A Shinigami Valentine

"Do you really think this is going to work?" Akina asked Byakuya as he held her loosely, dancing close to the slow, romantic music. Byakuya's eyes slide surreptitiously back towards their table. He looked back at her with a faint smile as he said,

"Yes, I do. Chizu looks...quite disturbed."

He spun her slightly, positioning her so that their table was in clear view. Chizu was now sitting next to Yumichika. She was watching them with a tight, pinched look of anger. Their eyes met briefly. There was no mistaking the hatred directed towards Akina.

"Oh, yeah." Akina laughed, looking away.

"Is she watching?" he asked, his head close to hers. Akina nodded, looking up at him curiously. With a practiced ease, he spun her away from him dramatically then pulled her back, still spinning. The moment Akina felt his hands at her waist, he dipped her head down. As he pulled her up close to him gracefully, she laughed happily,

"Where did you learn to do that?"

"Being adept at all forms of dance is expected of a someone in my position." he replied, visibly pleased with her reaction. He drew her close, dancing slow again. Other couples danced around them. Captain Komamura and Rukia Kuchiki made a curious couple but seemed to be enjoying each other's company. Tetsuzaemon and Isane walked out to the dance floor, joining them. Each seemed nervous and unsure where to put their hands. Sentaro and Kyone were trying to dance but they kept arguing about who should take the lead. Lt. Sasakibe twirled Fuimika Takada from Division 3 effortlessly. The older man appeared to be getting along well with the younger woman.

"We should mingle." Byakuya suggested as the song came to a close.

"Mingle?" Akina questioned as he led her from the dance floor. Chizu stepped up, smiling brightly at Byakuya.

"Captain Kuchiki, would you care to dance?" she said with a sweet smile that seemed to light up her face. Akina knew that smile well. She knew how easily Chizu could turn it on and off to suit her needs. Irritated, Akina slipped her arm around Byakuya's, stepping close to the man.

"Bya-kun, you promised me that we would talk to Nanao and Jushiro now." Akina reminded him with a wide-eyed, innocent look. His eyebrow shot up at the use of the name Bya-kun but he smoothly said,

"I can't break my promise, Abe-san. You understand."

"Maybe later then." Chizu said quietly, her smile become wooden and slipping slightly. Akina grinned at her as she said,

"He promised all his dances to me tonight, Chizu. Go find someone else to moon over. He's all mine."

Chizu's smile vanished completely. Her shoulders squared and fists tightened. For a moment, Akina prepared for her to lunge at her but the attack never came. Byakuya stepped deftly between them, saying,

"I need to pay my regards to Commander Yamamoto and Captain Unohana. Come now, Akina."

They walked away under the jaundiced eye of Chizu. Byakuya slipped his arm around her waist, guiding her towards table #1.

"Come now, Akina?" she repeated in a low voice. "What am I six years old?"

"Perhaps I went a bit overboard but you said that I belonged to you. It left me feeling masterful." he replied with a soft smile. Akina grinned. She was enjoying his company. He was not what she had expected. He had a reputation for his icy reserve. Slowly but surely, she was discovering that beneath that cold aloofness dwelled a warm, kind man with a surprisingly dry sense of humor.

"Captain Kuchiki...Akina, how is your evening going?" Commander Yamamoto asked as the two of them stopped beside table #1. Captain Unohana smiled sweetly at them but Akina could feel her keen eyes assessing her physical condition silently. She must have been satisfied because she made no comment. Byakuya quietly reported,

"It's all going as planned, sir. Abe-san is reacting as we predicted. Renji said that he knows she saw the report he left out but he's unsure whether she took it. He felt going back to check would look too obvious and I agree. We'll have to wait her out. If she hasn't revealed anything by the end of the evening, we'll have Captain Soifon's men detain her."

"Excellent." Yamamoto noted in a low voice. He fixed his hard stare on Akina and asked,

"And Captain Zaraki is behaving?"

"He is." she replied with a smile. "He's actually been full of helpful advice to try and make it all seem more convincing, sir."

"Good. He can be...stubborn. But I'm sure you know that already." he noted with a smile. "Well, you two enjoy your evening as best you can. And we will do the same." He added the last few words as he reached out to squeeze Captain Unohana's hand. She smiled at the older man. It wasn't her usual kind, benign smile but a true smile, full of warmth and love. Akina felt Byakuya's hand at her waist, steering her away from the table as he spoke,

"Have a good evening, sir...Captain Unohana."

"I want to talk to Nanao. Shunsui's making her crazy." Akina said, noticing Nanao and Captain Ukitake sitting together at table #3. As they neared she noticed that Shunsui was sitting across from them, looking cross.

"Akina!" Nanao cried out, jumping to her feet. Shunsui stood as well.

"Sit down." Captain Ukitake said firmly. The dark-haired man, his trademark hat missing for the dance, dropped back down into his seat with a frown. His gaze remained on Nanao as she rushed over to Akina side. Nanao glanced at Byakuya as if she were surprised to see him.

"Why are you two together?" she asked him sharply.

"It's a long story." Akina interceded. "What's going on with you? I saw running around earlier."

"Come with me. We need to talk." Nanao said, dragging her away from Byakuya. She pulled Akina over to the punch bowl.

"What is going on?" Akina asked as Nanao gripped her arm tightly.

"What are you doing here with Captain Kuchiki?" Nanao demanded. "What happened with you and Zaraki? Don't tell me that he's being an ass again."

"I really can't explain, Nanao. Just trust me when I say that he and I are fine. Shunsui doesn't look happy. Have you talked to him at all?" Akina said quietly. Nanao shook her head, turning automatically to look over at the Captain Kyoraku and Captain Ukitake. Shunsui was watching them closely.

"He keeps saying that it was a mistake." she huffed, her hands on her hips.

"You need to talk to him, Nanao. If you care about him, you owe him that much." Akina reasoned. Nanao's eyes cut back sharply towards Akina. She pushed her glasses back up on her nose as she considered the suggestion.

"What if I made a mistake, Akina? What if I've ruined everything by confessing my feelings and expecting him to miraculously change as a result? What if I've lost him as my lover...my friend...and even my Captain?" Nanao spoke softly, tears glistening in her dark eyes. Akina reached out, hugging her friend tightly.

"You haven't lost anything yet, Nanao. Give him a chance." she whispered. She felt a slight tremor shake Nanao thin shoulders. Then felt a hand drop heavily onto her back. Akina turned. Shunsui Kyoraku was standing behind her.

"Please, I need to speak with you, Nanao-chan." he said softly. Nanao jerked away from Akina, staring at him in surprise. Akina stepped back to let them talk. She noticed he held a gift wrapped elegantly in red and gold ribbons. He offered it to Nanao with the words,

"This is for you...for White Day. I had planned to give it to in private but...please, just open it."

Nanao eyed the box suspiciously. He held it closer to her.

"Nanao, take the gift." Akina insisted, sensing there was more to it than a simple box of chocolates.

"Fine! If it will make you go away." she hissed, snatching it from him. Her words brought a sad expression to his handsome face.

"If that's what you want...then, yes. I'll go...after you open it." he said softly. He waited while she tore into through the shiny wrapping. She flipped open the box then froze.

"How dare you." she hissed.

"Nanao, I bought them for you. There was no other woman. I did hide them but only because you rifle through my things whenever you're looking for something. I wanted to surprise you. The black and red set are my favorite. I know they'll look amazing on you."

She stared at him then looked down at the contents of the box. Tears filled her eyes again.

"Nanao?" Akina whispered.

"He bought them for me, Akina." she whispered, lifting out a red and black bra. Akina watched as she checked the tag. "They're too small for the kind of women he brings around...but...but they'll fit me."

"Nanao-chan, you are the only women I've wanted for so long." he said softly. "I hoped but never really believed that you could love me. I thought you took me for a fool, like so many in the Sereitei. I've tried to make you jealous but it never seemed to work. You would roll your eyes and look the other way. I never knew you held me in your heart as well. I was content to be close to you however you would allow. You were always my sweet, perfect, little Nanao-chan. The only one who understood me...the only one who was always there...no matter what I did. I love you, Nanao. I believe I always have. No other woman could compare to you."

"Shunsui...I..." Nanao stammered, her eyes wide. He took a step forward. He took the box from her unresisting hands, handing it to Akina. Then he wrapped his arms around Nanao, kissing her deeply. Nanao seemed to melt into his arms, her body molding against him. It was a sweet, intimate moment. Akina looked away, her thoughts racing to Zaraki. She found him standing behind her, trying to look casual.

"Any of those fit you?" he asked softly, eying the lingerie in the box.

"Kenpachi!" she laughed, closing the box quickly. He grinned, looking away from her. He poured himself a cup of punch, his back to her.

"I don't think this is gonna work, sugar." he said into the air.

"Why not?" she whispered, inching closer to him.

"Chizu ain't been exactly patient in the past. I think if she were gonna snap, she'd have done it already." he said coldly. Akina looked back at their table. Chizu was sitting stiffly next to Yumichika. Her hands were tightly clasped in her lap and she was staring down at white table cloth. Her legs were tapping nervously. Her jaw was clenched. She looked like a bomb waiting to explode. Maybe they hadn't pushed hard enough, she thought. She turned to tell Zaraki but he was gone.

"Please, allow me." Byakuya said quietly as he appeared out of nowhere to take the gift box from her and set it on the table next to Shunsui and Nanao, who were still locked in a passionate embrace. He glanced at them momentarily, a faint smile on his lips.

"I take it they have resolved their differences?" he said to Akina. She nodded, letting him guide her away. "You and Captain Zaraki were admirably discreet."

"You saw him?" she said in surprise. His smile inched wider.

"I see more than most realize." he commented vaguely.

"He doesn't think your plan is working." she explained as they neared their table.

"He may be right. Akina, please sit. I gave Captain Unohana my word that I would let you rest. Allow me to get you some punch." he said, guiding her to the table. Chizu's head jerked up as they neared. Her bright eyes fixed upon Byakuya.

"I'd love some punch as well, Captain." she said with her trademark smile. He acknowledged her request with a nod of his head. Akina sat down across from Yumichika, who was finishing a cup of punch.

"You're not dancing?" she asked him. He shook his head, looking out over the other tables as he replied,

"No, I'm enjoying the floor show."

"What do you mean?" Akina asked curiously, following his gaze. She realized that quite a bit of activity was going on under the surface of the placid dance scene. Yumichika pointed to table #4.

"Let's start with Captain Komamura. He's probably having the least entertaining night of all of us. He's even been abandoned by Rukia now. The poor thing is just sitting there, listening to Captain Kurotsuchi and Ikkaku argue about the proper way to motivate the lower ranks. I think he and Nemu should go dance together and leave her father and Ikkaku to fight it out alone." he explained with a smile. Akina wasn't so sure. The argument between them was becoming heated. It looked like trouble to her. Poor Nemu watched the two men with a worried expression, her arms tightly crossed over her abundant bosom.

"Why doesn't Captain Zaraki intercede?" Akina asked softly. Yumichika's pointing finger moved to the other side of the dance floor, to table #5.

"Because he's too busy arguing with Captain Soifon." he explained happily. Akina watched the two exchanging words. The small, black-haired woman's face was drawn back in a sneer as she said something to Zaraki that caused him to slam his fist down on the table. Akina grimaced. She'd seen that look on his face before. He was pissed.

"Don't worry." Yumichika assured her quietly. "He won't do anything stupid. If she upsets him enough, he'll just leave. At least Yachiru and Captain Hitsugaya are having a good time."

Sitting next to Zaraki was Yachiru. She looked adorable in her pink and black yukata. Akina smiled warmly, watching the child play cards with the diminutive Captain Hitsugaya. He smiled as he shuffled the deck, apparently enjoying himself while ignoring Soifon and Zaraki completely.

"He was wise to plan ahead and bring toys to distract her with this time." Yumichika noted. "Now, over at table #7 we have some interesting developments. Izuru Kira was matched up with Rangiku Matsumoto tonight. They were seated next to Shuhei Hisagi and Momo Hinamori. Both couples seemed to be getting alone well a short time ago, but now...Shuhei and Rangiku have been dancing together for sometime. It looked quite casual at first but as you can see...things have progressed..."

Akina looked out over the dance floor. Rangiku and Shuhei were dancing very close together. Rangiku's arms were wrapped around his neck and her head was resting on his chest. His arms were encircling her waist but his hands were cupping her rounded bottom.

"I see what you mean." Akina said, somewhat surprised.

"But even more interesting are Izuru and Momo. They've been chatting together forever. I don't think they even know the rest of us are here." Yumichika said with a wistful sigh. Akina looked back at the table. With their heads bent close together, Izuru and Momo seemed completely focused on each other. She smiled. She had always thought the two quiet, gentle people were well suited for each other. Perhaps some good would come from the tragedy of their captain's betrayals.

"Would you two shut up." Chizu snapped, crossing her arms tightly as she leaned back in her seat to glare at Akina. Akina's smile widened as she said simply,

"No."

"Here you are, my dear. I apologize for the delay. Captain Komamura was explaining to me, at great length, about a new technique he's discovered for improving morale." Byakuya explained as he sat a crystal cup of red punch in front of Akina. He slid into the seat next to her, his arm automatically going around her shoulders.

"Captain," Chizu said quietly. "...my punch?"

"Did you want punch, Abe-san? Sorry." he said dismissively as he turned to face Akina. "Captain Kyoraku and Lt. Ise are still...entwined."

"You're kidding?" laughed Akina, sipping the punch. It was delicious, cool and refreshing. He smiled, looking out over the dance floor.

"No, they are quite enthralled with each other." he noted quietly.

"I noticed that your sister and Captain Ukitake are looking very chummy." Yumichika noted. Byakuya's eyes shifted to where Rukia and Captain Ukitake were dancing slowly together.

"He is her captain. Nothing more." Byakuya said stiffly. Yumichika caught Akina's gaze and winked knowingly. Akina grinned, finishing her punch. She felt a rush of dizziness as she leaned back in the chair.

"I think this punch is spiked." she noted, wondering if the alcohol was interacting with the medication Unohana had given her. Yumichika hiccuped as he said,

"Oh yes, the spike is definitely punched."

Akina laughed as the feathered man blushed brightly.

"Would you like more, Akina?" Byakuya asked, leaning close to her. She smiled, blushing herself as she shook her head. He was being so attentive. It was disconcerting. Akina heard Chizu snort sharply. Unable to resist the urge to irritate the other woman, Akina stretched up to kiss him lightly. She felt him stiffen in surprise then slowly relax and play along. She heard Yumichika announce,

"I'm definitely going to need more punch for this."

"Akina, do you care so little for Captain Kuchiki that you'd put his life in danger?" Chizu snapped. Akina pulled away, Byakuya's arm remaining on her shoulder.

"What are you talking about?" she asked. Rolling her eyes, Chizu jerked her head towards Zaraki as she snapped angrily,

"Captain Zaraki might not want you anymore but he's not going to want anyone else to have you. He might attack Captain Kuchiki in jealousy. He's like a wild animal. You never know what you might do."

Irresistibly, Akina's gaze moved to Zaraki. He was watching her. When their eyes met, he grinned and raised his sake cup to her. Akina smiled. Obviously seeing their exchange, Byakuya leaned forward to press his lips against her hair. Akina saw Zaraki stiffen, his eyes growing dark with jealousy.

"Abe-san is watching the two of you." Byakuya whispered directly into her ear, his voice as soft as silk. Akina's smile remained as she turned towards him, leaning back against his arm. She stared up at him adoringly as she said loudly enough for Chizu and Yumichika to hear,

"Who's like a wild animal, Chizu?" Akina asked innocently. "Captain Zaraki or Captain Kuchiki?"

"Zaraki, you idiot!" Chizu insisted loudly. Akina pressed a hand to her mouth, pretending to be embarrassed as she said to Byakuya,

"Oh! I thought she was talking about you, my love. After the way you behaved last night, you'd definitely qualify."

Yumichika laughed suddenly, choking on his punch and nearly spraying Chizu. Byakuya looked down at her, amusement shining in his eyes.

"You bring it out in me, Akina." he said softly, stroking her cheek. His hand eased down her jaw to her neck. He let his long, elegant fingers dance over the exposed skin of her chest then slip over her shoulder and arm as if he were unable to keep his hands off her. Slowly, he leaned forward, lightly kissing Akina. The overall effect on Chizu was amazing. She bit back whatever she was about to say, gritting her teeth. Her face turned bright red and her eyes bulged. She looked as if her head might explode. Yumichika looked politely away, a knowing smile on his lips.

The servers appeared at each table, bearing chilled champagne to toast with. As they left the bottles and glasses, Akina watched Chizu. She refused to be provoked by the sight of Akina with Byakuya Kuchiki. She had glared. She had cursed under her breath. She had snorted and hissed but she wouldn't verbally attack Akina. There were several times that she looked like she might be about to break but she managed to catch herself, reining in her temper before it exploded. It was odd, Akina thought. It was not at all like Chizu. She rarely monitored her mouth. She was too self-centered. And she seemed unusually nervous. Her movements were becoming increasingly anxious as if she were waiting for something.

"Akina, champagne?" Byakuya asked politely. Before Akina could reply, Chizu blurted out,

"I'd like some, Captain Kuchiki."

"Akina?" Byakuya repeated smoothly, ignoring Chizu deftly. Akina smiled and shook her head. Chizu seemed to tremble uncontrollably, her face red with anger. But other than a snort of frustration, she remained silent despite his treatment of her.

"I don't think I should drink." she said simply. He accepted her refusal, pouring himself a glass and tightening his arm around her shoulders. Akina was concerned about mixing it with the drug Unohana had given her. Besides, she thought, she needed her wits this evening. She looked over at Zaraki. He was arguing with Soifon about something. Soifon took the champagne and chugged down a glassful. He glared at her distastefully, sticking to his sake. Akina grinned. He looked miserable. Yumichika picked up the bottle.

"Would you like a glass, Chizu?" he said with a smile. Her eyes shot daggers at him as she shook her head. She didn't speak. Akina thought she might be unable to keep the curses from spilling out if she opened her mouth. Her eyes wandered around the room. Seated next at the table next to Zaraki were Tetsuzaemon, Isane, Renji and Hatsu Morita. While Tetsuzaemon and Isane looked nervous but happy, Renji looked miserable. Hatsu was leaning across the table, staring up at him adoringly. He chugged a glass of champagne then quickly refilled his glass, repeating the action. He looked as if he might bolt at any second. Akina grinned, returning her attention to her own table. Chizu had stood, walking away quickly. Akina followed her with her eyes. She hurried to the back of the room where she was speaking animatedly to one of the servers, a tall, statuesque woman with dark skin and pale blond hair. Chizu's words seemed to be upsetting the woman. What was she up to, Akina wondered. Then the room went dark.

It was only for a moment. A flash of darkness, then the light returned as if nothing had happened. Akina looked around. The dance was continuing as before but something felt different. She didn't see Chizu anymore. And everyone seemed to be getting along surprisingly well. Akina looked for Zaraki automatically. He was laughing and chatting with Soifon. Akina frowned. Something was wrong. She couldn't put her finger on it but something was very wrong.