Waterfall Eclipse

Affairs of the Heart - Part Three

Chapter Thirty-Two:

Affairs Of The Heart – Part Three

The week Rani spent in the Living World was a busy one. There was practically a Hollow attack every night, sometimes even two on occasion. So, by the time she got back to the Soul Society, she was wiped. She quickly made her report to the captain and then headed to her room. She walked in to find Chiharu talking with Lieutenant Hinamori.

"Hello Lieutenant, Chiharu." She greeted.

"Hello Rani."

"Rani, Lieutenant Hinamori and I were just discussing...well...you."

"What about?"

"Captain Hitsugaya."

Rani's facial expression changed from a nice smile to a very vacant expression within a few milliseconds.

"I know. I know." Lieutenant Hinamori started waving her hands. "He's the last person you want to talk about, but you need to know something." Rani raised her eyebrow causing the lieutenant to smirk. "Besides the fact that you get a reprieve for the next few days since he's away on leave, I wanted you to know that he is determined to not let you go."

"Not let me go? Chiharu, did you tell her what I said?"

"Kinda, but I was getting grilled by four lieutenants at the time."

"Huh? What? When?"

"A few nights ago I went to meet Kiyomi and Umeko. Unfortunately for me, I beat them there and Lieutenant Matsumoto pretty much forced me down next to her and I got bombarded with questions. Even drunk she's intimidating."

"Who were the other three?"

"Lieutenants Kuchiki and Abarai, as well as myself." Lieutenant Hinamori answered. "If I had any guts I would have stopped Rangiku, but I never did since Renji and Rukia wanted information."

"So, what exactly do they know?"

"Everything about the day of the kiss and that you are avoiding him. That's all I said."

"What else was there to say?" Lieutenant Hinamori asked puzzled. "Did you leave something out?"

"She did, but it's best you don't know. I don't need a lecture right now." Rani quickly replied. "So, how long do I have in peace?"

"Four more days." Lieutenant Hinamori answered. "And I should get going. I'm meeting up with Rangiku later. Nice seeing you and welcome back."

The lieutenant left the girls and Rani immediately fell onto her bed.

"I could sleep for days." She said through her pillow.

"Good because you can if you want, like on the beach in the Living World."

"What?" She asked after turning her head to face her friend.

"Captain Kuchiki approved a week's leave for us together. We leave in six days."

"Seriously?"

"Yup. I asked on behalf of you as a surprise. I am actually shocked he went along with it since the leave request was signed by me."

"What did he say? And why didn't he tell me when I reported to him earlier?"

"I asked him not to since it was a surprise. And he really didn't say anything. I gave him the paper, he gave me an odd look, and I said I only filled it out for you because it was to be a surprise. He signed off on it and then dismissed me."

"Was the lieutenant in the room?"

"Yeah, but he didn't say a word to me until I saw him on the grounds later. Even he was shocked."

Rani smiled and then turned back to her pillow and fell asleep.

The following few days were very peaceful for Rani, since she knew two things: One – Captain Hitsugaya was not around. Two – she'd be going on vacation.

The day before the girls were due to leave, Captain Hitsugaya called Umeko to his office.

"You wanted to see me, Captain Hitsugaya?"

"Yes, Miss Sasaki. Please have a seat."

She did so cautiously.

"Sir, you aren't rescinding my leave are you? We're supposed to be leaving tomorrow."

"What? Oh, no, it's not that. I had a favor to ask of you, although you might very well say no."

"What is it?" She asked relieved.

"Can you give this letter to Tómasu for me please? I trust you'll be joining her for dinner."

Umeko took the letter and smiled.

"Sure, captain, I can give it to her, but –"

"But why don't I give it to her?" She nodded. "I think she's been avoiding me." Umeko was silent. She didn't know what to say to him. "You know your silence speaks volumes, right? She has been avoiding me, hasn't she?"

"Sadly, yes. She won't tell us what you said in your letter to her, but it upset her."

"I see." He said sadly. "You can go now, Sasaki. Thank you again."

Umeko hurried out the door and headed to the restaurant to meet up with the girls.

"Hey Kiyomi, are the other two here yet?"

"I don't know. I just got here myself." She replied then looked at her hands. "What is that?"

"A letter from Captain Hitsugaya to Rani. He asked me just now to deliver it."

"You sound thrilled."

"Yeah, ecstatic." She said sarcastically as the other two approached. "It's about time!"

"Funny. We know you two just got here." Chiharu replied.

Umeko smiled and handed Rani the letter.

"It's from the captain. He asked me to hand deliver it to you."

"Think I should read it now?"

"Up to you. Want us to go inside and you can catch up?"

Rani was silent for a moment before deciding.

"Yes. I'll just read it to get it over with."

Umeko squeezed Rani's upper arm and then told the girls to go inside. Rani sat down on the bench outside and opened the letter.

"Dear Tómasu Rani, I hope you and your friends have a great time on your leave. All I ask is that you either come see me before you leave, or when you come back. Captain Hitsugaya Toshiro."

Rani took a deep breath in. She turned to look inside through the window and saw her friends sitting down already. She knew her old captain. He was probably still in his office working.

"I have seated your friends, Miss Tómasu." The hostess stated.

"Uh, right, can you let them know I'll be right back? I have something that needs to be taken care of immediately. I'll hopefully be back in about ten minutes."

"Sure will." The hostess answered causing Rani to leave and head to Squad Ten.