Waterfall Eclipse

Kiyomi's Crush

Chapter Sixty-Nine:

Kiyomi's Crush

The girls were relaxing on the beach soaking up the rays while having a drink and talking.

"So, Rani, when did you buy the new suit?" Umeko asked displeased with Rani's new icy blue one piece.

"I got it while in the Living World a week ago. Why?"

"Because I don't like it. I wanted you to wear that bikini."

"I packed that too, but I wanted to wear this one today." Rani said laughing causing her friend to smile.

"Good. Did you pack it for Toshiro?" Kiyomi asked.

"Maybe." Rani teased. "I may wear it tomorrow."

"How are you feeling?" Chiharu asked.

"Still beat up, but I'm okay. Yesterday was rough."

"I still can't believe your Fourth Seat also tried to kill you. That's crazy!"

"Yeah, and that he was trying to say that he wasn't sexist." Umeko added to Kiyomi's statement. "Do you think he'll apologize to all of the female officers?"

"He better. Captain Kuchiki will probably personally escort him to make sure he does." Chiharu stated.

"Yeah, but the Captain Commander said that he was to apologize profusely to the female officers how they see fit. They could make him run errands or embarrass him some other way." Rani added.

"If he does this while we're here I am going to want a full report on what happened."

"Momo will tell us, if not Lieutenant Matsumoto." Kiyomi replied smiling.

"So, Rani, how are things with you and my captain?"

"Great." Rani replied as she laid back. "No complaints. No problems."

"Have you told him you loved him yet?" Chiharu asked.

"Why are you three so involved in my love life?"

"Because we don't have one ourselves." Umeko quickly retorted. "So, we're living vicariously through you."

Rani shook her head while laughing.

"You are horrible. You need to find boyfriends."

"No one is striking our fancy." Kiyomi stated and then got quiet.

Rani shot up in her seat.

"But?"

"'But' nothing." Kiyomi defensively stated blushing.

"Liar! Who do you have a crush on?" Chiharu asked.

"Um, well, I kind of like Lieutenant Hisagi."

"WHAT? When did this happen?" The other three girls inquired.

"I only just realized it. Momo has been having me run a lot of errands over to Squad Nine. He's very nice and besides my errands, he and I started to talk a lot."

"How often do you go over there?" Umeko asked.

"Like three times a week the max?"

"Oh, poor Kiyomi!"

"Don't 'oh poor Kiyomi' me Rani. I am okay talking with him. I just can't admit my feelings."

"That's what I am saying that for." Rani retorted. "You aren't like me, but it's hard for anyone to confess their feelings."

"So, ladies, should we help her?" Umeko asked with a glint in her eye.

"Please don't." Kiyomi said embarrassed. "At least not until I am ready."

"Okay." Rani agreed before the other two had a chance to disagree.

"Just let us know when you really want to talk about it." Umeko eventually added.

"So, when does your illustrious boyfriend arrive?"

"I don't know." Rani said sadly. "The Captain Commander never got back to him before we left. I am hoping he was approved for a few days."

"Well, that sucks. We can't tease him!" Chiharu jokingly complained causing the girls to start laughing.

"Rani, have you ever thought of bringing Lily here to the Living World?"

"Sure I have. I just am too afraid to ask Captain Kuchiki permission to do so. But she has made friends with the youngest members of the other clans. Lady Kasumioji Rurichiyo allows her to come over as much as she is able."

"Isn't she the head of her own clan?"

"Yes. She's young too. Her estate pretty much runs itself, so she can afford an almost daily visit from Lily. I think she enjoys the company."

"What about the other clans?"

"I know there's a young sister to Lieutenant Omaeda, but I don't know if Lily has ever met her." Rani realized. "But at least Lily is thriving. She's a quick learner and has adapted well to life in a noble clan."

"Does Captain Kuchiki know her tenth birthday is coming up?" Umeko inquired.

"I am pretty sure he does. At least, I am hoping he does. It doesn't fall on a Monday so I can't spend the day with her unless he requests it."

"Well, you'll have to make it up to her by celebrating that Monday before or after it."

"Maybe you can use that as an excuse to bring her here." Kiyomi suggested.

"That's not a bad idea. I'll talk with the captain about it. Maybe hint in the process that her birthday is that Friday. It's in two weeks come to think about it, so once we get back I'll talk to him."

"You sound nervous just thinking about it."

"I kind of am. He told me I am not a bother to the Kuchiki Clan, but I think he was just being nice."

"Oh, speaking of, what happened with what Lord Kuchiki said? Obviously you're still dating Toshiro, but you didn't say what Captain Kuchiki did."

"Oh, he just talked to his grandfather about it. Lord Kuchiki apologized to me two weeks later. He seemed really understanding."

"Was he at the party that was thrown in your honor? I don't remember him."

"He was on the grounds, but not at the party. He stayed away, but I know Captains Ukitake and Kyouraku ended up finding him and speaking with him."

"So what's the plan for this evening?"

"Dinner of course." Umeko answered. "I already called the restaurant. They're expecting us in a few hours."

"Good. I am getting hungry now."

"So the Shinigami Pirate is getting sick of just drinking rum?" Umeko jokingly asked.

"Yes. I might move on to vodka tomorrow." Rani said grinning.

"How many have you had?"

"This is my third. I'm good for two more drinks for the day."

"I hope you're right, because we're not carrying you to the hotel." Kiyomi stated.

"All right. Enough talking. Let's go in the water." Rani said as she stood up and took her hat and sunglasses off.

The girls followed her to the water for a dip.