Waterfall Eclipse

Unexpected Surprise

Chapter Twenty-Eight:

Unexpected Surprise

A week later, once Rani was moving around better with no limping, Captain Kuchiki called her to his office. Once she arrived she knocked on the door and opened it when told to do so.

"You wanted to see me, Captain Kuchiki?"

"Yes, how are you getting around now?"

"Much better. I have a follow up with Captain Unohana in an hour."

"Okay, before you head over there, can you run an errand for me?"

"Yes, sir."

He got up from his desk and handed her three sheets of paper.

"I need these signed by the captains of Squad Four, Five and Ten."

"Right on it, Captain Kuchiki." She quickly answered and then left his office clutching the papers and letting out a sigh. "Ten? Seriously Captain?" She thought to herself as she made her way next door to Squad Five first. She was quickly let in and she made her way to Lieutenant Hinamori's office.

"Hello Rani! How are you doing?"

"I'm doing well." She said with a smile. "Captain Kuchiki needed me to bring this here and have you sign it." She said as she handed her the paper for Squad Five and sat down.

"Right to business, then, huh? No time to talk?"

"Ugh! That's why I came to you first. I have to go to Squad Ten as well."

"You sound so upset about that."

"Not upset. Confused. I have no idea what to say to anyone when I get there."

"Just that you have something that has to be signed immediately by Shiro." The lieutenant answered. "Unless you still can't talk to him."

"I don't know. Kiyomi, Chiharu, and Umeko all think I have a crush on him."

"Sweetie, if you ever asked Rangiku, she would say the same thing, but she would also tell you that he has feelings for you too – as would I."

"Wait - what?" Rani asked dumbfounded.

"You heard me." She replied with a grin.

"Well, that's just great."

"You can even ask the Captain Commander, Rani. Even he thinks it."

"Even better." She replied as she took the paper from the lieutenant. "I had better get this over with." She said as she got up and headed out the door. "I'll see you around lieutenant!"

Rani made her way to the Squad Ten barracks and after she was let inside, made the seemingly long trek to the captain's office. She hesitantly knocked on the door and heard someone walk into a piece of furniture, scream in pain, and then say, "come in." Rani took a deep breath so that she wouldn't laugh and opened the door.

"Captain Hitsugaya, is everything all right?" She inquired concerned. His back was to her as he was going through some files. She noticed he had gotten slightly slimmer, and grew a little as well.

"Tómasu! What are you doing here?" He asked surprised as he turned around at the sound of her voice.

"I have a paper from Captain Kuchiki that needs to be signed by you." She answered, now being able to notice his face, which looked like it had aged a few years.

"Oh. Okay. Give it here." He said as he stuck in his hand out and continued to look through the files. He eventually gave up and went to sign the paper before he forgot and handed it back to her. "Here you go."

"Thank you Captain Hitsugaya. Have a good day." She said before starting to head out the door.

"Wait, Tómasu, please." He pleaded causing her to stop and turn back around.

"Yes, Captain Hitsugaya?"

"How - How are you doing?" He stammered.

"I am doing well. I've been training with Lieutenants Abarai and Kuchiki, as well as Captain Kuchiki, with my Shikai."

"Are you happier now?" He sadly asked her looking right into her eyes.

"Yes." She replied softly and then looked at the clock on the wall. "Oh, dear, is that the time? I am sorry captain, but I need to head to Squad Four before I miss Captain Unohana." She stated. "Have a great day, Captain Hitsugaya." She added and then headed to the door, but he walked after her and grabbed her by the forearm. "Captain?" She asked as she turned around and was face to face with him. Suddenly her heart started to pound and her face started to feel flushed.

He gently pulled her closer, and without the slightest bit of hesitation, he cupped her face and kissed her. She didn't move during the kiss due to being in shock. Nor did she move when he pulled away, but she flickered her eyes.

"I – I'm sorry. That was out of line." He quickly stated and then turned around. "You had better get to Captain Unohana."

She swallowed and quietly left the room, still in shock. Although she wanted to run to Lieutenant Hinamori, or any of the girls, she instead ran to Squad Four for her check up and to get the document signed by Captain Unohana. As soon as she was finished, she made her way back to Squad Six and Captain Kuchiki's office.

"Excuse me captain. I have those documents."

Captain Kuchiki looked up and nodded. Rani walked over to his desk and handed him the papers. She was about to excuse herself, but Captain Kuchiki stopped her.

"All is well per Captain Unohana?"

"Yes sir. She said I have healed completely. Normal duty can resume tomorrow."

"Thank you. You may go." She bowed and made her way outside his office.

Rani then made her way back to Squad Five.

"Lieutenant Hinamori!" She said loudly as she ran up the stairs and into the office.

"Hi again Rani. What's up?" She asked astonished.

"Um, well, boy do I need a drink and a nice long talk." Rani answered as she sat down.

"Why?" She asked with a small laugh.

"He kissed me. He freaking kissed me." She exclaimed as she hid her face in her hands.

"Who did? I'm confused."

"Captain Hitsugaya. He kissed me. I went in, gave him the letter, and after a few short questions from him about how I was doing, I started to leave. He stopped me. And he kissed me."

"Oh my! Shiro!" Lieutenant Hinamori stated, realizing he was standing in the open door.

"And I would do it again." He said loudly causing Rani to tense up and look at the lieutenant.

"He's here?" She mouthed to her, receiving a small nod.

"Come on in, Captain Hitsugaya." Lieutenant Hinamori stated as she motioned for him to do so.

"If you two are busy, I can come back."

"It's okay, captain. I am finished here." Rani said nervously. "I think I will just go back to my squad now." She got up and quickly exited the Squad Five captain's office and ran out the door with her face beet red.

Once she was sure she was gone, Lieutenant Hinamori stared at Captain Hitsugaya as he made his way to the couch and sat down.

"Really? You kissed her Captain Hitsugaya?"

"Yeah. I did." He answered. "Can you do me a favor and NOT tell Matsumoto, please? I'll never hear the end of it from her."