Bruised Hearts

A dead silence hung over the room. Saber's eyes were wide, Archer's mouth was set into a grim line, but they both didn't say anything as they simply stood there, unwilling to believe that someone as strong as Gilgamesh was gone. Sure, the King of Heroes hadn't been particularly nice to them, but he was still nice when he wanted to be. He was Lancer's best friend, and speaking of Cu' Chulainn...

Lancer burst through the door, startling Rider, who was silently lounging near it. The blue haired man was breathing erraticly, eyes wide and almost hysterical-like. His next movements were so quick, no one realised what he was about to do next. "GAE BOLG!!!"

"LANCER!" Rider countered Gae Bolg with her stakes, wrapping the chain around his spear and pulling it tight so he couldn't move them. "Stop it, Lancer! You can't do anything now! He's gone! Gilgamesh's gone!"

"Let me go!" Lancer turned furious eyes on her. "Let me go right now, Medusa! Or I'll kill you, you Gorgon!"

"I'd like to see you try, Cu'Chulainn," Rider said quietly. "You would kill the innocent Gorgon now that the King is dead, Hound? He's in a better place! He's gone to where all deceased Servants go to! It's not the last time you'll see him!"

"You..." Lancer tried to pull his weapon back. "Damn you, Rider!"

Tears were stinging Saber's eyes as she watched Rider stop Lancer from trying to attack Gilgamesh's dead body. "Lancer..." Archer silently looped an arm around her shoulder to comfort her.

Lancer growled and finally dropped his spear, turning to rush at Gilgamesh's dead body. "GILGAMESH, YOU BASTARD!!! WAKE UP!!! YOU'RE NOT DEAD YET!! I KNOW THAT!!!"

"STOP IT! HE'S GONE!" As usual, Rider's agility was stunning as she appeared in front of him and threw her arms around him, holding him back from Gilgamesh. Lancer trashed. "HE'S NOT DEAD!! HE'S JUST SLEEPING! CAN'T YOU SEE?!"

Rider shook her head. "It's time... He's gone, Lancer. Accept it." Almost in time with her words, Gilgamesh began to dissolve into golden particles that drifted up into the air and vanished.

"GILGAMESH!!!" Lancer gave one last anguished howl before he was overwhelmed and he collasped into Rider's arms, weeping. the purple-haired Servant comfored him the best she could, a sad expression on her blindfolded face.
-----------------

Rider was out alone that night, leaping around Fuyuki City just to feel the wind in her hair, her boots making no noise as she landed on the roofs of the various buildings there. Just as she was about to turn and return home to Sakura, a voice stopped her. "Rider..."

"Lancer..." She straightened and saw the blue-haired man sitting alone on the edge of a taller building near her. Lancer looked down at her wearily. "Could you... stay a while with me? I never mentioned it before, but I like watching you while you're leaping about..."

Rider was silent for a while, but she joined him on his roof, sitting next to him, her legs hanging off the side. For a while, they made no sound nor movement, sitting still as stone as the wind blew their hair about, mixing blue and purple. Finally, Lancer spoke.

"I'm sorry about how I behaved this morning, Rider. I.. shouldn't have called you a Gorgon."

Rider stirred and looked at him as a twinge of pain hit her heart. "It's not your fault. You were distressed."

"I guess..." Lancer's eyes stared at nothing.

"Everything's going to be fine. Don't worry..." Rider's hand covered his, and Lancer looked down at the contact. Her hand was warm compared to his....

"Rider..."

"Yes, Lancer?"

"... Thank you..." He leaned over and kissed her. Rider's eyes widened behind her visor, then fluttered shut as she leaned into his kiss. Lancer pulled her closer to him and held the kiss for a few moments more before breaking off, placing a palm on her cheek, thumbing the soft skin right below her visor. "Thank you, Rider.. if only I could see tose eyes of yours.."

"You'd be petrified." Rider sounded afraid that he would remove her visor, but she didn't pull away.

Lancer gave her a wan smile. "Stay with me tonight?"

"I will." Rider relaxed and leaned her head against her head on his shoulder, content to be like that for the night. Lancer smiled and looked out into the night, one hand stroking her long hair. Maybe something good had turned out in this after all....

December 20th, 12:00 am

A/N: December 20th is Hitsugaya Touchirou's birthday! TODAY, for freaking sake!! And I forgot!!! Ahhhh!!! Gomen ne, Shirou-chan!!!!

Toushirou: ....... -_-#
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December 20th, 12:00 am
MazdaKitsune

Tick... tick... tick... tick...

The hands of the clock moved slowly as the seconds ticked by. In less than five minutes, it would be December the 20th. Hitsugaya blew out a breath and smiled to himself, watching the snow fall gently to the ground from under a tree that was bare of leaves, but laden with snow.

Tick... tick... tick... tick...

Hyourinmaru rumbled gently from where he lay, next to the young captain, an early 'Happy Birthday' greetings for his master. Everytime, every year, it was the same. The same time and same place Hitsugaya would go to alone, to quietly await that special moment of the day where the clock ticked midnight, and the time changed.

Day to day.

Night to day.

The day when Hitsugya Toushirou was "born" in Rukongai.

Tick... tick... tick... tick...

Only a minute left to go now. The smile grew wider on Hitsugaya's face. His hiding place was peaceful and quiet, a special birthday place for him to hide in. A sigh escaped his lips as he leaned his head back, momentarily letting himself forget about the troubles and responsibilites of a taichou and relax in the soothing enviroment.

"Almost time," he said aloud, his breath forming mist into the air in front of his face. "10 more seconds...."

Tick.. tick.. tick.. tick..

Five

Four

Three

Two

One

"Happy birthday, Hyorinmaru/Shirou-chan."

Thetwo voices startled each other, and Hitsugaya jumped up from his spot, whirling around in surprise to find Hinamori Momo standing quietly with a smile on her face, holding a small cake with a few candles on it in her hands.

"Hinamori?"

The candles lit up her face with a soft orange glow, and she started singing the Birthday song as she walked towards him, stopping in front of him when she finished. "Happy Birthday to you, Shirou-chan."

Hitsugaya gaped at her. "How did you find me? I thought I hid my rieatsu well..."

Hinamori laughed. "Rangiku-san followed you and told me where you are. I thought I'd surprise you with a cake I made myself. Here, blow the candles and make a wish."

Slowly, Hitsugaya leaned down, closed his eyes for a while, then blew out the candles. "Thank you, Hinamori..."

Hinamori smiled again. "I have a present for you, Shirou-chan. Close your eyes."

Still stunned, the young taichou did as he was told.... and his eyes flew open in surprise as Hinamori promptly set the cake aside and kissed him. Slowly, his eyes slipped shut again and he slid his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him with a sigh as he returned her kiss.

"I hope you like your present, Shirou-chan..." Hinamori said as they broke apart, blushing shyly.

"It's the best I ever got yet, Bed-Wetter Momo," Hitsugaya teased with a smile.

Hinamori pouted. "Don't call me that, Shirou-chan! Come on." She picked up the cake and linked her arm with his. "Rangiku planned a party for you in your office. She invited everyone, including Kuchiki-taichou, and Ukitake-taichou made a candy statue for you. You'd better get there before Yachiru decides to eat it all up..."

Hitsugaya let himself be dragged along by her, listening to her happy chatter all the way with a grin on his face. December 20th, 12:00 am. His birthday.. and also the day where Hinamori confessed her love for him with a simple kiss.

He wasn't going to forget this particular birthday in a hurry.

~Owari~

Phoenix Tears

A/N: Hmm.. Byakuya broke up with me in MySpace... so I'm getting back at him by turning into an Espada. Guess who are my top three Arrancars?

1) Grimmjow Jaggerjack
2) Ulquiorra Schiffer
3) Hollow Ichigo. (pls don't ask)

I'm hurting inside. Really hurting inside. So all I can do is write out whatever I'm imagining as revenge and get a good kick out of it.
___________________________________________________________________

She was drifting in a warm bubble in the midst of an ocean, feeling extremely safe and comfortable. Sleepily, she turned on her side, and curled up again with a soft sigh, using her arm as her pillow, long black hair drifting in the water over her head and about her face, a painting of a slumbering angel.

It wasn't to last, however.

Somewhere in her sleep, she heard a voice call out to her, calling her name.

Akamatsu Arisa.... awaken....

It disturbed her, yet comforted her, and she opened her eyes, reaching out to that voice...

.... And she gasped for breath, eyes flying open in panic as she struggled to suck in air into her lungs. The woman gave a keening scream, hands clutching at nothing in vain as her mind threatened to black out from lack of oxygen. And then, all of a sudden, the pressure on her broke, and she gave a gasp, gulping air down greedily.

"Are you alright?"

The deep tone made the woman turn slowly from where she lay, and she blinked her hazy vision to see a man wearing white robes with a red sash, his brown hair slicked back except for a single strand that fell over his eyes. He had a smile on his face, a fatherly kind of smile that was benign and proud as he looked down on his latest "child". The woman struggled to sit up. "W-Who are you?"

"I am your father and your creator. Sousuke Aizen." The man said by way of introduction, draping his outer robe over her body. "Here, you must be feeling cold."

With a start, the woman looked down at herself and saw that she was completely nude, without any covering at all. But rather than feel embarassed, she spoke again in quiet confusion. "You're my.... creator? You created me?"

"Yes, I did. And I think that my partner Gin, will be here with some clothes for you to wear soon." Aizen responded idly, placing his hand on her head. "Now... can you tell me what your name is?"

"Akamatsu Arisa.... I think..." The woman frowned. Aizen chuckled. "True, my Risa-chan.... but I don't think that name suits you much. Blanca Zamarilla sounds much more nicer, don't you think?"

Blanca purred as he ran his hand through her hair, feeling the same sense of comfort she had felt in her dreams fill her. He was her father... her master.. and she was safe with him. "Yes, Aizen-sama."

"Good." Aizen gave her head one last pet before Gin swept in through the doorway, humming a tune to himself. "Oh, our princess seems t' have woken up, eh... Aizen-sama?"

Aizen snorted and got up, taking the clothes from Gin, who eyed Blanca with intrest. The woman flushed slightly and pulled the robe tighter around her to cover her exposed body, not really liking the way he leered at her. Aizen gave him a look. "Be polite, Gin. It's rude to stare at a woman that way. Besides, you're scaring her."

"Oh, sorry..." Gin raised his hand and gave Blanca a apologetic grin before sauntering out, closing the door behind him.

"Now then..." Aizen handed her the clothes. "Put this on. I will send someone to be with you shortly."
___________________________________________________________________

It was nothing she had expected.

Maybe it was the fact that the simple white clothes she wore stunned her by showing off her body, or it was the curves, and the light but strong build she never expected to have. But Blanca Zaramilla, formerly known as Akamatsu Arisa, stared at her reflection in the mirror and wondered.

The top she wore had a Chinese-like style and design, from the open collar that complimented her long neck to the way the Chinese knots ran across the top of her breasts, the top ending above her navel. It was sleeveless, but her right arm had a betached sleeve, that was more like a kimono sleeve, but it flared and hung down her sword arm. The rest of her outfit was the usual hakama, with a thick black sash that had extra material. This she absently braided and let it hang down her side.

Her hair, as far as she could see, was waist long, but had fiery streaks of crimson that were fierce, bright and bold, and was styled in a layered manner, one part of her fringe falling down to hide her right eye.

Lastly, she inspected her Arrancar mask. It curved around her forehead like a tiara and under her right eye, looking very much like a cross between Tesla's and Grimmjow's except that the jaw portion of her mask only had the lower jaw missing.

Blanca drew in a sharp breath when someone knocked on her door and she hurried to open it, seeing a blue-haired Arrancar standing outside, his hand still raised in mid-knock. Her eyebrows furrowed in slight regconition as a name passed through her mind. "...... Grimmjow...?"

"Kami-sama..." Grimmjow slowly lowered his hand and stepped back. "Senorita Akamatsu. That bastard Gin wasn't kidding when he said you were brought back."

"Blanca." She said, and the Arrancar's brows furrowed in confusion. "Blanca Zamarilla," she repeated softly. "Aizen-sama gave me a new name. I... don't know what I'm doing here.. or how I know you. I just woke up.... and Aizen..."

Grimmjow stared at her for a minute more as he processed the information given to him, then closed his eyes and made a soft "Ch..." between his teeth. "Ain't gonna change much of what happened. But still... welcome to the Espada, kid... again."

Blanca found him to be a bit strange, seeming to drift between arrogance, indiffrence and softness while facing her, but she lifted her chin and took the arm that he offered her. "Thank you, Senor. I hope not to get in your way often."

"Yeah, you better not." Grimmjow's mutter sounded rough, but warm. "Go bug the Cuarto Espada if you can.... but I won't mind if you'd come over and dance the Paso Doble with me once in a while."

Blanca smiled. "Of course. I'd love to."

Together, they pushed open the double doors that led to Aizen's throne room.

Reload

A/N: Slight error while writing the last story but I'm too lazy to correct it. Leon does not know yet that Byakuya and Rukia are siblings in the early part of the story, but finds it out when Renji and Shuuhei tells him about it. He does suspect a bit, though. Rukia called Byakuya "Nii-Sama" in front of him before.

But anyway, I'm too lazy to correct, so here's another part of it.

Guess which anime the titles came from....

But this isn't a ByakuRuki fic. This is a IchiRukiHichi fic.

Mmm.... I smell a threesome..... *giggles insanely*
___________________________________________________________________

Leon's first week in the Sixth didn't turn out to be that enjoyable.

In fact, you could say that he hated every moment of it. Kuchiki Byakuya had walked in, taken one good look at him and the disdain in the noble's face was clear. He had immedieately launched into a long lecture about 'expectations', 'honor', 'rules' and all that jazz. Along the end, he had given Leon a freezing look and told him that he expected all work to be completed by the end of the day and handed down to his office.

It was toture. There were always mountains of paperwork to do, and Leon left the Division totally exhausted by the end of the day. But sometimes, he never got to rest. Renji would bring him to the Living World to purify Hollows, sometimes in the dead of the night, and leon often wondered how the fukutaichou could be so energetic thoughout the day. You could say that Leon never got a good rest unless it was the weekend.

But there were some advantages to it. Rukia often dropped by, and spent some time with Byakuya sometimes with Renji and sometimes with Ichigo. Unfortunately, there was a little bit of a problem.

There was a particular girl, Akamatsu Arisa, the 3rd Seat of the 10th Division, that came to see Byakuya each day. They were supposedly engaged, but Byakuya didn't want it, and Risa was compliant with whatever decision that was made for her. She seemed comtent with or without Byakuya, but she made it a habit to drop by and say hello each evening. The Elders were over their heads with the 28th Head of the Kuchiki clan, and the said taichou had made it very clear that he loved Rukia, and would NOT incline his head to thier wishes that he marry the Akamatsu heir.

Risa had simply shrugged, and after the Elders had left the 6th Division (they had thought that a public display would cow Byakuya into obeying their wishes, but if anything, he seemed to have gotten a stubborn streak from Rukia.), she did something extremely..... shocking.

The moment the last Elder had disappeared around the corner, she had lazily reclined in her chair and held up two "fingers" before she and Renji broke out into loud uncontrollable laughter, Byakuya and Leon's eyes as wide as saucers. Byakuya had looked questioningly at Risa, and the Akamatsu heir winked.

"How long have I known you, Byakuya? Each year the Clans meet, Yoruichi-san would always drag all of us to a private room to play poker. You should know me by now." She leaned forwards and flicked his forehead with a finger. "I'm the best actress in Sereitei. Only you and the old gang know the real me. Just like I know that your poker face is for show to the world. Inside is a man with afflicted emotions."

Throughout this exchange, Renji simply chuckled and leaned back in his chair. "Go, Risa..."

Byakuya looked a bit guilty. "Risa..."

"Daijoubu, daijoubu." Risa waved a hand. "I've loved you for a long time, Byakuya... but I've come to accept that you'll never love me, from the time you married Hisana. And now, it's Rukia." She glanced at the clock. "I gotta run. Jii-chan's having dinner with me today..."

Byakuya nodded. "Let me walk you to the door."

Risa grinned, then sobered and held herself tall, lifting her chin as she assumed her role as Lady Akamatsu. "It was a pleasure meeting you again, Lord Kuchiki. I look forwards to the next meeting tomorrow night."

"It was a pleasure to be in your company too, Lady Akamatsu," Byakuya said politely, sounding very much like the noble he was. "Tomorrow evening as usual."

But looking closer, Leon could see that they were sending each ther different messages with their eyes.

Are you sure Rukia's in love with you? Risa seemed to ask.

I don't know... Byakuya's gaze replied. I don't know, but I honestly hope so...

As the two left, Renji gave a sigh and shook his head. "Rukia, Rukia.... I hope she knows what she's doing..."

"What's wrong?" Leon asked.

Renji turned to look at him. "Don't you know? There's a rumour that's been going round. It seems that eventhough Kuchiki-taichou's in love with her, Rukia just sees him as a brother, and not a lover. She's going to break his heart if she doesn't catch the signals taichou has been giving her."

"So... Rukia's single?"

"You could put it that way." Renji grimaced. "Ah, too bad. I already have a different girlfriend. Once upon a time I would have taken this chance to ask Rukia to be my girl, but I find that my feelings have changed. I now see her as my very, very best friend." He grinned.

"Abarai.... I have something to ask..." Leon said hesitatingly. "Do you... Do you think you could ask Rukia to go out with me?"

"Dude!" Renji sounded shocked. "YOU have a crush on her?!"

"Well, not really a crush..." Leon admitted. "You remember that day we bumped into each other in Rukongai? I.. I felt that she was the girl for me. I love her, Renji. Really, I do."

"Whoa, man..." Renji looked speechless for certain. "You're in for a heartbreak. Take it from me, she's already broken my heart without doing anything, maybe Kuchiki-taichou's too.... you're gonna end up like us."

"I can't help it." Leon grasped him by the shoulders. "Please, Abarai! You have to ask her to meet me! She was... she was from my Living life. I used to date her."

Renji's eyes widened. "Leon.."

"Please... I love her. If I can, I want to right what I did wrong. I want to... I want to marry her!"

"Impossible."

Both men turned at the quiet, icy tone, and saw Kuchiki Byakuya glaring at them from the doorway, his hand gripping the hilt of his zanpakutoh tightly. "It's impossible for my sister, a noblewoman, to go out with the likes of you," he hissed through gritted teeth. Renji took a step back, never having seen Byakuya that angry before. Byakuya advanced further into the room and stared Leon straight in the face, his rieatsu compressing the air around them.

"I will not allow my sister to go out with you. Even if she doesn't love me, she will never be yours. She will marry Kurosaki Ichigo, not you, because that boy has constantly proven himself to be worthy of her while you-" His glare became even colder "-have done nothing yet to prove yourself worthy of becoming Rukia's husband. Therefore, even if she doesn't marry me, she will belong to Kurosaki Ichigo, never to be yours. I will never allow my sister to become yours."

His rieatsu intensified, forcing Leon down on his kness before Byakuya turned and strode out of there, leaving him gasping for breath. Renji shakily helped him up. "I've never seen Kuchiki-taichou so mad before... congratulations, man... you've just gained yourself one hell of an enemy... and like I told you, Rukia broke your heart without doing anything. Give it up... Go to the Living World for a break till taichou cools down a bit. I'll divide your paperwork among the other Shinigami."

With a final pat to his back, Renji left to find Byakuya. Leon stared at his hands, shaking.

Rukia.... would never be his. Byakuya had made that clear. But Renji had allowed him to go to the Living World, and Rukia.... was there. He could.... maybe.... visit her without Byakuya knowing.

And he had Renji to thank for that. The red-haired man had indirectly told him that he would cover up for him.

Taking a deep breath, Hara Leon started to get things in order.

(~Tsuzuki)

Requiem

A/N: A TB charrie is involved..... I... kinda needed to write this to get over my ex....
___________________________________________________________________

She was as beautiful as he remembered her to be, and though she had changed in appearance, her spirit remained the same. She was still short in stature, that was true... but her cheerfullness and her spunk never changed at all.

Leon Garcia de Asturias had never thought of being born as a Shinigami in his afterlife.

And he never expected his love Stephanie Summers to also be there... except that she was Kuchiki Rukia in this life.
___________________________________________________________________

The first time he had met her was when he was still living in Rukongai. It was simply a wavering aura in the air (later known to him as reiatsu), a familliar warm feeling, a feeling of longing and hopefullness that made him think of Stephanie, that made him exit his run-down house, and run into a girl with short black hair and sparkling purple eyes. From the way the picked herself up to the way she apologized to him, Leon could only think of one girl wo shared the exact same characteristics; Stephanie Summers.

But his love had died many years before him, killed by a vampire and buried in her burning house before he could save her.

So why was it she reminded him of her?

"Gomen, gomen... I should've watched where I was going..." She laughed, scratching her head as her red-haired friend came up, scowling protectively.

"It's my fault. Don't apologize, kid." Leon waved it off, earning a glare from the other man.

"Excuse me, we're way older than you are... a century old, maybe. Don't go around calling Rukia a kid. She's almost 80 this year," He said sharply.

"Renji!" Rukia exclaimed, face flushing red, but a hand came down between them, grapsing her shoulder protectively.

"Our patrol's over. Let's return and report to Yamamoto-soutaichou."

"Byakuya-Nii-Sama!" Rukia smiled and looked up at another man, an aristocrat by the looks of it, her eyes shining. Byakuya nodded at her once and turned, releasing her shoulder. Renji and Rukia followed as he left, the girl turning to give Leon a wave before she vanished.

From their uniforms and swords, they were Shinigami. Rukia certainly didn't look like Stephanie, but the manner in which she greeted her older brother reminded him of the way Stephanie used to greet him.

Leon was intrigued.
___________________________________________________________________

The second time he met her was when he had entered the Academy, hoping to become a Shinigami and join the ranks of the Gotei 13. Everyone knew him to be different from the others, thanks to his appearance and his strength, and he was a slightly lonely man because the students steered clear of him.

He learned that souls were reborn again when they died, some retaining their looks and others given a different body. Leon had no doubt that Stephanie was Rukia, and they were both the same person, but in different lives.

"Hado no 31! Shakkahou!"

Rukia's voice rang out sure and clear as she took down the Hollow they were supposed to purify, but couldn't handle. A red ball of fire shot out at the Hollow, instantly purifying it in a second. The Academy students watched in awe as Ukitake, Rukia, Kiyone and Sentarou stepped out of the shadows, the captain wearing an encouraging smile on his face.

"Good work, everyone. Except for that last Hollow, you managed to take down the rest. Well... the last one was kind of tricky. I shall do your evaluation and pass your marks to your teacher. Let's just say that some of you might just be working for me in less then a month."

As cheers went up among the students, Leon smiled. He was looking forwards to becoming a Shinigami. At least.. it would put him one step closer to Rukia.
___________________________________________________________________

"Nii-sama...."

"What is it, Rukia?"

Rukia opened her eyes to look up at her brother, who was deeply absorbed in a book while letting her use his lap as a pillow. "Aren't you going to the graduations? I overheard Yamamoto-soutaichou saying that the Divisions need to absorb some new members in order to run effciently."

He says that every year, Byakuya wanted to reply, but searched for a different answer instead. "Whether I go or not isn't really your concern. Your health however, is my concern. I shall tell Ukitake to exempt you from your missions this few weeks to recuperate."

"Aa... Arigatou, Nii-sama..." Rukia mumbled, looking away. She had come down with a bad case of fever after her last mission to the Living World. Byakuya had been furious after Unohana told him that it was poison from the Hollow that had attacked her, all the more reason to keep her away from the Vice-Captain position. Rukia wasn't too concerned about the position, but the look on Byakuya's face made her feel.... guilty.

Guilt that she could've died and almost gotten herself killed.

"Forgive me, Nii-sama."

Byakuya froze at the sentence and put down his book, looking at her, confusion flitting across his face. "What for?"

"Because... Because I made you worry..." Rukia closed her eyes again.

Silently, Byakuya marked his page, set the book aside and picked her up in his arms, burying his face in her hair. "Don't apologize, Rukia. It wasn't your fault." His hand ran through her hair, soothing her.

Rukia was surprised as Byakuya hugged her. he had never shown that much of emotion in his life towards her before, but it was soothing to know that he cared. "Byakuya-Nii-Sama..."

"Sleep, Rukia... Just sleep.." Byakuya leaned back against the tree he had been sitting against, keeping her in his arms as he rocked her to sleep.
___________________________________________________________________

She wasn't there at the graduations, and neither was her brother.

But Leon didn't care as he walked in Sereitei proudly, now clad in his black and white Shinigami uniform, his sword by his side. There was lots of time. Lots of time for him to prepare himself, get close to her, and rekindle their relationship that they had in their past life. Up ahead, he saw Renji and Shuuhei talking, and decided to join them.

"Abarai-fukutaichou. Hisagi-fukutaichou."

"Leon-san!" Shuuhei greeted cheerfully. "Congratulations on your graduation! Which Division will you be joining?"

"My Division, apparently..." Renji grinned. "We always give the newcomers Hell, and Kuchiki-taichou scares the shit outta them."

Kuchiki..... Leon blinked. "Wouldn't.... Kuchiki Rukia be related to Kuchiki-taichou in any way?" He asked curiously.

Shuuhei and Renji looked at each other before bursting out in laughter. "He doesn't know!" Shuuhei exclaimed. "Well, Leon... to tell you the truth, Rukia is Kuchiki Byakuya's adopted little sister. They belong to one of the noble families in Sereitei. Rukia's well on her way to becoming Fukutaichou from what I hear."

"And talking about Byakuya..." Renji lowered his voice so only they could hear. "It seems that... he's in love with her."

"Nani?!" Shuuhei gasped. "Kuchiki-taichou... in love with his sister?"

"Well, they aren't really related..." Renji said thoughtfully. "And I'm happy for Rukia if she does marry Byakuya. I mean... Byakuya may be icy cold and a stick-in-the-mud on the outside, but from what Ryorin gathers from the Kuchiki estate's servants, he can be really passionate and caring if he wants to be."

"Suge..." Shuuhei looked genuinely interested. "So Byakuya might be proposing to Rukia-chan soon. Aren't you sad that your childhood friend is in love and is taken by the only man you want to surpass? He's always been stronger than you... now he's taken awya your love. Aren't you pissed?"

"Me? Nahhh.." Renji looked content. "From the time I let Rukia go, I knew she wasn't going to be my wife anytime in eternity. In fact.." He began grinning again. "I've gotten myself a new girlfriend."

"Abarai-kun!" Kamaitachi Ryorin's voice soared in the air, reaching their ears as the emerald eyed girl walked up. "Ikkaku's calling everyone for a drink. Wanna come? Rukia-chan can't make it. She's still sick and ya know what? I saw her sleepin' in Kuchiki-taichou's arms today! Apparently, they were in the 6th Division's garden, and she fell asleep, so Byakuya had t' carry her back to t' mansion."

"Honto ni?" Renji and Shuuhei gasped.

"Yep." Ryorin grinned. "C'mon, red-head.... there's a couple's drinkin' contest today. Shuu, Ran-chan wants ya to be her date."

"Damn, we have competition!" Renji took Ryorin firmly about her waist. "Let's go. 11th isn't a place where people wait."

"'Kay..." Shuuhei looked over his shoulder at Leon. "You want to tag along?"

Leon, who had been standing quietly in disbelief when he first heard of Rukia and Byakuya, shook his head. "No, I'll... I'll pass..."

"Wise." Shuuhei nodded. "Isn't good to get drunk on your first night, escpecially if your captain is Kuchiki-taichou. Well, I'll see you around."

With that, he walked off, leaving Leon alone.
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He wasn't at her level yet in this life, and it seemed that he never would be. She was of nobility, and was destined to be loved and married by one. He felt like he was a dog, and she was a star... and he was barking at a star, which was out of his reach.

"Stephanie..."

If only he hadn't broke up with her in his past life.

RenjiXIchigo Drabbles!

A/N: ZOMG!!!!! I found this really cool Drabble-matic, and made a bunch of IchigoXRenji drabbles!!!! Here are a few to start with.....
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The Dog Prince

Ichigo was walking through a rough meadow, laughing at the butterflies flitting around his head when he spied a tough little dog lying under a tree.

Ichigo skipped over to see the dear thing and was unpredictable to find that he was hurt! A tattoos had pierced his strong little hair and he whimpered lowly with the pain.

"My hard-headed little friend," Ichigo said. "Let me help you!" He took out his Leatherman Multi-Purpose tool and pulled out the tattoos, as amusedly as he could. The dog cried out and Ichigo's heart ached, For the stray dog and the strawberry. "You'll be all right," Ichigo whispered. "I'll take care of you. I'll call you Renji and you can live with me forever!"

Scooping Renji up in his arms, Ichigo carried him home and made a bed for him beside his own. For seven days and seven nights, Ichigo nursed Renji, cleaning his hair and feeding him Orange-brand dog chow.

On the eighth night, Renji climbed into bed with Ichigo. He burrowed under the covers and happily punched Ichigo's head. It made Ichigo giggle and he cuddled close to Renji, stroking his chest and singing softly to him.

They continued that way for a long time. Every day, Ichigo hurried home so he could curl up with Renji. It gave him a feral feeling whenever Renji punched his head.

Then one night, Renji looked up at Ichigo and said, "If you kiss me, I will become a rude prince."

Ichigo screamed huskily, he was so surprised. How could a dog talk? He must have dropped off and dreamed it.

"You're not dreaming," Renji said. "Kiss me."

"Don't tell anyone I screamed like that," Ichigo said and kissed Renji on his chest. The air swirled and suddenly, there stood a rude prince! With a crown and everything!

"I'm Prince Renji," he said. "I was cursed. It's a long story."

"Is it really you?" Ichigo said.

"See?" Renji said and showed Ichigo the scar from the tattoos on his hair. Then he kissed Ichigo and they tumbled strawberry head and did a lot of very brash things, some of them involving a loud strawberry.

"I love you," Renji said when they were done. Ichigo clasped him close and they lived together happily ever after on all the prince treasure Renji had stashed away.

And if Renji didn't know about Ichigo's visits to the dog sanctuary, well, it wouldn't hurt him.
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The Adventure Of The Dog

Ichigo and Renji were out for a rough Valentine's walk strawberry head. As they went, Renji rested his hand on Ichigo's chest. It was the most romantic walk ever. But even though the day was so rude, Ichigo was filled with strong dread.

"Do you suppose it's unpredictable here?" he asked happily.

"You brash silly," Renji said, tickling Ichigo with his tattoos. "It's completely feral."

Just then, a tough dog leapt out from behind a orange and punched Renji in the hair. "Aaargh!" Renji screamed.

Things looked hard-headed. But Ichigo, although he was loud, knew he had to save his love. He grabbed a strawberry and, For the stray dog and the strawberry, beat the dog huskily until it ran off. "That will teach you to punch innocent people."

Then he clasped Renji close. Renji was bleeding amusedly. "My darling," Ichigo said, and pressed his lips to Renji's head.

"I love you," Renji said softly, and expired in Ichigo's arms.

Ichigo never loved again.
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To Lowly Punch

Ichigo and Renji were celebrating a tough Valentine's Day together. Ichigo had cooked a brash dinner and they ate strawberry head by candlelight.

"My darling," Renji said, stroking Ichigo's hair, "I have something for you." He gave a box to Ichigo. "It is but a rude token of my hard-headed love."

Ichigo opened the box. Inside was an unpredictable orange! He gazed at it happily. Then he gazed at Renji happily. "It's loud," Ichigo said. "Come here and let me punch you."

Just then, a rough crone sprang out of hiding and cackled For the stray dog and the strawberry. "Your happiness will not last!" she said in a strong voice and dropped a piece of paper onto the dinner table.

Renji read it. "It's a page from a diary. It says...it says that you're my brother."

They stared at each other softly as the crone cackled some more. Ichigo's head began to tremble. Then Renji shrugged, pulled out a strawberry, and hit the crone on her chest. She fell over dead.

"Problem solved!" Ichigo said and kissed Renji huskily. "This is a feral Valentine's Day!"

They amusedly burned the diary page in the candle and never told another soul.

And then they punched each other all night long.
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A/N: Alright, that's the end of it... I'll go make more on the Drabble-matic next time... hehehehehe... next victims targets, ORIHIME AND ISHIDA!!!!!

An Inch Shorter

A/N: Well... I did the dumbest thing today or dumber than usual, as Ishida-Nii put it...; I attempted to trim my own hair, experimenting with my bangs, and just chopped off an inch of them. So now my bangs are slanted, slightly jagged, and an inch shorter than my normal length, which by the way, is the length of the rest of my hair.

I have shorter bangs!!! How can this be??!! Damn, I hope I get to go to the hairdresser tomorrow.... At least the guy who does my hair will know how to fix it!
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For the first time in his life, Kuchiki Byakuya found out that Akamatsu Arisa had a really ear-piercing, high-pitched scream. For the first time in his life, he also found out that his 3rd Seat really, really loved her hair, and would go into depression if anything happened to it.

It wasn't his fault, really.

It all began with a peaceful morning, and some jagged bangs...
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(Flashback)

Risa faced herself in the mirror, scowling. No matter how she looked at it, her bangs were out of shape. The tips were jagged, a lock longer than the rest here and there. She had always prided herself on having the best, well-kept hair in Soul Society, rivalling Kuchiki Byakuya's, her black curtain of hair always falling to the small of her back in gleaming waves. But today.... today she realised that the end of her bangs were not even.

Something had to be done, and that something had to be done quick.

Frowning in concentration, Risa lifted a pair of sisscors in her right hand, and clamped her left bang between her forefinger and middle finger in her left, dragging it down to almost the end. Looking carefully at the potruding (and offending) lock of hair, she sisscored away at it, leaving a seemingly straight cut behind. Turning her attenttion to her right bang, she repeated the process all over again.

When she was done, Risa squinted at her reflection again. Wait a minute... it wasn't parallel. It wasn't parallel at all. In fact, her left bang seemed to be longer than her right bang. Scowling, she lifted the sisscors and trimmed away at it again, determined to make the sides balanced. Great... now the right side was longer... She made to cut it again.

"Risa." Byakuya opened the door all of a sudden, and Risa jumped, sisscors still in hand. Unfortunately, she snapped it shut while having the lock of hair between the blades.

Slice.

Swish.

Silence.

And Risa stared in horror at her now SHORT bangs. Oh my God... had she actually sliced off an INCH off them?! She slowly raised her head and stared at Byakuya. The noble knew at that instant that he had chosen the wrong time to barge in on his fiance's room. He could literally see the word "DOOM" spelled out in front of him, as Risa's chin began to quiver, her wide, horror-stricken eyes brimming with tears. Then, she opened her mouth and let out a scream that would've sent a Hollow running back to the safety of Hueco Mundo.

"KKKKKYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

(End of Flashback)
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"She's not budging, taichou," Renji reported ruefully as Byakuya approached the locked door. The Fukutaichou had been trying to get Risa out for almost the entire day, but she hadn't made a sound, nor unlocked the door at all. The red-haired man was getting impatient, calling those that Risa knew to help him get her out. Rukia, Ryorin, Rangiku and Momo had tried, but to no avail, Shunsui had tried sweet-talking her out, but the moment he touched the subject of her "lovely hair", there was a fresh scream, and Ukitake had to hurriedly drag his friend away from the room as the others cringed and a spider fell from the ceiling. Rukia had then gone to get Ichigo, who also tried (since she was "Byakuya-Nii-Sama's fiance, and you have to help him since he's my brother, and she's going to be my sister-in-law!"), and given up, and stated that Byakuya might have more luck himself.

That was why Byakuya found himself sitting in the dust outside the room with a slight scowl on his face. Risa was just being silly. Why was he degraded to sitting outside the door in the dust? "Risa, such behavior is unacceptable. Come out now. You have a duty to fulfil as a Lieutenant and a Shinigami."

"I hate you. Go away, Kuchiki Byakuya." Risa's muffled voice floated to his ears and he cringed inwardly, hearing how hoarse it had became from crying.

"Risa..."

"I'm not coming out till my hair grows back."

"Nonsense. That could take days, or weeks. You'll starve in there." Byakuya frowned.

"I'll get Renji to pass me food. I don't care. An inch of my hair is gone, Byakuya. An inch!" Risa yelled again.

"Don't make me use Senbonsakura on the door, Akamatsu-san..." Byakuya warned, pulling rank on her. "As your taichou, I order you to come out now."

The was silence, then the door opened ever so slightly, giving him a glimpse of her before she disappeared. Sighing, he pushed open the door completely, seeing the fallen locks of hair lying abandoned on the tatami mats. Risa was sitting huddled in a corner, her face buried in her arms as her ebony locks lay askew over her shoulders and face.

"Risa." Byakuya sat next to her with a sigh, silently praying that no one would walk by and see him display a bit more emotion than what was usual to the cold, stoic Kuchiki-taichou. "You can't sit here and hide forever. Come."

Risa shook her head, refusing to look at him. "I-I look horrible, Byakuya. Surely you don't expect me to go out looking like this?"

"It's only an inch of your bangs, nothing more," Byakuya soothed, putting his arm around her shoulders. "Only a bit of hair. You still look as beautiful as ever, my Risa. I don't think anyone will notice."

Risa sniffed. "I shouldn't have toyed around with my hair. Then this wouldn't happen..."

"Iie.. it's my fault for barging in on you so suddenly," Byakuya said. "I didn't know you were cutting your hair in the room. I'm... sorry." He said the word "sorry" hesitantly, as if he weren't used to it.

Risa lifted her head and smiled through her tears. "Really? I'm sorry for acting so childish as well... You're right, it's only a bit of hair. I shouldn't have made such a fuss about it..."

Byakuya almost smiled. "As long as we understand." He leaned forwards and hugged her.

Risa smiled.

Slice.

Swish.

Silence.

Byakuya blinked.

Risa's smile turned sweet as she held up an inch of Byakuya's bangs in her hand, the other holding a sisscors. "Oh yes. Payback." She got up and waltzed out of the room, leaving a very stunned Byakuya behind. "As long as we understand, Byakuya. As long as we understand," she called back over her shoulder.
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Needless to say, Kurosaki Ichigo was shocked when Rukia appeared in his bedroom window with a grinning Risa and a very disgruntled Byakuya (Were his bangs an inch shorter than normal?!) that night and demanded that he take them to the best hairdresser in Karakura.

Paso Doble

A/N: Based on a dream I had about Grimmjow. Man, I wonder why of all things, I had to dream of Grimmjow and myself dancing the Paso Doble. But then again, that blue haired Arrancar is rather handsome. Part 1 of my GrimmjowOC series.

Risa does the Paso Doble with a certain blue-haired Arrancar just to entertain Aizen and his followers. There's sparks between the two dancers, but is it for good, or bad?
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The Paso Doble is a Spanish Dance, based on the music played at bullfights during the bullfighters' entrance, the paseo, or during the passes, the faena, just before the kill.

The name meant "two step" in Spanish... and it literally was a Dance of Death.

The leader of the dance plays the part of the madator, and the follower the madator's cape, or in Risa's case, a flamenco dancer.

The stamp of Grimmjow's foot was loud, and it echoed in the room, almost startling the onlookers at the ferocity of it. The blue-haired Arrancar never broke a sweat as he danced, holding himself stiffly, extending a hand towards Risa.

In turn, Risa's stance was proud as she twisted and turned in her layered dress, a red rose in her hair, eyes piercing and cold as she gazed at him unblinkingly. Grasping his hand, she allowed herself to be pulled hard towards him, coming short right before his face as his eyes clashed with hers.

Never once did they blink, and the chemistry between them could be felt in the air, as a fire seemed to ignite in their eyes, a passion unspoken, and a determination to conquer the other.

Who in their wildest dreams could have expected the hot-tempered Grimmjow Jaggerjack of all people to be able to dance so well? Hell, no one even expected him to know how to dance.

But he knew how, especially the Paso Doble, and this unveiled a different side of him.

A fiery, more passionate side that captivated the eyes of many, especially the few female Arrancar that were around, putting him in whole new light altogether.

It was a Dance of Death. Kill of be killed. Either way, the bull still dies. Risa knew that well, and as she and Grimmjow cirled each other, her hand behind his head, his gaze peircing and intense, she could not help but marvel at the way he controlled the dance, controlling her. She broke off all of a sudden, and he caught her arm, turning her twice single-handedly before releasing her, and twirled, bringing her arms over her head, crossing them as her dress flared.

All this happened in just a minute. Both dancers held themselves stiffly, but moved gracefully, flowing from one move to another. Grimmjow leaned back as she leaned forwards, beckoning her in a silent invitation, his arms moving before him as though he was pulling her towards him. She accepted his invitation and came up to him rapidly, putting her hands on his chest, but not allowing him to embrace her, putting a barrier between them.

The beat got faster, the snapping of the castenets more thrilling and louder.

"You're good at this, Senorita..." Grimmjow breathed, smirking.

Risa lifted her chin haughtily. "You're not bad either, Senor." She pushed him away, lifting an arm, but he caught her elbow.

"Si. Y usted danza con muerte, Senorita. Yes. But you dance with death." Grimmjow said before pushing her violently away. "Usted se olvida, yo es el matador. Don't forget, I am the matador here."

Risa caught his arm, almost pulling forwards with her momentum. "I have not forgotten, Senor. But I'll try my best to survive. El toro sabe cuando vendra el extremo, y las luchas al extremo. The bull will fight to the end, no matter what."

"Your Spanish has gotten better." Grimmjow brought his right arm forward and she caught it with her right hand. "Ulquiorra has taught you well," he continued as he pulled her against him, linking left hands.

"Gracias." Risa inclined her head as they moved forwards. One step, two steps... and Grimmjow lifted his right arm gracefully in the air, she bending her body back before he twirled her and they exchanged poses.

The Paso Doble.... a Dance of Death between the matador and the bull. A dance that was proud yet gracefull, beautifull yet dangerous. Even as Grimmjow held her waist and they flowed from once stance to another, he whispered, "This won't last forever, Senorita Akamatsu. Matanza inmovil usted. I will kill you."

It sent shivers up her spine as she moved in tandem with him, one hand holding the fabric of her long skirt up as it flared so a bit of one leg could be seen as she kicked slightly before stamping her foot. "I haven't forgotten, Senor Jaggerjack. I haven't forgotten."

But as Grimmjow twirled her multiple times with one arm, both dancing to amuse the leader of Hueco Mundo, Risa held her own, and knew that as for now, she was still alive and was capable of fighting back.

But as they say, no matter how much the bull fights back, or how strong it is, it will still be killed by the matador.

Paso Doble, a Spanish Dance of Death.

Just A Boring Day

A/N: Yeah, just a boring day... As boring as it can get while screaming that Zaraki Kenpachi has appeared in Hueco Mundo to save Ichigo!!!!
___________________________________________________________________

Zaraki growled to himself as he watched Byakuya stride past him and into Ryorin's room. He was sure... VERY sure, that that arrogrant priss had given him a very snooty shove-it-up-your-ass looks before going past him. Unohana put a restraining hand on his shoulder. "I suggest you don't, Kenpachi... This is a place of healing after all."

"He almost killed her, Restu," Zaraki snarled. "He actually used shikai on her."

Unohana shook her head slightly and sighed amid a muffled squeal of "Kuchiki-taichou!" and a thump that she supposed was Byakuya hitting the ground as Ryorin glomped him. Dear... she shouldn't have allowed Yachiru to bring in all those candy after all. "Kenpachi, let's settle this in my office, not here. I can offer you some sake while we're there."

Zaraki grumbled, but the thought of sake tempted him, so he gave in and followed the motherly captain back to the office where she firmly slid the door shut so no one could disturb them. "I didn't know ya kept sake here, Retsu," he said finally. "I thought this was a healin' Division."

"On the contary, I'll let you in on one of my dirty little secrets," Unohana said as she rummaged around in a cabinet and brought out a bottle of sake, setting it down in front of him. "I like drinking. It's just something that I indulge myself in sometimes, when I've had a busy day and I need to let loose a bit."

"Aa... Sou ka?" Zaraki's grin returned full blast as he reached for the bottle, uncorking it. His view of Unohana had changed considerably. Maybe he should invite her out the next time he went drinking or something... There was more to this woman that what met the eye.

Much like Kamaitachi Ryorin.

"So then, Kenpachi. Back to Ryorin. What makes you so protective of her?" Unohana threw the question at him when she saw that he had calmed down enough. "I don't think Yamamoto-soutaichou will be so pleased if you.. as you put it... 'shove Senbonsakura up his prissy, arrogant noble ass and watch him scatter shit'."

"Eh, ol' Yama-jii can burn and rot fer all I care..." Zaraki mumbled, taking a gulp of his sake. "Ryorin belongs to me. She's mine and I'll kill anyone that tries t' lay a finger on her."

"Why do you say so?" Unohana leaned forwards, unfazed by his manner of speech. "I take it that Ryorin is the only eligable female Shinigami in your Division, excluding Yachiru-chan, and she's been following you since you were in Rukongai. Maybe you have some kind of... crush on her?"

Zaraki eyed her, contemplating his next words. "Crush? I dunno..... Do I have a crush on her? Not possible, Retsu. I don't hav' anything t' do with her, 'cept make sure no one touches a hair on her head."

"So you're saying that she's like a daughter to you, nothing more? Just like Yachiru-chan?"

"Yeah..... No! I din' mean that!"

"Then? Please explain, Kenpachi."

Zaraki leaned back in his chair, an unreadable expression crossing his face. "Ch... I dunno, Retsu. There's jus' this unexplainable feelin' of wantin' t' protect her. Get what I mean? Like... havin' my zanpakutoh. I mean, ya can't live without yer weapon, can ya? Well, that's what it's like. I can't live without her. She's grown on t' me, the little Weasel. It's like somethin's wrong if she's not there to greet me, or spar with me, or get my hair out of these spikes every night."

Retsu souldn't help the smile that spread acroess her face. "Kenpachi, you may not believe this, but you're hopelessly in love with Ryorin."

Zaraki blinked. "Me? In love? Hn, love is a pansy word. I ain't gonna fall in love."

"If you don't believe me, maybe you'll find out for yourself when I tell you that Kuchiki-taichou's making a move on Ryorin."

Zaraki was gone like the wind. Unohana luaghed to herself and brought out another small bottle of sake, noting that the one she gave Zaraki was gone. "Ah, well...." Yes, she was evil sometimes.
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Byakuya fairly jumped when the door to Ryorin's room burst open and Zaraki stormed in. But Ryorin didn't seem fazed. On the contary, she beamed and leapt off his bed, right into the gigantic taichou's arms. "Taichou!!"

Zaraki caught her, hoisting her up on his shoulder as he sent a killer glare at Byakuya, who gave him a freezing look in return. "Stay away from Ryorin, ya priss. She's mine, ya hear me?"

"Ne? Tai-"

Ryorin's words were cut off as Zaraki's lips descended on hers in a kiss, startling almost everyone who managed to walk past. Byakuya's eyes had widened to the size of saucers, and Zaraki grinned ferally as he broke off. Hell, yeah. He could get used to this love thing.

Sereitei College

A/N: XD This came from going out with a bunch of friends during the holidays. Made me wonder about next year.... since we were having fun coming up with ideas to toture our juniors during THEIR orientation session.... xDD

Hmmm... Should I turn this into a crossover? Maybe... Expect Naruto charries to appear, then.

EDITED!!! Wheee! Thanks for your help, Umi!!! ^^
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Orientation week. The week all Freshies dreaded, and all Seniors loved. Kuchiki Rukia gulped as she approached the college, her grip tightening on the strap of her bag. It looked so big... too big in her opinion. Kuchiki Byakuya put a hand on her shoulder, making her look up at him. "Nii-sama?"

"Daijoubu. It's not as bad as you think," Byakuya said. "I'm here as a teacher too, if you need me."

Rukia smiled weakly. Her brother had transfered to this college as a History teacher, but she suspected that it was simply to keep an eye on her and made sure nothing happened. Byakuya was overprotective when he wanted to be, and especially when it came to his precious Imouto-chan.

And this Imouto-chan of his was going to be staying in a hostel with people she had never met in her life before. All the more reason for him to work in the college.

There was a honking of a car and the pair turned to see a shappire blue Mazda Rx-7 Spirit R with full modifications and body-kit behind them. "Hey!" A girl with sunglasses and two ponytails stuck her head out of the co-driver's window. "You're in the way! I have RA rep to go to, so it's not funny to stand there the whole day!"

Byakuya looked like he was about to say something, but Rukia just grasped his hand and whispered a pleading "Nii-sama...", so he shut his mouth and steered them both out of the way.

"Thank you." The girl wound down the window and the car drove off to the parking lot with a deep-throated double-turbo roar. "Are the students here always these rude?" Byakuya muttered to himself as they continued on their way for registering.
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Kamataitachi Ryorin yawned as she got out of Risa's car, swinging a sling bag over her shoulder. "Honestly, this is irritating. Why did I get the RA job when I'm not staying in the hostel? I'm in Sorority, for goodness sake!"

"Yeah well, I guess they ran out of seniors," Akamatsu Arisa said consolingly as she locked her car and patted the hood fondly. "But hey, I don't think it'll be that bad. From what I heard, Kurosaki-kun and Abarai-kun are in this as well."

"I know, I know... Oi!! Ran-chan!!" Ryorin called out as she saw strawberry-blonde pass by the corner of her eye, and ran to catch up with fellow Sorority, Matsumoto Rangiku. "C'mon, Risa-chan... Let's not be late, yes? OI!!! RAN-CHANNNNN!!!" She bellowed again to catch the busty woman's attention as she ran after her. Risa sighed and proceeded to follow, snapping open her handphone as she walked.
___________________________________________________________________

The hall was crowded with chatting students milling around, waiting for the seniors to appear and give them their next scheldue. Rukia looked around nervously, her bags next to her. Byakuya had left her in the hall to report to the headmaster, and she was alone in a sea of unknown faces that would probably become known to her in the coming year. There was a tap of the mike and a soft voice said, "Minnasan, please settle down. We will be giving out your scheldue for the day soon."

Rukia looked up at the stage to see a tall purple-haired girl standing there with the mike in her hand. She had a kind face and a pleasant smile that made Rukia feel tons better than she was when she first walked in. Squinting, she attempted to read the name on the badge that she was wearing. "Ko.. te... tsu...... I... I..."

"Kotetsu Isane." A voice said next to her and she turned to see a short blnde haired girl. "She's my sister. I'm Kotetsu Kiyone. And you are?"

"Kuchiki Rukia." Rukia smiled and shook Kiyone's hand. "Hajimemashite."

Kiyone grinned and reached back, pulling a boy by his arm. "And this goat here is my best friend, Sentarou! Goat-face, meet Kuchiki Rukia."

"Who are you calling goat, you booger-girl?" Sentarou snapped, then smiled sheepishly at Rukia. "Hey there, Kuchiki-san! Don't listen to whatever Booger says about me. She's a daft, idiotic-"

"What the hell, Goat-face?!" Kiyone yelled. "No, you should listen to me, Kuchiki-san!! Because Sentarou here likes to make up stories and-"

"Yo, everyone." A voice rang out, and immedieately the hall quietened again. An orange haired punk stood next to Isane now, looking a bit bored as his eyes scanned the crowd. "It's time for the show to begin, so shut up, get comfortable and let's wait for the rest of the seniors to arrive."

His words were crude and rough, but somehow it made Rukia relax. Folding her legs under her, she sat down in front of her bags and waited for the next order, watching as the older students appeared on the stage lazily one by one, talking among themselves.
___________________________________________________________________

"Hey, Kurosaki!" Abarai Renji called as he lazily strode on stage, hands shoved in his pockets and vivid red hair tied up in his usual ponytail. "Ya on for RA too? Can't believe Yama-jii gave us this shit."

"You can't fight the law sometimes," Kurosaki Ichigo grumbled, running a hand through his orange hair. How many of us are in this, anyway?"

"Ten." Renji caught him in a headlock as way of greeting. "It's been a while, ne? I'm lookin' forwards to a nice bout of wrestling just to see how good you've gotten."

"Dammit, lemme go, Renji!" Ichigo scowled and slipped out of his headlock, punching his friend's shoulder. "My skills ain't that rusty yet, you know. So watch it. One wrong move and I'll send you flying out of that window.

"I dare ya to." Renji laughed, rubbing his shoulder as Shuuhei walked up with Kira next. "I'll send yer ass flying down the hostel instead."

"Talking bout sparrin' again, Renji?" a voice said, and he turned, a silly grin spreading across his face. "Hey, looks who's here! It's the Black Queen!"

"Donna unmei ga matte irun darou?" Ryorin's voice rang out loud and clear as she sang, flaunting the title she had as Sereitei Idol, grinning. "Gotta live up to my nickname, ne?" She twirled, showing off her completely black attire; A black layered skirt that reached her knees with gold trimmings, a figure hugging sleeveless black top, black socks and black boots. On her neck hung a charm; a small black Queen's crown, given by Renji during last year's Homecoming Ball. "I missed ya, ya big ass. How have you been?"

"I'm fine, as always." Renji frowned a bit. "Speak nicely, would ya? You still haven't got over the habit of imitating my slang."

"What's the wrong in that?" Ryorin shrugged.

"What's wrong is that you sound too much like Abarai-kun here." Hanamoto Hagumi stuck her head over Ryorin's shoulder, her dark brown hair swishing in a ponytail. "And you know Abarai-kun sounds like a retard most of the time."

"Umi-chan!!" Ryorin shrieked in delight and crushed her best friend in a hug. "You're here!! I thought you weren't coming!"

"I wouldn't miss Orientation Week for my life," Umi laughed, trying to wiggle out of her tight grasp. "I want to see how the juniors are like this year."

Renji scowled and turned, grabbing the mike from Ichigo and cleared his throat. "All right, midgets! Welcome to Sereitei College, where you'll recieve your dose of Hell for this entire week-"

THWACK!

"Ittteeeee......." Renji whined as a veinpopping Rangiku whacked him on his head with a file. "Dammit, Renji. Don't scare off the students." True enough, most of the students had heard Renji's rough tone, caught the word 'Hell', and was wearing expressions of doubt, wariness and fear. Rangiku snorted and took control of the mike.

"Hello everyone, and welcome to Sereitei College. My name is Matsumoto Rangiku, and I'm your Senior and Sorority Leader, here to guide you through Orientation Week. As you can see, there are eight of us here on stage, and we are your Resident Assistant, so once we divide you into your respective hostel floors, you can see us if you have problems." Opening her file, Rangiku began to read out the various names. "Once I call out your names, please move towards your respective RAs and leave the hall. We'll start with Floor One, RA Kotetsu Isane. Ichinose Maki..."
___________________________________________________________________

Rukia looked a bit apprehensive as Rangiku began calling out names to divide the students for their repective floors. The Seniors looked rather intimidating as they milled around on the stage, casting a casual yet evaluating eye on everyone.

"Ne, the orange haired guy seems okay, doesn't he?"

"Huh?" Rukia turned to see a smiling orange-haired girl sitting next to her. The first thing that caught her eyes was the pink shirt that was stretched tight across her large boobs. For an instant, she glanced enviously at them before turning her attention back to the girl's face. "I... er... umm..."

"You know, if we're lucky, we'll get to be in the group that he's taking care of!" The girl giggled good-naturedly. "I'm Orihime Inoue. Yooroshiku onegai shimasu!"

"H-Hai..." Rukia suddenly found her arm being pumped up and down. "Kuchiki Rukia. Ano... Orihime-san... you're hurting my arm..."

"Ah, gomen, gomen!!" Inoue let go of her arm. "I'm just feeling so excited! This is the first time I'm staying in a hostel, away from my brother! Imagine all the fun I can have with my room-mate! We can talk together, tell each other secrets, sing together.... this is going to be fun!"

Rukia simply nodded, surprised by Inoue's rapid-fire talk. This was going to be an interesting year indeed.

Phobia

A/N: LJ prompt. A ByakuyaRukia (ByaRu) fic this time...
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Taken one by one, it didn't mean anything to him, as he picked up the shards of his broken heart and tried piecing them together. There was always something missing, something that caused the fragments of the picture he was trying to piece together to break time and time again, each time he thought he had managed to put them together.

It was like a puzzle. A puzzle that wouldn't hold unless he stuck the pieces together with glue.

But he knew that once together, the picture that would appear would mean the most in the world to him.
___________________________________________________________________

Kuchiki Byakuya had never considered himself to be afraid of anything. He was fearless, he could take on Menos without breaking a sweat, he wasn't afraid of Arrancar. He was the revered Kuchiki-taichou of the 6th Division, and the 28th Head of his clan. There was nothing he was afraid of...

...except losing Kuchiki Rukia.

Rukia, though he never admitted it to her, was the source of warmth in his cold, cold world. She was the only person to see through his defenses, to see past the emotionless wall of ice that was in his eyes, to stare deep into his soul and see what kind of person he really was. Byakuya found himself growing attached to her, and though he told himself many times that the only reason for this was because she looked like Hisana and his heart hadn't truly healed yet, in reality, Kuchiki Byakuya loved her. He loved her with all his heart.

When he first learnt of her disappearance in the Living World, he was truly afraid, though he never showed it. He was afraid when he found her powerless, her power taken by the human boy, Kurosaki Ichigo. He thought that if the offending boy was eliminated, Rukia's powers would return and things would go back to normal.

Senbonsakura had warned him that it was not to be so, but he turned a deaf ear to her tinkling voice.

Then came the order for Rukia's execution, and the stoic captain found himself at loss.... torn between the promise he made to his late wife, and the promise he made to himself to keep the laws.

In the end, fear drove Byakuya to shunpo between the blade that was hurtling towards his sister's body, Senbonsakura letting out a scream as Shinsou sank into his chest.

"Nii-sama... Why?" Rukia had asked, her voice full of shock and fear. Why did you save me?

Because I love you.. And I'm afraid of losing you... Byakuya wanted to answer, but he couldn't. Instead, he settled on telling her Hisana's story; the truth.
___________________________________________________________________

Things changed after that. It wasn't Byakuya alone that picked up the broken shards of his heart and pieced them together, but Rukia was with him, constantly by his side, to help him put together the puzzle he could never figure out.

And then one night, it was finally completed, after decades of putting them together. It was completed, with a single sentence, a single kiss, and a single whisper that spoke his name in the darkness of his room. The picture that formed was his future, a future that had a clear sky and sakura blossoms and the person that was now crying out his name, kissing him with incredibly soft lips.

Kuchiki Rukia was the glue that held the pieces of his heart together, and painted a vision of how his future would be.

Byakuya would not lose her, no matter what. Because if he did, the picture would go spiralling to the ground again, to shatter into a million pieces, never to be reconstructed.

Hisana had shattered it with her death, Rukia had pieced it back together.

And Byakuya wanted to keep it that way.
___________________________________________________________________

Fear coursed through his veins, almost making him loose his hold on Senbonsakura. Minutes after Yamamoto-soutaichou had issused the order to infiltrate Hueco Mundo, Byakuya led his team in search of Rukia while Zaraki, Soifon and Hitsugaya fanned out to find Renji and the rest, and to take down Aizen if they could.

She was lying still. Too still.

"Rukia..." his voice came out as a hoarse whisper as he shunpoed to her prone from, kneeling on the ground to cradle her body in his arms. Blood stained Rukia's face and shikakusho, a broken Sode no Shirayuki still tightly held in her grasp. Nearby, the remains of the Espada she had killed lay, but he paid no attenttion to it, his gaze riveted on her pale, pale face, heart hammering wildly in his chest. He tried to search for a pulse, but there was none.

Already, he could feel the cracks begining to grow.
___________________________________________________________________

Rukia lay curled up with Byakuya for one last time in his bed, her head tucked neatly under his chin, his arms wrapped warmly around her. Slowly, almost regretfully, she moved, trying to gently distangle herself from him. Byakuya stirred, and his voice rumbled in his chest as he stopped her. "You don't have to go, Rukia."

"I.. I have to, Byakuya," Rukia softly said. "Orihime is.. my nakama. I know how it feels like to be captured. I know the pain and loneliness of being locked up with no one there for me. She went through so much to save me... I can't just stand by and let Aizen do this to her. I have to save her."

"Rukia..."

"Don't stop me, because whatever you do, I will still find a way to Hueco Mundo, by hook or by crook." Rukia pushed away from him and got up to get dressed. "Nothing can change my mind. I will save Inoue Orihime."

Byakuya stood and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Then promise me this. Promise me that you will come back safe and alive."

Rukia had barely the time to blink as his lips descended on hers in an intoxicating kiss. When she pulled away half-dazed, she gave him a soft smile. "I promise. Let me go, Byakuya... Renji should be waiting by now..."
___________________________________________________________________

"A promise is a promise, Rukia..." Byakuya said through gritted teeth, searching for her rieatsu since he couldn't find her pulse. "A promise is a promise... keep it!" Beside him, Senbonsakura lay in shocked silence, offering no comfort for her distraught master. "Rukia..." Byakuya closed his eyes, focusing solely on her and... there! It was the tiniest silver of red ribbon, but it was there, though unravelling at an alarming speed.

Rukia wasn't dead yet! She could still be saved!

Shinigami turned in shock and surprise as they felt Byakuya's rieatsu flare, and they turned around to see their taichou pour as much of his rieatsu as he could into his sister's prone body. Byakuya may not be good in healing, but he had studied the basics from Unohana once before, and could heal if he wanted to.

"Open your eyes, Rukia...." He tried ordering her as he fought to keep her tiny silver of rieatsu there, just there, so he could build it with his own reiatsu, and bring her back to life. "Open your eyes, dammit!" Byakuya never swore, never, but this was a desprate situation, and he didn't care if a thousand and one profanities spewed from his aristocratic mouth now. He just wanted Rukia to open her eyes.

"Nii-sama..."

It was the faintest of whispers, the barest twitch of a hand, the slight flutter of eyeslids, that Byakuya knew he had done it. He had saved her. "Rukia..."

And Rukia opened world-weary eyes, looking up at him with the faintest of smiles on her face. "Nii..... Byakuya-sama..."

There and then, Byakuya embraced her tightly, feeling her thin arms wind around his shoulders, hugging him in return. They never noticed the surprised and joyful cheers of the Shinigami that surrounded him, nor the elated cry of Senbonsakura as she scattered herself in her joy without Byakuya's command, swirling madly around them, enclosing them in a world of their own.

Rukia was safe, and that was what mattered. The picture that was his future would not shatter, ever again.
___________________________________________________________________

For so long, he had been alone in his task of putting together his heart that Hisana shattered.

Then Rukia had come into his life and put it together without it breaking again.

It was then that Byakuya realised, Rukia was the glue to holding together his life, his future.

He also realised, he was afraid of losing her.

Because.... he loved her. More than anything else in the world.

He loved her.
___________________________________________________________________

A few months later, after Aizen's defeat...

Byakuya smiled down at his wife that was curled up next to him, and gently kissed her forehead. "I love you," he softly whispered into her ear.

A small ghost of a smile appeared on Rukia's lips as she slept, as if his words had reached her in her dreams, and she squeezed his hand ever so slightly. I love you too......

Phobia

A/N: LJ prompt, really.... I was having writers block...
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Zaraki Kenpachi would never admit it, but the only thing he was ever afraid of was losing his cheerful, headstrong 4th Seat, Kamaitachi Ryorin. He had met her in Rukongai after stopping her from stealing Ikkaku's money bag, and was surprised to have her retalliate with a zanpakutoh, managing to scratch his arm as well too.

Needless to say, he found Kamaitachi Ryorin to be a very intriguing female.

Ryorin was not your usual girl-on-the-Division-block. She cussed and swore as loudly as Renji and Ikkaku, drank as much as Shunsui and Matsumoto, and enjoyed fighting just as much as Zaraki did. Yet, she seemed to mantain some level of feminity about herself, caring about her hair as much as Yumichika cared about his beauty, and mantained a slightly muscled, if not slim body.

True, she wasn't as well-endowned as Matsumoto was, but she had a filled figure. Not like Kuchiki Rukia, who was ridiculously skinny, in Zaraki's opinion.

Heck, she even wore a shikakusho belt with an unusally long material, tied into a bow at her back, the ends almost reaching her ankles.

Yumichikia often teased him about it, about being overprotective of Ryorin, but he was simply afraid of losing her. Not many girls could make it in the 11th Division, what with it being bloodthirsty and filled with leering men, but she had made a place for herself there, earning the respect of said leering men with her abilities.

Renji had once stated to Byakuya; "Kamaitachi has a mean kick..."

She walked the walk, talked the talk and wasn't afraid to roll in the dust with the others. But still, Zaraki noticed, she wasn't like those modern-days Yakuza "Onee-san"s, still keeping a sense of dignity and self-consiousness.

Ryorin bathed in the early hours of the morning before everyone got up, late at night after everyone was asleep, or made the trip to the local bath-house if she wasn't in the mood to wake up early. She never exposed her body when she fought, and took great offence if anyone ogled her. She tried not to give any ideas to the many men that were in the Division, watching her words and her behavior, trying not to go overboard with her rough and crude actions.

Yes, Kamaitachi Ryorin was a very intriguing female indeed.
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"Ne, taichou."

"What?" Zaraki grunted, looking back at her out of the corner of his eye as she helped him attach the last bell on the highest spike of his hair.

"Why dontcha let Yumi do this fer ya?" Ryorin grinned as the bell went into place and slid down his back, landing with a little thump. "I mean, he seems eager enough t' help."

"Che, I ain't lettin' that fruity bastard anywhere near my hair," Zaraki growled, checking his reflection in the mirror for one last time before turning. "And ya better stay put, or I'll get Yachiru t' watch ya."

Ryorin pouted, clad in a white yukata with bandages all over. She had sparred with Kuchiki-taichou yesterday, and had pressured him into releasing his shikai. If Yachiru hadn't cheerfully and casually stated that "Rin-chan was really gonna get it from Byakushi now", Zaraki would'nt have rushed there in time to save her ass. She had been holding out pretty fine, until Senbonsakura's petals sliced into her. It took Zaraki everything to not gut that pompous captain that watched and walked away without a word of apology.

"We were just sparrin', taichou." Ryorin sounded irritated. "Kuchiki-taichou wouldn't have killed me. He would've alerted Unohana-taichou, 'neways."

"Still, I ain't lettin' ya leave till yer wounds heal," Zaraki said, using the stern tone he usually reserved for Yachiru when he was sleeping and he wanted her to shut the hell up. Ryorin caught the warning glare in his eyes and settled for sulking, knowing that whatever punishment he was thinking of if she didn't listen to him wasn't that bad and actually benifited her. But still, he was Captain and she had to obey him.

Even if the punishment was getting to sleep the whole day in the 11th Division's cell with sake hidden for her under the bed.

"Whatever."

"Hn." With a final warning look, Zaraki turned and walked out of her room, leaving her to sit on the edge of her bed, legs dangling.

Yeah, she wouldn't leave for now. Not till her wounds were completely healed. Because said and done, Zaraki Kenpachi cared for her as much as he cared for Yachiru. And he was afraid of losing her.

It was his only phobia, anyone might say.

Random RO Love Story

A/N: >< RAGNAROKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAARGGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!! I WANNA PLAY RO!!!!! *Punches the poor unsuspecting wall* Dammit.. it's been so long since I last played RO, and I played it for a bit yesterday using my friends' computer... Anyway, because I now have RO firmly stored in my head.. it made me think of the times I had three years ago, when I was a mere Swordswoman falling in love with a certain Magician, striving to be a Crusader...

Sigh.... I miss Densuke sometimes. That reminds me, I gotta finish up my Ragnarok story...
___________________________________________________________________

The shuffling sound of feet and the heavy breathing of a woman was heard within the dimness of the dungeon. Amenthyst eyes flashed, a fire burning within them as she twisted, searching for her unseen foe, her long blonde hair swishing behind her. "Dammit... this isn't good, Ichigo."

The red-haired Priestess turned to look at the Crusadress out of the corner of her eye. "It was a mistake to come to Glast Heim. The whole place is teeming with monsters. I wouldn't be surprised to find a Baphomet come charging out at us the next minute."

"I'll protect you, Ichi." A Knight said. "I'll kill that Baphomet single handedly if it tries to do anything to you."

"Says you, Chaos." The blonde Crusader shot at him. "If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't be facing this Kinght of Abyss now."

"Excuse me?" Chaos glared. "If it wasn't for your overbearingly loud voice, Ririn, the Knight of Abyss wouldn't have found us when I told us to hide!"

"Yeah, right! Who came running back to us in the first place, giving away our location?!"

"Oh, shut up, you guys..." A brown haired Wizard muttered. "Let's not fight when we have a situation at hand, shall we?"

Ririn was about to counter, but her sharp hearing picked up a faint ghostly whinny. "He's coming back for another round at us. Get ready." Her Grand Peco tossed it's head nervously and she reined it in to control her mount. Next to her, Chaos's Peco Peco backed up, causing the Knight to grumble. "Our mounts aren't as calm as us, Rin. We have to fight on foot."

"Dammit." Ririn let loose another curse, but didn't think twice as she swung her leg over her mount, landing with a soft thump. Her Grand Peco, immensely relieved at being free, bolted out, followed by Chaos's Peco Peco. "If anything happens, you'll answer to the Prontera Chilvary for this, Chaos."

"Fine by me."

"Here he comes!" Ichigo suddenly said, hearing the sound of galloping hooves. As one, they immedieately tensed and clutched their weapons. "Kyrie Eleison!" A shimmering barrier appeared around them, deflecting a black spear that had appeared out of nowhere.

"Brandish Spear..." Chaos murmured as he shifted his grip on his sword, ready to attack. "Back me up!"

"Here goes!" Ririn crowed. Both Crusader and Knight leapt at the Knight of Abyss, ready to take it down.

"Pierce!" Chaos's blade moved in a series of repeated attacks, dealing damage after damage to the monster.

"Holy Cross!" A huge glowing cross appeared in front of Ririn, and the Holy Elemental attack dealt a huge damage to the Dark Elemental creature that had attacked them. An unearthly scream came from the monster, it's horse reeling on it's hooves. A black mist began surrounding them, and Ichigo regconized the attack.

"Guys, it's going for a Darkness Attack!"

"I'm on it." Densuke, who had been silent all this while, was standing in a glowing circle of light, eyes closed and a look of pure concentration on his face. Now he opened them and lifted a hand, shouting out a command. "Meteor Storm!"

Red meteors appeared around him, glowing menacingly as they hurled themselves at the Kinght of Abyss, Ririn and Chaos leaping clear just in time. Ririn turned her head slightly. "Ichigo! I need a bit of help for my casting!"

Ichigo closed her eyes, a soft light infusing around her as she lifted her palms, pointing them at Ririn as she landed. "Suffragium!"

Instantly, the Crusadress felt the strengthening effects of the Spell, and as the Knight of Abyss flailed among the Meteors, she rammed her Holy Guard down on the ground and dropped to a knee. "GRAND CROSS!"

A glowing cross appeared around her with Ririn in the center and the Knight of Abyss at the longest point of the cross. The monster roared in pain as the air around it began to sizzle with electricity, but Ririn didn't go unaffected as well. Her health was draining from her at a alarming rate as she used herself to deal a heavy attack to the creature.

"Ririn!" Densuke shouted. "Ichigo, I-"

"She can make it on her own." Ichigo assured him. "Her dexterity is high. But if you insist. Suffragium!"

Densuke smiled his thanks as he turned to cast a spell without chanting. "Lord of Vermillion!"

The area around the Knight of Abyss exploded, finally killing the monster. Ririn crouched behind her shield to protect herself from the debris while Ichigo cast a safety wall around herself and Densuke. Chaos however, got blown back.

"That was.... amazing." Ririn chuckled weakly as she got up and fished around in her pouch for a Blue Potion to replenish her health. Chaos groaned at the opposite side of the room. Densuke helped his fiance up and hugged her. "You know I don't like it when you use yourself to deal the attack."

"I'm a Crusadress, Den," Ririn replied simply. "We exist to protect. And I'd give my life just for you, just to see you safe.

"I know... but it pains me to see you hurt." Densuke's smile grew.

Ririn laughed softly, and placed a hand over his chest. "Heal." A light appeared around them for an instant and vanished, healing him of any injuries. "Come on. Let's get out of here. After facing that monster, I don't think I want to return to Glast Heim for a long, long time. I'd so much prefer to go to Payon... or Umbala... or Amatsu.. yeah, Amatasu sounds nice. We could use a break."

Still rambling to herself, Ririn turned and joined Ichigo, who was tending to a grumbling Chaos. Densuke gazed at her amored form, knowing that beneath all those layers of metal and cloth was a woman slim and fragile, with soft skin and a rosary nestled between her breasts, but with an Iron will and a Fiery spirit.

This was the woman he loved, from the first time they met in the Zombie Caves as a Magician and Swordswoman in Payon, till now. Form the first time he had met her, he knew she was the one.

Yes, she was the one.

And he didn't have to choose another.

A Bleach AU

A/N: I dunno... I think I've been listening too much to Avril Lavigne and playing too many musical instruments, lol. Hey, guess what? Just two days ago, I printed out the piano score for Ayumi Hamasaki's "Moments", and now I'm just too crazy over their songs... >.<

1) Yeah, Umi! Gin is SO HOT!! Totally agreed!!

2) Umm... Khayma? Ichigo, for a fact, belongs to me and Umi not to you... (again)

Disclaimer: I do not own Avril Lavigne nor Ayumi Hamasaki's songs. Right, Dante dear?
Dante: You own me, babe. Heart, body and soul. ^///^
Me: Awww.... I wuv you too.... *glomps*
Vergil: Seriously, you guys.. get a room...
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Byakuya parked his black Mercedes under a Sakura tree and walked slowly up to the large mansion situated right in the middle of the estate. Risa was his fiance after all... why shouldn't he pay her a visit and find out more about her? After all... this was an arranged marrige. But anyone who knew him would've noticed the slight crease between his brows, the quick darting of his pupils... The great Kuchiki Byakuya was nervous.

As he lifted a hand to knock on the door, it swung open and he found himself face to face with an elderly man. "Ah, Byakuya-sama. Welcome to the Akamatsu estate. We've been expecting you."

Byakuya nodded. "Aa. And you must be Jirou, the butler. Is Arisa-dono around?" He stepped into the large hall, looking around. It wasn't as big nor as lavish as the Kuchiki mansion, but it still potrayed wealth and nobility.

"Yes, Arisa-sama is upstairs in her room." Jirou looked slightly apprehensive under his long eyebrows and beard. "I tried to tell her that you wers coming, but she just laughed and told me to bring you up."

"I see." Byakuya restrained himself from frowning disapprovingly. Risa lacked the manners but had the grace of a noble. But still, this wasn't the way to treat your future husband. Wives were taught to be submissive, no matter how firey their spirit may be. Rebellion was quelled and proud necks were bent. Unfortunately, Risa was not an easy one to tame. "Show me to her room and leave us."

"At once, Byakuya-sama. This way, please." Jirou began to lead him up the large palace-like stairs. They passed the libary and the music room before stopping by two mahogany doors. "Arisa-sama..." He knocked on the door, but didn't get a reply. "Arisa-sama! Please open the doors. Byakuya-sama is here to see you."

When there was still no reply, Jirou simply pushed the doors open himself. Risa was sitting Indian style on her bed, a guitar splayed out across her legs, face rapt with concentration and intently listening to her I-Pod. A music junkie... Byakuya thought with a little groan. I got engaged to... a music junkie...

Jirou opened his mouth to speak, but Risa held a up a hand and waved him out, motioning that Byakuya stay and the doors be closed behind them. Jirou sighed and obeyed her silent order, before Byakuya started to address her sternly. "Arisa. As my-"

"Shhhhh!" To his shock, Risa silenced him and tossed her head, flipping her hair over her shoulder before removing an earplug. "Listen.... music must be played in total silence. Only then will you feel the lyrics bond and connect with your soul, bringing what you feel to life." She bent over her guitar and began singing.

"Are you aware of what you made me feel, baby
Right now I feel invisible to you like I'm not real
Didn't you feel me lock my arms around you
Why'd you turn away?
Here's what I have to say
I was left to cry there
Waiting outside there
Grinning with a lost stare
That's when I decided

Why should I care?
Cuz you weren't there when I was scared, I was so alone
You, you need to listen
I'm starting to trip
I'm losing my grip
And I'm in this thing alone..."

Risa's voice fell and rose in a haunting tone, bitterness and anger clearly in it, making Byakuya wonder just who was she so angry at, and he shivered at her sudden change in personality. Pain clouded her eyes, the lines on her face set in a grim, disappointed look. He waited till she finished the song, and Risa closed her eyes briefly to catch her breath, and in that instant, the bitterness he had seen vanished, replaced with the carefree, smiling Risa he knew.

"Music. It brings out what's hidden in your soul. And when you sharpen the talent, you'll be able to sing as if you've never sung before. " She smiled vaugely at him and placed a hand on her chest. "Feel the song, understand the lyrics, and sing with your heart. I don't know how to explain it, but it's a magical feeling to bring a song to life." Risa slid her legs off the bed and looked sideways at him. "What brings you over, Byakuya? I heard you wanted to see me."

"Iie. I merely wanted to spend time with my fiance." Having recieved no invitation to sit, Byakuya seated himself in a small armchair by the side of her bed. "I... just wanted to get to know you, to know what kind of person you are, as this is an arranged marrige."

"Hmph..." Risa smiled and snorted lightly. "Then know one thing about me. I'm a singer and music is my soul. I don't care if I'm a Noble. It's merely a title. I make friends easily with everyone anywhere, and I just like to have fun." She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "I hate being restricted. So don't try locking me up in a house. Believe me, I know of ways that I can get out."

Byakuya leaned back, absorbing the information with intrest. "But you are a Noble, are you not? As Nobles, we should set good examples to commoners, not indulging ourselves in activities that will bring shame to the-"

"Oh, please. I've heard that a thousand times before." Risa waved a hand impatiently. "As a Noble, you should do this, do that, etc. etc. etc., blah blah blah, yadda yadda yadda... I've heard all that, but I choose not to follow it." She pushed her face close to his, eyes narrowing. "Tell me, Byakuya-bo... When was the last time YOU had fun?"

Byakuya-bo... A flicker of annoyance appeared in Byakuya's eyes. Shihouin Yoruichi had indeed left an impression on her. "Please don't refer to me with that term. I'm older than you by three years. And fun is merely a waste of time. I don't have... fun."

Risa rocked back on her bed, clearly appalled. "Damn... you're just like what Kaien, Urahara and Yoruichi said." A grin appeared on her features. "A stick in the mud."

Byakuya's cheeks heated up and he stiffened. "I beg your pardon?!"

"A stick in the mud," Risa carried on, undaunted. "Though that term belonged to Kaien, not me. I'd refer to you as.... a boring block of ice."

Byakuya rose. He didn't need to waste his time with this.... impudent girl. He would leave, and he would tell the Kuchiki Elders that the marriage was a mistake, and that Akamatsu Arisa was a rude, uncivillized person, unfitting to hold the title of 'Noble'. But he had barely taken two steps towards the door when the lively strumming of a guitar filled the air, and Risa's voice soared, sounding cheerful and alive.

"Everything's changing when I turn around all out of my control I'm a mobile
Everything's changing out of what I know everywhere I go I'm a mobile
I'm a mobile..."

Byakuya turned around, glaring, but stopped when he saw the look on her face. Risa was rocking to the beat, a light shining from her eyes, a playful and naughty smile or grin on her face, playing her guitar with a lively tune, but what caught his attenttion was the fact that she looked so alive.

"Everything's changing everywhere I go
All out of my control
Everything's changing everywhere I go out of what I know..."

Suddenly, the atmosphere in her room changed. Byakuya noticed the way the bed was so strategically placed so the soft sunlight streamed in through the window, lighting up the figure on the bed, the way leaves drifted outside the window, swirling in the breeze, and the fresh air that came in, making the room brighter and easier to breathe. Everything seemed to have changed at that instant of realization, and even his reflection in the mirror seemed to have became more alive. Risa laughed gaily, and he thought he had never heard a sound so sweet before.

"La la la la la la
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
La la la la la la

Everything's changing when I turn around all out of my control I'm a mobile
Everything's changing when I turn around all out of my control I'm a mobile..."

Risa finished the song and smiled at him wordlessly, amused at his dazed expression. Finally, Byakuya managed to shake himself out of his stupor. "How... What happened?"

"I told you. Music is the food of the soul." Risa leaned her arms on her guitar. "A bitter song makes you bitter. A sad song makes you cry. A happy song makes you laugh. And a cheerful, lively song.... makes you feel alive. Tell me, Byakuya... did you feel alive? Did you actually stop for once and notice the life that goes on around you?"

"..."

"Learn to live, Byakuya-sama." A sad look came into her eyes. "If I am to marry you, then I will make sure I teach you how to live you life to the fullest. Because... I don't want to live or sleep next to someone who hasn't experienced the fun-filled life like I've had...." She looked away and strummed a few sad notes on her instrument absently. "I'm sorry for my words earlier, Byakuya-sama. Forgive my impudence."

There was silence for a while, then Risa felt strong arms wind about her slender frame, and she almost squeaked in surprise as the smell of cologne assulted her senses. "Teach me how to live, then.. Akamatsu Arisa," Byakuya murmured into her ear. "Teach me how to live through your voice, your songs, your music. Teach me."

A smile graced Risa's lips and she leaned back in his arms, singing softly,

"I don't know who you are...
But I...
I'm with you..."

~Owari~