazing at Hajime. As she felt the intense gazes from people, she grew flustered. She didn't know whether she should continue or run.
Then, she saw a hand stretched out in front of her, "Yo, Hajime." It was Renji who greeted her with a smile. Gently placing her hand in his, he helped her down the stairs to the ballroom, which was full of Captains, Vice-Captains, members of Squad 13, the Manor staff, and other nobles that were invited.
As it was Rukia's turn to enter the ballroom, all the guests yelled out in unison, "Happy birthday, Rukia!" as they raised their glasses.
. . .
After hours of mingling, eating, drinking, and dancing, it was finally time for Rukia to open her gifts. She was seated in the center of the room with a huge pile of gifts beside her. The first gift she opened was from Byakuya, he gave her a handmade white flower talisman that is supposed to tie around the hilt of her Zanpakuto for protection. Made of durable string, gems, and pearls, it would complement Sode no Shirayuki beautifully.
Finally opening the last gift and giving her gratitude to the guests, the Manor staff took the gifts to be put away in Rukia's room. Renji decided it was time for him to make a move.
"Good luck, Renji!" Hajime cheered as he was starting to get nervous.
Clearing his throat, Renji made his way to Rukia, "R-Rukia, can we talk? In private?"
"Sure, let's go outside." Hajime observed the two friends leave the hall with a smile on her face, "Must be nice…" She whispered to herself.
"Hajime?" A familiar voice questioned from behind.
As she turned around, she was face-to-face with Byakuya, who wore a traditional black decorated kimono, keeping with his regal appearance.
"Kuchiki-Sama," she greeted as she gave a slight bow.
"Rukia was right," he spoke, confusing Hajime, "that dress was best suited for you. You look beautiful."
Hajime blushed a little and gave a smile, "T-Thank you…"
As Hajime took a sip of her drink, Byakuya noticed that she wasn't wearing her ribbon on her wrist as he's seen for the past few months now. Though, he assumed she removed it as it may have clashed with her outfit.
"Have you seen Rukia?" Byakuya asked, "There are some guests wishing to greet her."
"She and Renji are having a conversation outside,"
"Oh, is that so? I suppose I'll have to speak to Rukia at a later time."
At this time, the band started to play a slow melody for the guests to dance to and many pairs flocked to the dancefloor. Hajime observed the happy couples with a smile.
Then, Byakuya reached out his hand to her and she looked at him, confused, "It would be an honor if you would allow me this dance, Hajime."
"Eh? Ah, what about Akane? I'm sure she wouldn't approve…"
"Akane has already headed back to her room. She drank a little too much tonight and was escorted back not too long ago."
"I, uh, I just don't really think, you know-"
Despite her protests, Byakuya gently took a hold of her hand and guided her to the dancefloor, "All you have to do is follow my lead."
Slowly following Byakuya's pace, Hajime was finally getting into the rhythm. As the two danced together, no words were shared between them, as their eyes did all the talking. Finishing their dance, Byakuya was called away by one of the guests. The two gave a slight bow to each other and he bid her farewell, taking her heart with him.
This is dangerous, Hajime thought to herself, I shouldn't be near him anymore. She felt a slight pain in her heart as she realized how strong her feelings for Byakuya were.
. . .
Meanwhile, in the garden, Rukia and Renji were sitting beside a fountain, talking.
"Rukia, I know you've already opened your present but… I still have one more present for you." Renji took out the small blue box from his pocket and handed it to Rukia.
"What is this?" Rukia untied the silky white ribbon and as she opened the box, her eyes widened in surprise.
The snowflake necklace glittered as it reflected the light of the moon and as Rukia picked it up and observed it under better lighting, its sparkle resembled that of stars.
"This is beautiful… Renji, thank you." She said with a smile.
"Here, I'll help you put it on." Renji took the necklace from Rukia and stood behind her to put the necklace on. As he clasped the necklace around her neck, he lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "Rukia, I-I've been meaning to tell you this for a long time now but… I love you."
Rukia was in shock. She turned around to face Renji, and the light of the moon made Renji's crimson hair burn brighter today. "Renji…"
"I know I've made a ton of mistakes but the person I've always loved was you. If you'll have me, I would love to stay by your side."
"You fool." Rukia stood up and looked Renji directly in his eyes.
"Rukia, do you…"
Rukia kissed him.
As they broke away, they didn't share any words and continued to gaze into each other's eyes.