Tears of the Clueless

Fear The Textbooks... Of Terror!!!

"Yo!" A loud voice said as an arm appeared across my shoulders.

"Gah!" I panicked, accidentally punching poor Ikkaku in the face. I stood over him innocently. "Woops."

"Ouch," he grumbled, rubbing his jaw as Yumichika and Renji laughed.

"Nice right hook," Renji grinned, winking. I coughed, blushing slightly.

"That was an accident..."

"We heard the great news, Ali," Yumichika said, smiling as he pat my head. "Great job."

I grinned back. "Thanks!"

"Do you normally punch people in the face when you're scared?" Ikkaku grumbled. "And why's it always me that gets injured?"

"Because you're an idiot," Yumichika smirked.

"I don't always punch people," I cut in before they could fight. "Sometimes I kick them."

"So were are you off to now?" Yumichika chuckled as Ikkaku pouted.

"She's moving into the squad six barracks while she trains for the next month," Renji answered for me.

"Ah," Ikkaku suddenly grinned at me evilly. "Have fun with that."

I knew exactly what he was implying as he gave non discreet glances between Renji and I, and I kicked his shin.

"Yowch!" He yelped, hopping on one foot. I gasped innocently.

"What's wrong Ikkaku?! You sound like you're in pain!" I said in faux concern.

Yumichika and Renji laughed as Ikkaku grumbled dark things. I thought I heard 'pipsqueak' somewhere mixed in and drew back my foot.

"What was that, Ikkaku?" I asked calmly. He suddenly appeared behind Yumichika, hands up in surrender.

"Nothing, nothing."

I grinned cheerfully and rocked on my heals. "I feel powerful," I said happily.

"Alright!" Renji laughed. "As funny as all this is, we've got to go."

"Awe, okay," I sighed. "Bye Ikkaku, bye Yumichika."

Before they could do anything, I hugged them both quickly.

"See you later, Ali," Yumichika said gently, his arm wrapping around my waist to return the hug.

"Catch ya later Kid, if you're lucky," Ikkaku chuckled, patting my back. I laughed and pulled away, grinning at them.

"Bye!" And I followed Renji down the hall. He was glaring at the floor, nearly pouting. "What's wrong, Renji?" I asked, tilting my head at him. He blinked and looked at me.

"Oh, nothing, just thinking," he said simply, throwing me that pearly grin.

Was it just me or did he seem... Jealous?

I almost laughed as I shook my head at myself. Yeah, right Ali. Don't be so conceited. Tch.

"Kay," I said, nodding at him.

Smack!

I stumbled back in shock, having run into something, or rather, someone. A soft, cool hand secured my wrist and righted me, and I looked at the obstruction to see Byakuya.

"O-Oh! Gomen, Byakuya-taicho," I said quickly, bowing to him, but- imagine this- my forehead hit his chest, just like our first meeting.

I straightened, blinking a bit, to see him watching in amusement.

"It's quite alright, Ali-San," he said, his thumb rubbing the back of my wrist.

Renji coughed, the universal action of 'hey... Still here....'.

Byakuya blinked, then his expression turned cold and he looked at Renji, who looked just as annoyed. "I'll take Heitsu-San from here, lieutenant Abarai. You're dismissed," he said coolly.

Renji was tense, and looked ready to object, but he set his jaw, bowed stiffly, and turned to leave. "See ya, Ali," he said, waving over his shoulder.

"See ya, Renji," I said back.

"Ali-San," Byakuya said, and I looked back to him. His expression was once again soft. He lifted his hand, and his knuckles ghosted across my cheek, making me blush. "We should get started."

"Hai, taicho," I said, nodding.