Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Beneath You ❯ Distraction ( Chapter 2 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

AN: At first, I wasn't going to continue this, but why not? I think this pairing is cute, so I hope I will do it justice with this fic. Okay then, you are now served with Chapter Two.

"Good morning, everyone," Rukia said, entering the eating area with a clipboard in her hands. She sat down at the nearest table as her subordinates made room for her. "I hope you are all ready for today's training."

"Of course Lieutenant Kuchiki," a chorus of voices replied.

"That's great to hear. From what our Captain tells me, today is supposed to be grueling."

"I'm sure we'll be able to handle whatever he throws at us," more voices chimed.

She smiled at them, in pure amusement at their enthusiasm. "We'll see."

"Yes. We will," the familiar voice of Captain Ukitake sounded from right behind her. She nearly jumped five feet in the air when she heard him, and when she turned to face him, the redness of her cheeks made him laugh. "I can see I scared you. I apologize."

"It's okay," she replied, lowering her burning face. "Excuse me, I have work to do."

She stood up and scurried away from the table and out into the hall, trying her hardest to appear calm, all the while her heartbeat was echoing in her ears. She turned a corner and stopped to lean against the wall, hugging the clipboard into her chest. She took a few deep breaths, brushed her hair out of her face, and then pushed herself off of the wall. Once she got herself together, she continued down the hall. "Lieutenant..."

"Yes?" she answered, turning over her shoulder, not immediately recognizing the voice that called her.

"Do you mind if we talk for a second?" Ukitake said, approaching her.

She gulped. "No, I don't mind. Go ahead."

"I was thinking that maybe you shouldn't participate in today's training. I think you'd be better in observing everyone's progress."

An eyebrow raised in confusion. "I thought that you were the one that observes. I'm... afraid I don't understand."

He glanced at the floor, then back up to her dark eyes. "I know I usually do it myself but... I might... need some help, that's all."

Her heart flip-flopped in her chest, and while she was absolutely elated at his request, she surprisingly kept herself calm. "Sure, I'll help you. Whatever you need to me to do, I will."

"Great," he nodded, his silky white hair playing about his slender shoulders. "Gather everyone at about noon. We'll start soon after that."

"Yes sir," she said, watching him walk off with longing eyes. 'He wants me to help him... And he seemed so shy about it. Maybe he... no, that can't be it.'

"... Lieutenant Kuchiki," a voice faded in, shattering her personal thoughts. She looked to her left and saw a face she did not recognize. He was tall and muscular, with short brown hair that looked a little messy and unkempt. He stared down at her with green, questioning eyes. "Are you not going to train with us?"

"No, I'm not. Why do you ask?"

He lowered his head as his cheeks flushed. "I wanted to spar with you a little. I was hoping you could give me tips."

She smiled at him kindly, wanting to ease his embarrassment. She also was a little flattered at his concern, yet, unnerved at his demeanor despite his threatening build. "Don't worry, we can fight a little later. But for today's squad training, our Captain needs me for observations. Now, I know you're new to this squad, but... what is your name?"

He raised his head and beamed into her face with newfound confidence. "My name is Junichi. And I look forward to learning all I can from you and Captain Ukitake."

"That's great, Junichi, but I've got to get going. See you at training." She gave him a final smile then rounded to corner toward her small office. As she walked, she thought about the encounter she just had. How could she not have seen him before? Maybe she hadn't been paying attention. But then, there was no conceivable way that she could have missed such a handsome shinigami... especially one in her squad. But the important thing is that she knows him now, and maybe a late-afternoon friendly spar wouldn't be so bad after all. Actually, she found herself looking forward to it.



"I was very impressed," Ukitake said, taking a seat at his desk and leaning back in his chair. "I can tell that everyone has been practicing."

"Yes sir, they have," Rukia agreed, sliding the door to her Captain's office behind her. "And I'm sure they are all glad to know that you are pleased in their progress."

"Indeed I am."

Rukia hurried and sat in the chair facing his desk. "Where would you like me to put your observation papers?"

"On my desk will be fine," he answered, scratching the top of his head. Pausing for a moment, he continued, "so, what are your plans for tonight?"

She shrugged as she set the folders where he indicated. "I don't have anything special planned. Why?"

He cleared his throat and moved his scratching hand to the back of his head. "Well, I thought that maybe --"

"Oh!" Rukia gasped, standing abruptly. "I do have something to do. I promised Junichi that I'd train with him this afternoon. Excuse me sir, I have to go. I bet he's waiting on me."

Ukitake could only stare at her quickly retreating form as she exited the room. He blinked a few times, then sighed. Then he said to himself, "maybe you would like to go to dinner with me."


AN: Ta-da! There you have it. Distractions are all around us, aren't they? Clearly they are around Rukia! Anyway, review if you like and Chapter Three will be upon you soon. Promise.