Tears of the Clueless

What's Going On!?!?

"Good work today," Byakuya said as I caught my breath.

"Thanks, taicho," I panted, wiping my brow with the back of my hand.

"At this rate, I suspect you'll be able to develope your zanpakuto very soon," he continued, reaching over and handing me a drink.

"Thanks, taicho," I said, taking a drink gratefully.

"You can call me Byakuya when we're alone, Ali-San," he said, a ghost of a smile on his lips.

"Hai, tai-er Byakuya," I nodded, smiling slightly. "In which case, you can call me Ali."

Was it just me? Or was Byakuya's smile growing? And the amusement gleaming in his eyes, as well?

"You've got the drink on your lip," he said. I blushed and went to wipe it away. "Allow me." He cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing my upper lip. He brought the same thumb to his mouth and licked the drink away, and my blush grew.

"T-Thanks," I squeaked, clearing my throat in an attempt to cover it.

This time, I was sure of it. He smiled. It was small, but there, definitely. And it make my heart beat unevenly.

"Tomorrow, same time, alright?" He said, tucking some hair behind my ear.

"R-Right," I nodded quickly, bowed, and hurried out after handing him back the drink.

I ran smack into Renji after turning a few corners, and we both tumbled to the floor.

"Oof!" He grunted, but still grinned at me. "Now how does this seem familiar?"

I blushed even harder and got off him. "Sorry, Renji, I really should watch where I'm going."

"Hey, no worries," he grinned, sitting up. He looked past me curiously. "So, where's the fire, anyways?"

I blushed and shook my head. "It's nothing, really."

He frowned and put his hand over mine, picking it up and twining his fingers with mine. "Alright... But if you ever need to talk..."

"Got it," I nodded. "Sorry, but... I've got to go meet someone."

"Who?" He asked immediately, tensing as I stood.

"Bye!" I ran away, feeling like a coward.

Sorry Renji, but I couldn't talk to you about this one.

I ran around blindly, looking for Yumichika. He'd know what's going on, surely.

I couldn't find him anywhere and shouted in frustration, sitting on the ground.

And I was lost...

"Ali?" A confused, sleepy voice said. I looked up and to my right to see Jushiro, rubbing at his eyes as he stood halfway out the door.

"Jushiro..." I muttered.

Then I realized how cold it was, and how late. I yawned, then shivered.

"Come on in," he said, smiling soothingly. "It's freezing out here."