Friday, February 22, 2008

   Chapter 1 of "Crimson"
The sun was starting to set as Suki made her way down the deserted street. People were getting ready for bed: locking doors, fluffing blankets, kissing their spouses and children goodnight. She kicked loose pebbles as she walked with her hands tucked in her black silken obi. *Why does it always have to be like this?* Earlier that day, Suki was asked on a date by Ichigo-san. She had nothing better to do, so she said yes, only to find out that he ditched her for Orihime-chan. *That self-centered, conniving moron…she thought angrily. I was having a good day until he came along and ruined it!*
Before she knew it, Suki’s wandering feet had carried her to the home of the Kuchikis, a noble family in the city of Hinode.
“I wonder if Byakuya-sama is home?” she wondered out loud. Then she blushed and turned away, her simple crimson kimono swirling around her. “What would he want with a common girl like me?” Suki started to walk away when she heard her name being called, and footsteps behind her. She wheeled around to see Byakuya running after her.
“Byakuya-sama?” she asked in disbelief.
“Konnichiwa, Suki-san,” he said. “What are you doing out so late?”
Suki looked down at her wooden sandals and replied, “I…had business with Ichigo-san today.”
Byakuya tilted his head to one side. “Really? I didn’t see him with you earlier. He was with Orihime-san.”
Suki blushed and flustered, “Maybe…he forgot? These things can happen, you know. Especially in big cities like ours, because there’s a lot of people in Hinode and—“
“Shush, it’s alright,” Byakuya said. She looked up and he smiled at her. “If you’re not busy right now, I’d love to have you accompany me.” He held out his white-gloved hand invitingly.
“Um…well…” Suki stuttered.
“Sounds good to me.” He smiled gently and took her hand. Suki blushed even deeper as Byakuya led her through the sleeping city with his strong arm around her waist. *Wow…I am so lucky! Byakuya-sama is such a gentleman, unlike that orange-haired idiot…* A warm, happy feeling swelled up inside her as Byakuya talked about his duties as captain of Squad Six, his family history in the Gotei 13, and the crime rates in Rukongai. He asked her about her stay in Hinode, and her plans for the future.
“Well…I’ve always wanted to be in the Gotei 13,” Suki said in a small, hopeful voice. “When I was small, my caretaker trained me in many arts, especially handling a sword and strengthening soul power. I don’t have much of a memory about him, or any part of my childhood, but I get a sense that I wasn’t wanted…none of the other children at the orphanage played with me. I was always alone, practicing Hado and Bakudo by myself.”
Byakuya smiled gently. “There’s no reason for your dream not to become reality. With perseverance, I’m sure you could achieve a seat in the Gotei.”
Suki looked up at him and blushed again. “Arigato…”
*I wonder…if Byakuya-sama feels the same way about me as I do about him? I’ve secretly loved him for so long. I couldn’tlet anyone find out, they would think me raving me to want to be close to a noble.*
All too soon, they returned to the grand Kuchiki residence. Byakuya shook Suki awake from her half-slumber.
“We’re here,” he said softly.
Suki blinked and looked around. “Huhh?”
“This is my house,” Byakuya replied. “You’re welcome to stay the night—you look dead-beat.”
“No, no. I’m fine,” Suki drawled sleepily. “I just…need…some caffeine…”
Byakuya shook his head good-naturedly and ushered her inside. He helped her with her sandals and sash, then half-carried her to the living room, where he laid her down on the white couch. Suki sighed tiredly, and her eyes closed almost immediately. Byakuya smiled as she started snoring softly. He laid a blanket over her and sprawled on the floor with a pillow and blanket of his own. Soon, sleep claimed him also.
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Please comment and tell me what you think! Be honest, it hurts when people use false honesty about my work. Arigato, minna! ^_^

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