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Sakura Petals and Fairies	By : Zarakiswolf Category: Bleach > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 1518 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Tite Kubo owns Bleach and it's characters. I own my OCs. This story is written for entertainment purposes only. I do not get paid for writing it.

Chapter List
- 1-One
- 2-Two
- 3-Three
- 4-Four
- 5-Five
- 6-Six
- 7-Seven
- 8-Eight
- 9-Nine
- 10-Ten
- 11-Eleven
- 12-Twelve
- 13-Thirteen
- 14-Fourteen
- 15-Fifteen
- 16-Sixteen
- 17-Seventeen
- 18-Eighteen
- 19-Nineteen
- 20-Twenty
- 21-Twenty One
- 22-Twenty Two
- 23-Twenty Three
- 24-Twenty Four
- 25-Twenty Five
- 26-Twenty Six
- 27-Twenty Seven
- 28-Twenty Eight
- 29-Twenty Nine
- 30-Thirty
- 31-31
- 32-Thirty Two
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I eat a small breakfast quietly with Miss Rukia and Lord Kuchiki. He is eating with his eyes closed, a serious expression on his face. She looks half asleep still. I am tired, having been unable to sleep once Lord Kuchiki had left me in my room last night. My mind is clouded with worry for my father and brothers. Speaking of brothers...what in the world could they have been thinking? Could they have lead the raid last month?
"Miss Hayate."
My eyes dart to Lord Kuchiki, who is giving me a stern look. "You must eat more than a piece of toast and milk for breakfast or you will not have energy for training today."
"Please, sir, forgive me. I'm not much of a breakfast person." I mumble, flinching as his stern look turns to an outright glare.
"Brother, remember what I said last night. You're scaring her." Miss Rukia scolds softly before turning to me. "Nanami, please, eat a little more. You needn't worry about proper manners right now. You must be hungry."
"I...yes, Miss Rukia." I blush before taking an asian pear from the fruit bowl and another piece of toast.
"Miss Hayate, you may eat as much as you like. The food in Hueco Mundo was not very nutritious, I'm sure." a kind old matron says, giving me a soft smile as she enters the room. "Good morning, Rukia. Byakuya, you're going to get wrinkles if you don't stop frowning all the time, dear."
I notice his cheeks color a little as the woman sits across from me, though he doesn't say anything. She smiles at me again as she fixes her own breakfast before gazing at me. "You know, you're much like a certain woman I used to know. What was her name, Byakuya? The one that silly Captain Kyoraku was after for awhile."
"Granny, I'm afraid Captain Kyoraku has been after many women." Miss Rukia giggles. "I'm not surprised you don't remember her name, given his history."
"Well, he is a handsome devil, just like my little Byakuya."
I finish eating my breakfast, avoiding looking at Lord Kuchiki for fear of laughing as the trio banters back and forth. A maid removes my plate and guides me back to the room I've been allowed to stay in. "Please, ma'am. Master Byakuya has left a uniform for you on the vanity. Would you like me to brush your hair?"
"Oh, no thank you. I don't require assistance. Please, don't worry about me." I say, giving the girl a smile. She returns it before turning and flitting away. I slide the door shut before hurrying to don the uniform. I'm having a little trouble when a gentle knock sounds on the door. "Yes?"
I blush bright red as Lord Kuchiki enters. He blushes as well. "I asked the maid to help you."
"I turned her away. I'm not incapable of dressing myself, sir." I whimper, holding the kosode and shitagi shut firmly.
"Would you like a little help? It can be confusing for fresh recruits."
"I...no. Please, I don't want to trouble you."
"Miss Hayate, if it were a trouble, I wouldn't have asked." he says, pointing to the floor in front of him. I hesitate before placing myself in front of him. My cheeks heat as he arranges my uniform and helps me tie the obi. The feel of his hands brushing my belly, even through the barrier of the uniform, makes my heart race, but not with fear. As soon as my uniform is on securely, I step back out of his reach, my eyes refusing to leave the floor.
"Thank you, sir." My voice trembles.
"You are welcome. I wish you wouldn't be so afraid of me. I'm not here to hurt you." he says quietly.
"I'm sorry. Everything is so new. Please forgive me!" I bow to him.
His hand cups my chin and makes me rise. "Come, Miss Hayate. Let's get to your training."
I nod and follow him from the room. I don't pay any mind to the whispers as we leave his home. I'm used to people whispering about me, usually derogatorily, when I have my back turned. It makes me sad. I know my blood is impure and I'm ashamed of it, but why judge someone for something that isn't their fault? It makes no sense to me.
****Byakuya POV****
I shall have to reprimand my helpers at the manor. I can see Miss Hayate is saddened by the whispers, though she obviously wasn't listening. The audacity of the staff astounds me sometimes. They're already starting rumors that I will make this girl my wife. I do not wish for marriage again. Hisana was the only woman I wanted tied to. My loyalty to her will not waver for a new woman...no matter how cute or tempting the woman is.
****Nanami PV****
"Captain, good morning. What are your instructions for today?" the red headed man from two days ago asks, eyeing me with a hint of surprise.
"I have been ordered to see to Miss Hayate's training in connecting with her sword. As for you, I need you to work on kido training with this list of recruits." Lord Kuchiki says, handing him a list before turning to me. "Miss Hayate, for future reference, this is my Lieutenant, Renji Abarai. He is married to my sister and they have a daughter who is in the academy."
I bow. "I am pleased to meet you, sir."
"Uh, no need for formality with me. Just call me Renji, if you would. I'm pleased to meet you too and if you need anything, feel free to ask." he says, scratching the back of his head.
"Come, Miss Hayate. Renji, I will be in the dojo with her. I do not wish for any interruption, she will need to concentrate to start communicating with that sword." Lord Kuchiki orders.
"Yes, sir. I won't bother you unless there's an emergency."
"See to it that Zaraki's mongrel doesn't bother me either."
"From what I hear, sir, she's sick again and in the infirmary...Akane is also ill and Captain Kyoraku is pretty upset. It happened at a dinner party last night."
"I see. That explains why medics came to collect the cherry blossoms from my trees, I suppose."
"Maybe."
"Lord-"
He turns and glares at me. "Iiss Hayate, if I have to tell you again to call me Captain, I will become cross."
"I'm sorry!" I whimper, my chin trembling. I've made him angry with me. That wasn't my intention.
He turns his back on me and begins walking away. "Follow me." he orders.
Renji pats my shoulder as I pass. "Don't worry. His bark is worse than his bite."
I only hope that's true...
I sit in meditation. It's silent for the longest time. I'm having trouble staying awake, even.
"***Inner World****
Suddenly, I'm in a lake. Many koi swim around me and my little fairy friend rides one to me, smiling brightly. I return her smile and wave.
"Nanami! You finally came here! I was wondering how much longer it would take you, silly goose!" she giggles. "You can breathe underwater here. This is your world, after all."
"It's beautiful." I say, taking a deep breath.
"It's because of you that it is. You're so sad, Nanami. That's why there's so much water. Why are you sad?"
"I miss my father. And my brothers. I'm scared of what's going to happen."
"Aww, don't be scared, Nanami. Everything will be fine."
"Can you please tell me your name, little one?"
"I think...you're in love with the noble man, aren't you? The cold one?"
"I don't know!"
She giggles again. "I'll make you a deal. I'll tell you my name when you can tell me how you feel. You've always guarded your feelings. Let them shine!"
****Byakuya POV****
I sense something as I watch the woman. She's become still, too still. She was doing reports, as I've tasked her to but her hand is still now, the ink off her brush dripping onto the scroll unchecked. It has been two months and no progress has been made with her on connecting with her sword spirit. She's never been able to sink into a deep meditative state.
"Miss Hayate?"
There's no response. Is she sleeping? I get to my feet and walk to her desk, placing a hand on her shoulder. I shake her gently, hoping to wake her but there's still no response.
"Captain...I think she's finally done it." Renji says from his desk, which is next to hers. His smile is brighter than it has been since Zaraki's wife had passed. It is shocking to know that I was saddened by her passing as well for some reason. Perhaps it is because I did feel pity for the woman, as annoying and feral as she was.
"Good. We shall see what happens when she returns to us." I say. I fight the urge to gently stroke the hair from her face and tuck it behind her hear. I've found myself feeling things for her the way I did for Hisana and it troubles me. I am loyal to my wife, though she is dead. I can't love another woman. It's not in my nature to let my heart stray to another, no matter what the staff and family say. I have overheard them and I understand it would make them happy to see me wed this woman, as she is beautiful and could bear an heir for me, but I just can't bring myself to love another woman.
I return to my desk and begin sorting through more reports. I shall be patient and see what happens with her...
****Nanami POV****
I take a deep breath before opening my eyes. Lord Kuchiki watches me silently. It's dark outside, I see. I immediately fall out of my chair and onto the ground in a begging position.. "I'm sorry!"
"Miss Hayate, did you finally manage to access your inner world?" he asks calmly.
"Yes! I did! It's a strange place but I did it, Captain Kuchiki!"
"That is the first time you've addressed me as captain without me prompting you."
"I'm sorry!"
"Tell me about your world."
"It's full of water and koi. I can breathe under the water there."
"Did you get the name you were after?"
I blush and shake my head negatively. "She refuses to tell me her name just yet. She says until I can start admitting my feelings, she won't tell me."
"I see. I believe, given your description, that you likely have a water element zanpakuto, Miss Hayate. They are unique in the way that usually the stronger their wielders emotions, the more powerful their attacks are. Do you hide your emotions?"
My eyes drop immediately and my cheeks get hotter. "Yes, sir. I was told that my feelings don't matter. They aren't important since I'm not pure blooded. I've always bottled them."
He gets to his feet and walks to me, kneeling and facing me. "Your feelings do matter. Not to everyone, but to yourself and those you care about."
"I...can't, sir. If people knew how I truly felt, there would be troubling rumors and I don't wish for that. It was one thing coming from the family servants at my family's estate. It's entirely different now." I sigh sadly.
"It would please me if you would tell me what troubles you so much that your sword won't tell you her name."
"No! I don't wish to talk, sir. Please, don't make me. It would embarrass us both."
"Miss Hayate, I insist you tell me!" he hisses.
"I'm falling in love with you! Please, don't hate me!" I whimper, my lip trembling. I get to my feet and run away, not bothering to watch where I'm going. I avoid the Kuchiki Manor instinctively, going in the opposite direction. I soon find myself in an unfamiliar area so I duck into a dead end alley and sit, letting my tears of shame fall. He must hate me now. No noble of his breeding would want a disgusting mixed breed like me to be in love with him. I will be homeless now, I'm sure.
****Byakuya POV****
I sit in stunned silence. She...what? Surely I've heard her wrong. She believes I hate her? What have I done to give her that impression, I wonder? She was speaking so fast, I can't be sure what the first part of her admission was, but the end was clear. I'm late to dinner. I think on the small part of what she said as I find my way home.
"Brother! Have you seen Nanami!?" Rukia yells.
"Don't yell, Rukia. What do you mean by asking me that? Is she not here?"
"No, Captain. I felt her reiatsu and it felt like she was running in the opposite direction. It was really odd." Renji sighs as he stands next to Rukia. "Her reiatsu was really frazzled, almost like how Harmona used to get when she was upset about something."
"I see. We were right earlier, Renji. She was able to access her inner world finally, though her sword spirit still refuses to divulge it's name. I believe it is a water type, as she mentioned she was in a lake and able to breathe underwater."
"Well, that's cool. It would suit her, really, as quiet and timid as she is. Most water types are better for defense than offense, though either way they're deadly."
"That's not the point! We need to find her!" Rukia snaps.
"Sit and do not worry. I will find her." I say softly.
****Nanami POV - Inner World****
"Aww, you're sad again, Nanami!" my little fairy friend sighs.
"You told me to tell him how I felt and now he's going to hate me! I'm a mixed breed noble! Pure nobles like him are disgusted by mutts like me!" I cry.
"You don't know that. I'm sure he'll be fine. You admitted it to him but not to yourself, Nanami. Tell me how you feel."
"Even though he's cold, I...love him. He hides it behind his cold attitude but he has been so nice by letting me live in the manor and trying to help me. I know he was ordered but he could act like he hates me but he hides that very well."
"Mizu yōsei. That's my name. Command me to ripple and you'll see you're not weak, Nanami. Now, you need to get up and go talk to him rationally, ok? If you speak to him calmly, maybe you'll find he doesn't hate you. I don't think he does."
I wipe my eyes. "Water fairy? So he was right. You are a water type?"
"Why else would his koi take such a liking to you?" she giggles. "Go speak to him. I promise you won't regret it."
************
My eyes open and it's still dark out. My legs are stiff from sitting so long. I feel a gentle kick to my foot and my head snaps up to find a different captain. A tall one with a black mane and one green eye. A scar bisects his face on the other side. "Hey, you shouldn't be sleepin' out here, kid. Get back to your barracks."
"I'm...lost." I whimper.
He rolls his eye and sighs. "New recruit? Or just directionally challenged?"
"Both?"
"Come on. Where do you belong?"
"I...uhm...I'm supposed to be with Lord Kuchiki."
"Look, I don't know if you know this but Princess Kootie isn't into boys, kid."
I blush. "My name is Nanami Hayate! I'm a girl!"
"Oh, that runt that's under investigation for somethin' stupid, huh? Somehow I figured you'd be a little more girly lookin'. Come on. I'll take you back to the princess."
I hesitate. This man is huge and scary. "Who are you?"
"Kenpachi Zaraki. Captain of the eleventh division."
"Oh...Lieutenant Abarai mentioned you."
"Everyone mentions me, usually in a negative way. Come on. I ain't stayin' out here all night. I got kids to put to bed."
I hurry to catch up to him. "Kids must be fun. I'm the baby of my family." I say softly.
"Yeah? I wouldn't call em fun but they're alright. They're still young."
"I see."
We walk in silence for awhile longer until Lord Kuchiki drops from the roof tops in front of us. "Miss Hayate, I have been looking for you." he says coldly.
I hide my face. "I'm sorry! I got lost."
"Zaraki, I will thank you to not mention this to anyone. It wouldn't be good for rumors to start that she gets lost easily."
"Yeah, whatever. I ain't the type to gossip anyway, Princess." the big captain sighs. "See ya later, kid."
"Thank you for your assistance, Captain Zaraki. I appreciate it." I say, bowing slightly.
"Don't mention it."
I watch him sink back into the shadows before walking past Lord Kuchiki dejectedly. He keeps pace beside me. "He seems sad." I mention softly.
"His wife was killed recently. He's been...mellow since then."
"I see. That's sad."
"Indeed, it is. I hated his wife and I hate him but seeing him like this is troublesome."
"I'm sorry."
"Why did you flee earlier?"
"I believed you would hate me, sir." I reply quietly.
"For what? This is the second time today you've accused me of hating you."
"I just feel like I'm a nuisance to you, sir. You're cold usually. I'm sorry for all the trouble."
"You are not a nuisance, Miss Hayate. I am cold to everyone."
"I've seen you with others and it's different. I've offended you somehow and I can't fix it if you don't tell me how, sir."
I'm caught off guard when he pins me against a wall, staring into my eyes. "I am not offended by you, Miss Hayate, nor have you done anything to offend me. I am distancing myself from you because you are still being investigated and, once that investigation is complete, you will leave. There is no arguing that point."
"I'm sorry."
He says nothing further as we continue toward his home. I don't speak either. I fight my heart as it beats quickly in my chest. Miss Rukia flies to hug me as we enter the yard. "I was so worried. What happened!?"
"I...got lost. I'm ok. Captain Zaraki helped me find my way until Captain Kuchiki showed up." I say softly, returning her hug. Other than my father, no one has ever hugged me before so it has taken me a while to get used to Miss Rukia doing this to me, but I find I like it.
"Let's eat. Miss Hayate, it would please me if you would sit beside me tonight so I may speak to you about your sword." Lord Kuchiki says.
Everyone blinks at him, myself included, but I nod. Miss Rukia normally sits beside him so I take her normal seat while she takes mine. I decide, since I'm beside him, I'd better eat a normal sized meal so he's placated. My hunch is correct when he gives me a subtle nod after I've gotten what I want to eat. He's never done that before...
"Mizu yōsei. That's her name." I say quietly after I finish eating.
"I thought you said she wouldn't tell you?"
"After I went for my run, I sat down somewhere when I realized I was lost and I meditated to try to not focus on my emotions so much, sir. She told me then, since I said what I said to you earlier."
"I do not like that you think I hate you."
"Is...that all you heard me say?"
"You spoke so fast I couldn't understand the rest, Miss Hayate."
I blush. "I...don't wish to say it again, sir. I will die of embarrassment."
"I will not force you to repeat your insult."
My eyes snap up to his. "I...didn't insult you, sir. I would never do that."
"I see. We will speak later in the garden and you may explain to me what you mean there. Will that suffice?"
"Yes."
"I am glad you two are getting along. It is refreshing to see." Granny chuckles. "It is finally starting to heat up in the manor now."
I blush and reach for my water at the same time Lord Kuchiki reaches for his. Our hands touch and I feel like my face is on fire as I lift my glass.
"Why don't you just kiss her, Byakuya? Poor thing looks ready to explode."
"That's enough, Granny." he says, though I notice a pink tint to his cheeks.
"No, my boy. You will listen to your elder. It is high time you be done grieving over Hisana. We all miss her. Why not marry this girl? You've ran all the other eligible suitors off! She's beautiful and, though she's not large, she's got good breeding hips!"
"Granny! Enough!" Rukia laughs.
"I can't marry her, Granny. She's under investigation for the raid and-"
"No excuses, boy!"
"Her blood isn't pure. You've warned me before not to dilute the Kuchiki blood line."
That hurts. I don't ask to be excused for once, simply get to my feet and retreat to my room. I make sure to lock the door behind me before undressing and donning a pale pink robe with purple hydrangeas on the hem and sleeves. Once done, I get in bed and bury myself in the blankets. Why does it hurt so much? It's never felt this way when anyone else had brought up my bloodlines before. It's never hurt like this.
****Byakuya POV****
"You should be ashamed, Byakuya. Do you know, that girl is the one who's been taking care of your sakura trees since she came here? That she is the one who launders your uniform every night, usually after everyone else has gone to bed? She is the one who pays attention to what you say you want to eat and ensures that it is made for you. Do you really think she would do that if she didn't care for you?" Granny says softly.
"I didn't ask for her to be here, nor do I want her to remain. I was married to Hisana. I will never marry another woman."
"Brother, do you know it's also Nanami that's been organizing your office before she comes home usually? Renji says she even cleans it daily when they're done working." Rukia says gently. "I really wish you'd give her a chance. She obviously cares for you."
"I will not tolerate this. I do not have love for any other woman but Hisana. I will not remarry. Ever." I snap. "I bid you all good evening. This discussion is over."
As I storm down the halls toward my room, I instinctively stop by Miss Hayate's door. I hear her soft crying and, though my heart is cold, I want to comfort her. I want to hold her in my arms and stop her tears. I cannot. I will not. I retire to my room and prepare for sleep. I ignore the guilt I feel. Tears will not sway my decision. She will never be my bride.
****Dream****
Hisana lays beside me, stroking my hair softly. "Byakuya, darling, why do you look so sad?"
"I miss you, Hisana." I sigh before kissing her softly. "I cannot love another."
"My love, I am gone. This girl needs you, just as I needed you when I was alive. It would make me happy if you would try."
"I will not, Hisana. My heart died with you!"
"Byakuya...do this for me. It pains me to know that you're alone after all this time. Please."
"Don't ask me to do this."
"You must. For me, my love."
Her lips find mine and suddenly it's not Hisana in my arms, but Nanami. Her face is one of pain and loneliness, her tears staining her pale skin. Her violet eyes show me a broken woman. Have my words done this to her?
****Nanami POV****
Someone knocks on my door gently. I glance out the window as my eyes open and see the sun hasn't risen yet. I don't wish to answer the door but I do. I'm pushed back inside and the door is locked again before I can say anything. Arms are thrown around me and I'm crushed against a lean body. "Forgive me, Nanami." a familiar voice sighs in my ear.
"Lord Kuchiki?" I ask, confused.
"What have I told you about calling me that?"
"You...never call me by my name, sir."
He pulls me to the bed and lays with me. I blush, but don't fight him. "I should not have spoken like I did earlier, Nanami. My words have hurt you. That was not my intention."
"You...have nothing to apologize for, sir. I know my blood isn't desirable." I sigh softly.
"Nanami...it's not that your blood isn't desirable. The elders have warned me against diluting the Kuchiki bloodline before. I had to remind them of that. I am not...ready to love again. I miss my wife terribly even still."
"Sir, please. I never asked for that earlier. I...am not a good match for you. I am weak and scared of my own shadow." I whimper. His arms tighten on me, holding me to his body.
"Let me stay here. Please."
"I don't understand."
He tilts my head up and his lips find mine. They're very soft and warm but gone quickly. "I wish to hold you in my arms this night, Nanami. Let me, please."
"You can't! I'm not-"
"Nanami! It would please me to hold you tonight."
"I...yes. I think I would like that." I admit softly.
"I thought you might."
"Sir...no offense but...you're holding me in such a way I feel like my spine is going to snap."
He loosens his hold and allows me to get comfortable before wrapping me in his arms again. "Sleep, Nanami." he orders softly.
I find it awkward but his presence comforts me, no matter the pain his words brought earlier. My eyes begin to close and I tuck my head under his chin, letting out a soft sigh as I finally fall asleep.
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Sakura Petals and Fairies