Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Sleeping with the Enemy ❯ Festival ( Chapter 10 )

Chapter 10: Festival

 

There was a gentle thump on Nina's checkout desk, and a familiar voice that spoke to her. Judging by the stack of books, she'd half expected it to be Captain Aizen, but the voice that spoke to her was an entirely different but very familiar person.

“Oi, been awhile since we've seen each other, huh?” a young woman's voice asked.

Nina removed the topmost book to reveal the face of her long time friend Amaya Edogawa. Both girls hailed from Rukongai, though they did not occupy the same district, and met in the academy. Amaya, Nina felt, was strikingly beautiful. She was tall and lean with waist-long red hair with a small braid hanging on the left side of her face that ended with a set of silver beads and a dark blue feather. Her eyes were as green as the finest emeralds, and, unlike Nina, Amaya wasn't shy about anything and tended to be a no nonsense type of person. Though Amaya was outgoing, she was not rash and she was a very skilled fighter.

“Amaya-chan…” Nina trailed in surprise. Then she put on a warm smile. “It has been awhile, hasn't it? I meant to call you…”

Amaya waved her hand dismissively. “Pfft. Don't worry about it. I wouldn't have had the time to hang out, anyway.” She offered an eager smile. “How are things in Fifth Division? I hear your captain's a great guy!”

Nina blushed a little at the mention of her captain, but she answered her friend, “Things are well, thank you. And Captain Aizen and Lieutenant Hinamori have been most accommodating.”

Amaya, who knew her friend well enough to discern between Nina's blushes, pointed a finger at Nina, her grin broadening. “I heard your captain was a good-looking man, but damn, I didn't think you'd think he was hot! For shame, Nina-chan!”

Nina's face reddened even more, and she scowled. “I beg your pardon, but you should be the one to talk about attractions. You had a crush on the Academy music teacher.”

Amaya blushed, but she brushed off Nina's statement. “It wasn't a crush - he's just a very special person!”

“Is that what they call it now?” Nina challenged mischievously. “Well, as much as I'd like to continue this, how is your assignment to Division Seven?”

Amaya shrugged. “Eh, I think it's pretty okay. I mean, Captain Komamura seems like a fair man, but good God he's huge. I would not want to be on his bad side.” She paused. “And he wears a helmet for some reason.”

“How about your Lieutenant?” Nina asked. “Have you met him?”

Amaya nodded. “Lieutenant Ibe? Yes, I have, and he is tough. After training the other day I felt like my first week in Ouyoudou back when we were first years!”

Nina softly laughed. “I won't forget those days and how much my wrists hurt during kendo practice.” She finished checking out Amaya's books. “Just out of curiosity…what seat did you get?”

“I got the third seat, same as you, though I really would love to someday take the Lieutenant's seat in Division 13. I wanted Division 13 to begin with so I could work my way up to it.”

Nina arched an eyebrow. “You are aware that Division Thirteen's Lieutenant seat has been vacant for about fifty years - or so I hear.”

Amaya shrugged. “Doesn't mean a girl can't dream.” Then she smiled and leaned over. “Say, you're going to the summer festival, right?”

Nina shrugged. “I haven't decided whether I'm going or not.”

“Well,” Amaya said mischievously. She came around the counter and sat on the extra stool next to Nina and put an arm around her shoulder. “I bet you could score a date, considering the rumors that have been flying concerning you.”

Nina's eyes widened. “M-me?!” she squeaked. “What is being said?”

“Well, a good number of people have been spotting you out with some guy named Ayasegawa Yumichika. Is this true?”

Nina flushed red. “Y-yes…but we're only friends! He works downstairs in the Archives Room.”

“Just friends, huh?” Amaya winked.

Nina frowned. “Now don't you start that again! First my captain, then…!”

Nina glanced up to see her own captain waiting in line to check out his books. Her face froze and turned about ten shades of crimson before Amaya turned around and grinned up at Aizen.

“Hello, Captain.”

“Good afternoon,” Aizen responded pleasantly. “Have you come to relieve Seito-kun?”

Amaya raised her eyebrows, and Nina caught the impish glint in her companion's eyes. “Are you Nina-chan's captain?”

“Yes. Aizen Sousuke, and you are…?”

“Oh, I'm Nina's best friend,” she responded, radiating evil. “Aren't I?”

Nina sighed and stamped Aizen's book. “Unfortunately.”

Amaya shook it off. “I'm Amaya. Amaya Edogawa, Third Seat, Seventh Division.”

“Oh, a Third like Seito-kun?” Aizen confirmed, taking his books. “Did you graduate with her?”

“Yes, both of us were a year early, though I have no idea how it is we both got the same seat…”

“That isn't uncommon for that to happen. I take it you both must be matched as far as your abilities, then. I'm certain Captain Komamura made a wise choice when he selected you out of all the graduates. Don't let him down, Edogawa-san.”

She smiled. “I promise I won't.”

“I should be going now. It was a pleasure to meet you, Edogawa-san.” Aizen glanced at Nina. “Take care, Seito-kun and thank you.”

Nina blushed a little. “O-of course, Captain Aizen. Anytime.”

Aizen left, and Amaya hid a wide smile behind her hands. Nina glared at her friend who burst out laughing, her giggles cutting through the solemn quietness of the facility.

“Don't you have anything better to do?” Nina protested.

Amaya picked up her stack of books. “Alright, alright. I know when I'm not wanted. Let me know if you're going to the festival later, `kay?”

Nina nodded as her friend left, wondering just how much of the conversation Aizen had heard. Yumichika and Hinamori soon approached the desk, Hinamori with a book to return and one to check out.

“Who was that, Seito-san?” Hinamori asked.

“My friend Amaya. She was assigned to Division Seven,” Nina responded.

“She seemed like she was teasing you a little,” Yumichika observed. “And she's noisy.”

“That's Amaya for you,” Nina said, taking Hinamori's return and stamping her check out. “But she's a great person.”

Hinamori picked up her books that Nina pushed toward her. “Seito-san…are you going to the festival next week?”

“Amaya just asked me the same thing,” Nina responded. “I had told her I hadn't decided whether I was going or not yet.”

“Oh, I see,” Momo responded. Then she smiled. “Well, I'm going but I need to finish working on a banner I was helping to make. If you have free time, I'd love for you to help me.”

Nina nodded. “Sure. I can bring some supplies, too.”

“Okay! I'll see you at practice later!” she said cheerfully as she left.

Yumichika watched her go for a moment and then he hesitated a little. “Um…Nina-san?”

“Yes? Did you need something, Yumichika-san?”

“Well...” he began, rubbing his hand at the back of his head. “I…I was hoping you would go to the festival so that we…could go together.”

Nina blinked. “You want me to go with you?”

He smiled nervously. “Y-yeah. I mean, just as friends, of course, but I thought it would be nice to show you how beautiful Seretei's festivals are.” He faltered again. “You don't have to go with me of course…”

“N-no,” Nina responded, cutting him off. “That is a generous offer, and I will accept. Thank you.”

He smiled happily. “Great! I'll be looking forward to it!”

 

 

Yumichika and Nina sat at an outdoor table sharing a small plate of Division Eleven's famous rice balls. The evening was sultry yet pleasant as people from the different divisions meshed together and mingled, all having a splendid time. This was an evening not constrained to wearing standard issue uniforms and all zanpakuto (except for those belonging to the guards) had been left at home.

Yumichika glanced at Nina as he took a second rice ball from the plate; she was a stunning sight to behold. She was wearing a white yukata with blue and purple morning glories and green leaves patterned over it. A red and gold obi held the garment closed, and her hair had been left down when usually it was pulled back. A chunk of Nina's long black hair was held out of her face by a small silver dragonfly barrette.

She glanced at Yumichika in his dark blue yukata with little gold dragons patterned over it and ventured a small smile. "Your division really does have bragging rights when it comes to these rice balls."

Yumichika offered her a drink and he returned her smile with a warm one of his own. “I told you so, and they taste even better when shared with a favorite friend.”

Nina giggled and blushed, taking the beverage he'd offered her and taking a sip of it.

"Seito-kun." A pleasant, deep, yet familiar voice greeted her from behind, and she turned her head. Captain Aizen was approaching her with a warm smile as another man, one with a broad grin and silver hair, followed him.

"Yumichika…" Aizen trailed as he turned to face the member of Eleventh Division. Both captains were wearing summer yukata as part of the festival tradition in Seretei.

Aizen wore a dark green male's yukata with golden patterns, and Ichimaru wore one with dark blue adorned with silver.

"Seito-chan!" Gin greeted as well. "My, what is Yumichika doing here with you? Won't Yachiru get angry?" he teased.

Yumichika smiled, pleased that he was out with someone as lovely as Nina. “In this case, I don't think she will mind.”

"C-Captain Aizen..." Nina trailed, blushing embarrassedly. She glanced up at his silver-haired companion who wore possibly the creepiest grin she had ever seen. "E-excuse me, but have we met?"

"Ah! I apologize. How careless of me!" answered Gin. "I'm Captain of Third Division, Gin Ichimaru. It's nice to finally meet you!"

He extended his long slender arm wanting to greet Nina with a handshake. Aizen simply stared at Nina, noticing that her hair was left down and how strangely attractive she looked in her yukata. He also noticed, and oddly to his dismay, that she was in the company of Division Eleven's Fifth Seat.

Nina hesitated. His grin was strange, to say the least, but his gesture toward her seemed friendly enough. She finally took his hand and greeted Captain Ichimaru. "H-hello, Captain Ichimaru. Nina Seito, Third Seat."

She glanced at Aizen, and the lights from the festival lanterns illuminated the silver dragonfly clip she wore to accent her hair. "I didn't know I was worthy to merit conversation between captains, Captain Aizen."

Aizen turned to Nina and smiled at her, "Well let's just say Gin tends to follow me around," he replied with a small laugh. He turned to Yumichika. "This is a surprise, what are you doing here, Ayasegawa-kun?"

"Seems to be happy hangin' 'round Seito-chan" Ichimaru commented.

Nina blushed at the implication that statement seemed to make, especially since Amaya had told her that rumors were flying around about her and Yumichika.

"W-well, he works with me in the library, Captain Ichimaru. We're friends," Nina told him pragmatically.

Yumichika glanced up at Captain Aizen, and he couldn't figure out whether he was getting in trouble for being on a date with his Third Seat or if there was no implication in it at all.

Finally, he resorted to a pleasant smile. "Well, Nina-chan's my date - a friendly date. We hang out about every week. Why?"

Gin's smile grew to a wide grin, while Sousuke narrowed his dark brown eyes. "Oh. No reason really, it just seemed rather strange to find you here without your usual companions.”

Nina made the mistake of taking a good look at her captain; he was as handsome without his uniform as he was with it. His smile this evening had been devastating, and while she did not know him well enough to understand his true implications, she did find that she was embarrassed that he'd found her with Yumichika when she had no reason to be embarrassed. Was her attraction much stronger than she'd thought?

She cleared her throat and ventured a small smile up at him and said nothing, but Yumichika spoke with a slight laugh. "Ah, Ikkaku is manning the rice ball booth, and Kusajishi abandoned him. She does that every year and he's not happy."

"I see," Aizen replied after a moment.

"Well, what's Fifth Division selling, Captain Aizen?" asked Gin. "I hope it's something that goes well with dumplings. Wonder if Kira-kun is done with those…"

"Do you mind if we join you?" asked Aizen, ignoring Gin for now and directing the question more at Nina rather than at both her and Yumichika.

Nina hesitated. Really, she was supposed to be on a 'date' with Yumichika, but how could a Third Seat and a Fifth Seat refuse a captain? Not only would it be rude, but it was an honor for lower seated officers to have a captain in their company. She glanced at Yumichika, searching for approval.

"Well, uhm...s-sure. I suppose so," she finally responded, getting no help from him whatsoever. "You really should try Eleventh Division's rice balls. They are quite good."

"It would be a shame to let go of the opportunity to try something new, wouldn't it Captain Aizen?" Gin remarked in a riddle. He took a seat next to Yumichika, and Captain Aizen took a seat next to Nina while keeping a slight distance from her.

"Yes, it really would," Sousuke replied, somehow understanding while his other two companions remained completely clueless.

“Well…I can get all of us some if you like,” Yumichika offered, standing up, though I may warn you that it might take a little while with Ikkaku manning the booth by himself and all.”

“That would be nice. Thank you,” Aizen responded pleasantly.

Yumichika smiled and wandered off to get a second helping of rice balls leaving Nina in the company of the two captains.

"So, Seito-chan, are you enjoying your time as a seated officer?" asked Gin as he took a rice ball from Yumichika's plate and took a bite. "Bet Captain Aizen makes you train hard eh?"

"Please don't talk with your mouth full," Aizen lightly chided.

"Yes, I am, Captain Ichimaru," Nina responded. "Though I have to admit that I did not think I possessed enough skill to merit the position." The reprimand earned an amused glance from Nina. "I didn't think captains scolded other captains, Captain Aizen."

"Well I've known this one for quite some time now, and while his position may have changed, his manners have not," Aizen answered.

"It's good yer enjoying yourself,” Gin grinned at Nina. “Being Captain is too much work, and that's why there's a Lieutenant for each one," Ichimaru said taking another rice ball.

"Have you been giving your paperwork to Kira-kun again?" Sousuke asked.

His silver-haired companion merely stuffed his mouth with the food and shrugged.

"All that paperwork kind of makes me glad I'm not Lieutenant, honestly," Nina admitted. "I've seen all the work you and Hinamori-san have to do, and it doesn't look at all fun."

She paused and glanced up at Aizen for a moment. Yumichika was gorgeous by all accounts, but he lacked Captain Aizen's strength and presence. And why on earth was she comparing the two? There shouldn't be any comparison since a captain was off limits to a subordinate.

Aizen turned to her and stared at her again, he had to admit that she really did look beautiful and the colors of her yukata did suit her well.

"Hard work, yes, but it is rewarding to see my subordinates progress and grow," he replied in a warm, subtle manner.

Nina hadn't yet revealed to Aizen that she'd achieved her shikai, but she wasn't sure she really wanted to for some reason. It wasn't that she couldn't trust him; it was more that she felt that she needed to refine her newly acquired skill before she showed it to him.

Still she smiled softly up at him. "I hope at least my seat will help people in our division do just that." She shifted in her seat, and her fingertips grazed his without meaning to...or did she mean to do that?

"I expect great things from you Seito-kun. You certainly have the potential," Aizen told her as he stared at the starry sky above. He'd felt the brush of her fingertips, and it felt so…warm and delicate, and he somehow could not bring himself to pull his hand away from it.

"Where's Yumichika? He sure is taking his time," Gin said poking the empty plate of food.

"Well, he did say that Ikkaku was lacking in the help department," Nina pointed out.

Just then Yumichika came back with a plate of steaming hot rice balls for all of them to share and set them down in the middle of the table. "I'm sorry that took so long, but Ikkaku has a lot of people to serve. I was almost considering going and giving him a hand, but I didn't want to abandon my date."

"How 'bout we keep her company Yumichika? I think that would be a smart choice now, eh?" Gin suggested glancing at Aizen.

"Ah, yes, what a good suggestion and how true. You can tend to Eleventh Division for a while and meet us late," Sousuke added smoothly. "Don't you agree Seito-kun?"

Nina hesitated a moment, and she glanced at Yumichika. Finally, seeing how Ikkaku was in a pinch, she relented. "Oh, it's alright. Ikkaku needs a hand."

Yumichika looked surprised as he eased himself up from the table in hesitation. "Are...are you sure? I mean..."

Nina shook her head dismissively. "Go before Ikkaku blows something up with his lousy kidou."

"Well, uh...okay, but I promise I'll find you later when Yachiru shows up," he responded, leaving Nina alone with Gin and Aizen.

"Huh. He didn't bring any more food," the Third Division Captain realized after Yumichika had left.

"Would you like to eat something, Seito-kun?" Aizen asked. "I can buy you something if you wish.”

Nina blinked, startled by the offer. She was really getting quite full, but she wasn't sure if refusing Aizen's offer would be rude. She bit her lip, wondering for a moment what to do here. It was awkward enough to be in the company of two captains, but the fact that he'd just offer to buy her something...

"Well, I suppose I could go for a small bowl of ramen, though I really wouldn't mind paying for it myself," she finally ventured. "But...th-thank you."

Oh, how silly she felt stumbling over her own words. Conversation with Yumichika always went so much smoother than this, so why was she getting so flustered now? He was just her captain.

“I would not have you do any such thing,” Sousuke told her kindly. “I insist.”

Sousuke glanced back briefly to Gin and then got up, extending his hand to Nina intending to help her up. Gin did the same, and offered his hand as well. Aizen gave him a strange look - more like a scowl.

"What? I want to follow your example, Captain. After all you're the one who said my manners didn't change."

The gesture on Gin's part also earned an odd look from Nina, and she took her captain's hand instead. Her captain's hand was so warm and smooth, and she wondered what reason he could possibly have for wanting her company out of all the captains, lieutenants, and other people milling about at this very festival.

"Division Seven is selling the ramen bowls," Nina told Aizen. "My friend Amaya is working that booth, so perhaps she can do us a little under the table favor, if you know what I mean." She ventured a tiny, mischievous smile toward him.

Sousuke smiled softly and chuckled. "Of course. Should we get going then?"

Nina started into the throng of people loitering about and enjoying the food. She had thought Aizen was following her as she made her way to Division Seven, but as she turned her head to speak to him, she discovered he was gone. She paused for a moment to wait for him to catch up, but she couldn't see him in this mass of people, and her reiatsu sensing abilities were not yet honed enough to pick up on his spiritual energy out of all this `white noise'.

"Captain Aizen?" she called, knowing that her voice had more than likely been drowned out by the crowd of people. She suddenly felt a hand grab her sleeve, and she turned her head.

"Ya shouldn't wander off like that Seito-chan. Ya might get lost," Gin said.

"He's right. Seretei is a big place, and quite crowded," Captain Aizen began as he now stood next to the girl. "Why not hold on to my arm so you don't get lost again?" He suggested this with a warm, suave smile as he made eye contact. "Seito-kun."

"I...um...yes, I think that would be wise. I'm sorry, but I thought you were right there. Someone must have gotten in our way," she responded as she hooked her arm into Aizen's.

Honestly, this was going far - almost too far. She didn't want people to start thinking things or rumors to be flying that were not true. But the suggestion had been wise in itself, and Nina figured that she would simply let go of him once they got to where they were going.

"So are we really going to 7th Division's stand?" asked Gin as Aizen walked on ahead with Nina by his side.

"Yes," he replied curtly.

"Heh…I see. I'll be heading over to Tenth Division then."

"To annoy Captain Hitsugaya?" Aizen asked.

"Captain Aizen, please! Ya know I would never even think to insult the likes of the Boy Genius! Just visiting a friend that's all," Gin replied before vanishing into the crowd.

Nina watched Gin disappear, and a sense of awkwardness suddenly washed over her. She was alone with Captain Aizen, and she began to blush at the idea.

They arrived in Division Seven and stood in line to await their turn at ordering ramen bowls. The problem was that Aizen didn't seem to be showing any sign of letting go of her arm now that they were in a thinner crowd.

"Captain Aizen," said an unfamiliar voice as the two approached the ramen stand.

"Captain Komamura," greeted Aizen as he led Nina to take a seat next to him. "It's good to see you. How have you been?"

Nina looked up at the massive figure of Captain Komamura and his helmeted face; Amaya had been right - he was indeed huge and ominous, but his voice was pleasant and kind.

The large figure nodded at Aizen. "Good, good. What brings you here?" Komamura asked.

“Oh, I'm keeping my Third Seat here company until her friend is relieved at his booth,” Aizen explained. “That and to have some of that ramen I've been hearing so much about.”

"Are you here to try out the ramen I made Nina-chan?" asked Amaya as she approached her captain and his company.

Nina ventured a genuine and relieved smile at the sight of her friend. "Amaya-chan! How did you know I was coming?"

The redhead grinned. "Mah, I've known you long enough to know that you'd come visit me." She nodded toward Captain Aizen. "I thought Yumichika was your date, Nina-chan."

"Was he?" questioned Sousuke looking down at the girl.

Captain Komamura, seeing where the conversation was going, decided to leave. “I had better go. The booth is getting crowded again.”

He got up and left Aizen and Nina to talk with Amaya.

"Um, sort of," Nina responded truthfully. She quickly changed the subject. "Who was that?"

Amaya smiled. "Oh that's my Captain, Sajin Komamura. He's helping me with the ramen booth until Lieutenant Iba gets back."

Just then Komamura's voice called to her. "Edogawa-san!"

"Oops, got to go. See you later!"

Amaya ran off to assist her captain leaving Nina in a very awkward position once more.

"I hope you're hungry," Aizen said after Amaya left. "I did hear that Seventh Division's ramen is quite popular."

"After all that running and pushing through crowds, I could definitely go for some food," she told him. "Frankly, I'm relieved to be out in the open once more. Large crowds make me claustrophobic."

"I see," he replied with a small laugh. Aizen then ordered two small bowls of ramen, and they were soon prepared and served at their table. He smiled and handed her a set of chopsticks. “Eat, Seito-kun.”

Nina took the chopsticks and began to eat her ramen; it was as good as she'd been hearing. "Ah, Amaya and Captain Komamura did great on these. What do you want to do after we get done, Captain Aizen? I hear Division Thirteen is selling candy."

"Candy? Well, it is Captain Ukitake." Aizen replied amusedly. "Would you like to go there next then?"

"Only if you want to," Nina told him. "I've heard quite a lot about this Captain Ukitake, especially from Amaya. She had hoped to get into Division Thirteen when she graduated the Academy. Now she's coveting that empty lieutenant spot, though I doubt that will happen."
"Oh, I see…well, yes, that would be rather difficult. Captain Ukitake was very fond of his previous lietenant," Aizen said narrowing his eyes. "And then that happened." He kept quiet to himself, almost dazed as in lost in thought for a while. In the end he broke the silent atmosphere. "Let's go, shall we?" He stood up and offered his arm to Nina once more.

Nina was finished with her bowl, and she stood up. She wasn't sure about taking her captain's arm again, but she thought that after they had gotten lost, she figured that she ought to. And so she did, though Aizen's remark about something happening to Division Thirteen's previous lieutenant had her somewhat puzzled, though it was rather obvious that whoever held that position had most probably met an untimely demise, and she wondered what it could be.

Still she offered up a smile and let her captain lead her down past Division Eleven, which was the farthest she'd ever been, and to the Division Thirteen barracks. The atmosphere here was warm and welcoming, and the people at the booths seemed friendly and eager to please.

"Ah! Hello, Captain Aizen!" Nina looked over to see a tall, pale man with long white hair coming toward them. He was smiling brightly and waving to them as he approached.

"Captain Ukitake," greeted Sousuke. "I heard you were selling candy."

Ukitake smiled happily. "Ah, yes, we are. You should go see Kiyone and Sentaro if you want some." He glanced down at Nina. "Who is your friend?"

"She's my recent third seat, Nina Seito," he answered, looking over at the girl.

Nina clasped her hands in front of her and gave a proper bow. "Good to meet you, Captain Ukitake."

He smiled. "Same here. Recent graduate?"

"Yes, sir," Nina responded.

"You don't have to be so formal with me," Ukitake told her. "I won't bite." He had been carrying a basket and handing out small chocolates to people he came across, and he held out a piece to Nina. "Want to try one?"

Nina politely took it. "Thank you, I will."

Uktiake looked at Aizen as Nina ate the sweet. "I hope she's working out for you. I heard many of our graduates this year are quite talented."

"She is very talented, as I've said before to her. I expect great things out of Seito-kun," Sousuke said smoothly. "How are things going for you, Ukitake?"

Juushiro's smile never wavered as he answered his comrade. "I am well and have been feeling much better. I think it's the atmosphere of the festival that's got me so energetic, but after my illness struck last week, I certainly have a mountain of paperwork to catch up on."

"That's too bad. I do hope you get better. At least you have your Third Seats to help right?" Sousuke said with a small smile.

"I don't know what I'd do without them. Bless these two; they're so energetic," Ukitake responded genuinely. "Anyway, you'll have to excuse me. I have many rounds to make. Stop by and have tea with me sometime next week."

"Of course," Aizen said and then looked at Nina. "Would you like to return to Division Eleven?" he asked softly.

Nina nodded. "Yes, I think we better see if Yumichika's done, yet." She paused and then smiled shyly. "Not that I'm not having a nice time with you, of course."

"I'm glad," he said smiling back at the girl. He led her back to Eleventh Division as they passed the crowds of people walking side by side.

A very strange thing was happening on both their parts, but more so on Aizen's than Nina's. For one, he had felt pangs of jealousy every time Ayasegawa had been brought up, and for another, he had developed an attraction to Nina. Sousuke did not want to admit that a fire had started and it was dangerously close to getting out of control and developing into something like feelings toward this young woman.

He walked her toward the rice ball booth, and Yumichika came running up. "Hey! I was about to come after you. I just finished, and hopefully, Yachiru-chan won't run off again." He glanced up at Aizen and then around. "What happened to Captain Ichimaru?"

"He left to visit Tenth Division," Aizen replied. "Have you had anything planned Seito-kun?"

The fireworks show will begin in a few moments, he thought.

Nina glanced at Yumichika. "Um...no. I don't think so, unless you did, Yumichika."

Yumichika shook his head in response. "I was just going to go to the fireworks display."

Nina glanced at Aizen. "Why do you ask?"

"Oh…n-no reason really," he told her, wondering why he had even asked such a question in the first place. Nina is here with that 5th seat, he reminded himself. Still…why did it bother him?

"Oh, well, alright, then. If you're going you shouldn't be late, and neither should we," Yumichika said as he took his date back from her captain. He looked up at Aizen and smiled gratefully. "Thanks for taking care of her while I was gone. I can't think of a better person to leave her with." He turned to Nina. "C'mon. Let's grab a good seat for the display."

"I had a nice time, Captain Aizen. Thank you," Nina told him as she rejoined her date. "Good night and see you tomorrow."

Nina left with Yumichika, and Aizen stared after them deep in thought. How could something like that bother him? It wasn't any of his business who she dated, but it was so infuriating, for some reason, to see her with such a feminine man when she could have, and deserved to have, so much more! She was supposed to be a play thing; this wasn't supposed to happen. But it was much to his surprise and chagrin at the same time that it was happening and he was clueless as to how to rid himself of these maddening, yet confounding, emotions.

He sighed. The sky was dark, and the moon was out. Lights guided his path as he made his way back to Fifth Division.

"Ice cream?" asked Gin holding two cones each with one scoop.

Ignoring Gin, Aizen continued on his way.

"Oh? Don't tell me you had a bad time?" Ichimaru said mockingly. "How can the nicest captain in all of Soul Society have a bad time?"

Sousuke continued to walk and then stopped unexpectedly. The sky glowed with lights above. He narrowed his eyes at the sky. "It's nothing."

Completely nothing, he thought.

"Heh," Gin snickered as he licked his dessert.