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Chapter 69:

    As the party went on everyone was having a good time. When the band took a break, the group sat down at some tables. Hanataro joined them too as Nomi dragged him to the table.

    “Wow, this is the best beach party I've ever been to,” Chiyo said.

    “Definitely, and I have all my friends to thank for that.” Aiko replied.

    “You're welcome, Aiko.” They all replied together.

    “Hey, Hana, I have a question to ask,” Chiyo said.

    “Yeah?”

    “How on earth can you keep up with Nomi?” Chiyo asked as the others burst into laughter.

    “That’s a good question,” Ichigo said as he and the others appeared. “Got room for five more?” He grinned.

    “You know you’re always welcome. Take a seat, guys,” Aiko said as they pulled another table over and took their seats around it.

    “Now about my question?” Chiyo said turning back to Hanataro.

    “Hey, that’s not nice! I’m not that energetic!” Nomi exclaimed.

    “Like hell you aren’t! And if you even touch a chocolate bar you become even worse! Trust me I know! Damn devil and his evil doings,” Hisagi said as Renji and Toushiro laughed hard.

    “Ok Ok, so I am,” Nomi said as she pouted.

    “Nomi, we like you even if you’re hyper sometimes.” Aiko chuckled.

    “You do? Awww thanks,” Nomi said.

    “Hana, please! I need to know cause I’m seriously having problems keeping up!” Chiyo chuckled, as did everyone else.

    “Well my mom thought I was rather anemic, I wonder why?” Hanataro pondered.

    “Oh, I wonder,” Toushiro said chuckling.

    “So she hired a nutritionist and he put me on a vegetal diet. Lots of fruits, vegetables, and vitamins.”

    “Address? Telephone? Email? Anything!” Chiyo pleaded.

    “I’ll call my mom when I get back up to my room,” Hanataro said.

    “Thank you.” Chiyo replied.

    “You know what would be awesome now?” Aiko replied.

    “What?” Hisagi asked.

    “I’d really love some group photos. Anyone have a camera?” Aiko asked.

    “I have one up in my room. Want me to go and get it?” Asako asked.

    “I’d love that if you don’t mind,” Aiko said.

    “Sure thing, girl. Coming, Aya?” Asako asked as she stood up.

    “Of course,” Ayasegawa said offering his arm as he and Asako went back to the hotel.

    As they were leaving, the band came back from their break.

    “Hey Hisagi, can I steal Aiko for a dance?” Ichigo asked as he went to their table.

    “Hmm, not too tempting,” Hisagi said.

    “Kurosaki-kun is a good dancer, Aiko,” Orihime said.

    “Orihime! You’re not helping,” Hisagi said turning his head towards her.

    “Sorry, Hisagi-kun,” Orihime said.

    “Alright, but if you try and pull something funny I’ll be on your trail like a bloodhound,” Hisagi said.

    “Fine with me, boss,” Ichigo said as he took Aiko’s hand and helped her from her seat.

    “Don’t be sad I’ll be back.” Aiko giggled as she gave Hisagi a kiss.

    “Let’s go!” Nomi exclaimed as she jumped up from the chair. “I love that song!”

    “Okay,” Hanataro said letting himself be dragged up on the dance floor again.

    “Come on, Renji, let’s go have some fun,” Ikkaku said getting up from the table.

    “Sure,” Renji said as he got up himself.

    “Hey! Do you mean you’re leaving me here?” Chiyo questioned resting her hands on her hips.

    “Aww, come on, Babe! I hate dancing and I’m bored sitting here,” Ikkaku said.

    “Well what am I supposed to do?” Chiyo asked.

    “I don’t know, ask someone to dance,” Ikkaku said as he left with Renji.

    “Boys.” Chiyo grunted. “Wanna dance, Toushiro?” Chiyo asked.

    “Sure, it’d be nice to get away from the fangirls.” Toushiro laughed as he went with Chiyo to the dance floor.

    “Wanna dance, Ishida-kun?” Orihime asked.

    “Oh I’m not into this kind of thing,” Ishida said.

    “Oh please?” Orihime begged.

    “Alright, but don’t get mad at me if I step on your toes,” Ishida said.

    “Fine with me,” Orihime said as she went with him.

    “Well don’t sit all the way over there,” Hisagi said to Rukia and Chad.

    “Ok,” Chad said as he and Rukia moved closer.

    “So you’re not the dancing type, eh?” Hisagi asked.

    “Well I can’t really find someone my size,” Chad said.

    “Of course you can! You just haven’t looked,” Hisagi said. “What about you, Rukia?”

    “Oh no, I don’t really know how to, my brother didn’t really teach me and I never really dared by myself…” Rukia stammered.

    “Oh come on, it’s not that hard. I’ll show you. If Byakuya won’t kill me of course,” Hisagi said.

    “Oh I’m not sure. I don’t want to be a bother,” Rukia said.

    “Come on, just one dance,” Hisagi said offering his hand. “You’re not a bother. Besides, that way I get to keep an eye on Ichigo.” Hisagi chuckled.

    “Ok,” Rukia said as she chuckled as well.

    “Chad, you come too. I’m sure we can find you a partner,” Hisagi told him. “Come on, it’s Aiko’s birthday, have some fun!”

    “Ok,” Chad said as he followed too.

    ---

    As Asako and Ayasegawa were walking back to the hotel, Ayasegawa broke the silence.

    “May I ask a question?”

    “Sure. What is it?” Asako asked.

    “I wanted to ask you about what you said earlier, that a girl like you could have never got close to a guy like me. Did I look that untouchable?” Ayasegawa asked.

    “No!” Asako said.

    “Then what?”

    “Well I was always the boyish girl and you were always the stylish and classy guy. I mean, I dunno, it’s not like I really thought about it. I never looked at you as more than a friend,” Asako said.

    “I see,” Ayasegawa said.

    “Wait, did I say something wrong?” Asako asked.

    “No, don’t worry,” Ayasegawa said as he smiled at her. “I was quite the stuck-up brat, wasn’t I?”

    “No! It’s more like you’re the artist type and a bit more refined material than you find around here.” Asako looked over at Ayasegawa as he looked a little confused. “You know, where mommy and daddy paid for their brat to go at the most high-class high school,” Asako said.

    “So you don’t think I’m stuck-up?”

    “No! But you do have some hilarious reactions sometimes.” Asako chuckled. “Like at the Christmas party when you made that fuss just because we told you that you were a little bad-mouthed. I mean you were with friends, no one really cared about it.”

    “It’s not my friends I’m worried about, it’s just I can’t stand myself speaking like that,” Ayasegawa said as he chuckled.

    “Well you need to lighten up some,” Asako said.

    “I’ll try.” Ayasegawa smiled as they entered the hotel.

    “Oh great! Just firkin great!” Asako exclaimed as Ayasegawa opened the door for her.

    “What is it, rose bud?” Ayasegawa asked.

    “I left my sandals on the beach when I threw them at Renji and Ikkaku, and they just washed the floor in here! Look at it! There’s water everywhere! I’ll be lucky if I don’t fall and crack my head! Aaaaah!” Asako exclaimed as Ayasegawa lifted her up in his arms and carried her across the floor. “What are you doing?”

    “Well the floor is wet and I wouldn’t want you to fall or get a cold, now would I?” Ayasegawa replied as he walked with Asako in his arms over to the elevator then gently put her down once inside. “There you go. You’re very light for your height you know.”

    “Thanks,” Asako said wearing a bright shade of pink on her face.

    “You’re welcome,” Ayasegawa said as the door closed.

    Once up at her room Asako opened the door and they went it. She searched through her bags and quickly found the digital camera her mother had bought and they went out again, not before Asako got another pair of sandals. As they went out of the hotel and onto the beach again, a bulky guy bumped hard into Asako.

    “Watch where you’re going, you idiot!” Asako snapped.

    “Got a problem, shrimp?” The guy replied as he looked down to Asako.

    “Leave him and let’s go, rose bud,” Ayasegawa said rather nervous.

    “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of a thug like this!” Asako questioned as Ayasegawa lead her away.

    “To be honest, yes! Now let’s go,” Ayasegawa said as he tried to get Asako farther away from the guy.

    “Bullshit! I’m gonna show you how to defend yourself,” Asako said storming back to the guy.

    “First rule: The bigger they are the harder they fall,” Asako said as she went over to the guy.

    “Second rule: Hit a weak spot, it’s usually here!” Asako said as she grabbed the guy by the shoulders.

    “What are you—OOF!” He gasped as Asako kneed him in the groin. “Or here.” Asako added as she thrust her fist into his stomach. “If you can’t reach, get the shins,” Asako said as she kicked him in the shins.

    “Ah I see,” Ayasegawa said looking interested at her.

    “When he’s down at your height you do this,” Asako said as she turned and kicked him under the chin with her foot. “And you’re done.” Asako concluded dusting her palms.

    “Interesting,” Ayasegawa said.

    “Let’s go back, Aiko is probably waiting for us,” Asako said.

    “Ok,” Ayasegawa said as he offered his arm to Asako.

    Asako wrapped her arm around his and they went back to the tables. When they got there, they found Aiko sitting with Hisagi, Ichigo, Toushiro, and Chiyo at a table.

    “We’re back. Here you go,” Asako said as she handed Aiko the camera.

    “Thank you so much, Asako,” Aiko said.

    “You’re welcome, girl,” Asako said.

    “It’s photo time!” Aiko cheered as she started by taking photos of all those who were at the table.

    She then handed the camera to Toushiro.

    “Here, take a few pictures of me and Shuuhei,” Aiko said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and Toushiro took a photo.

    “Hey, Toushiro you with me?” Hisagi asked with a wicked smile.

    “Every step of the way, pal.” Toushiro grinned as he readied the camera.

    “Shuuhei, what are you—Ahh!” Aiko exclaimed as Shuuhei grabbed her in her arms, spun her around a few times, and then threw her up in the air as Toushiro kept taking shots and the other were laughing.

    Shuuhei caught her as she playfully slapped him.

    “You should have warned me you clown!” Aiko replied still up in his arms.

    “Yeah but the effect wouldn’t have been the same.” Hisagi grinned. “Toushiro, another photo,” Hisagi said as he was holding Aiko.

    She wrapped her arms around his neck and they both smiled towards the camera.

    “Done,” Toushiro said as he handed her the camera.

    Next Aiko started taking photos with her friends which included Toushiro making funny faces and pulling his hair up to match Aiko’s height. Ichigo keeling in a pose like Romeo would with Juliet in the play and Aiko popping her head in between Asako and Ayasegawa. After she was done, they sat at their table and continued talking. Asako and Ayasegawa were holding hands as Ichigo kept looking at them.

    “You two are serious about this aren’t you?” Ichigo asked.

    “Keep ogling and I’ll get serious on you,” Asako said as Aiko and Toushiro chuckled.

    “I was just saying,” Ichigo said as he kept looking.

    Asako calmly pushed his head to the front direction. “Keep your head that way or else I’m gonna tape it,” Asako said.

    “I think I got the message,” Ichigo said.

    “Where are the others anyway?” Aiko asked.

    “Either dancing or getting wasted,” Ichigo said as they laughed.

    “What the..?” Hisagi replied.

    “What?” Ichigo asked.

    “Over there!” Hisagi said in a shocked state as they all looked in that direction.

    The sight they saw was priceless. Gin was pushing Byakuya from behind to the center area of the party and Byakuya was wearing a floral Hawaii shirt with a grass skirt on, looking rather wasted.

    “Are you shhhure I look pwetty?” Byakuya mumbled.

    “Yes you do, pretty bird, now go have fun,” Gin told him with a malevolent smile as he gently pushed Byakuya forward.

    Byakuya put on a dumb smile as he stumbled to their table. “Hewo,” Byakuya said.

    “Hey,” Aiko said as they all were trying hard to hold back their laughter before they finally burst.

    “What? Ain’t I pwetty?” Byakuya asked in a drunken tone.

    “Oh yeah yeah, you’re pretty alright! Pretty screwed!” Hisagi said as he was holding his stomach and hitting the table laughing.

    “Good, alls that mattershhh ishh I’m pwetty.” Byakuya mumbled as he stumbled to the teacher’s table doing a bad impression of a hula dance along the way as Aiko and her friends were laughing hard.

    “THIS is going to the album!” Aiko said as she wiped away a tear and turned on the camera filming Byakuya and taking photos of him.

    “This just made my day!” Hisagi exclaimed as he was still laughing.

    “Only yours?!” Toushiro asked as he was laughing equally hard.

    Then suddenly Gin appeared at their table, pulled a chair from a near-by table to theirs, and sat down.

    “Gin! You’re behind this?” Aiko questioned.

    “Of course I am,” Gin said with a broad smile.

    “I’m gonna make you a statue for this,” Hisagi told him. “Waiter! Get him a drink! Make it the best you have!” Hisagi said.

    “Why thank you, Hisagi-kun, you’re too kind,” Gin said.

    “Spare me, you deserve a monument for this.” Hisagi said.

    “Make it non-alcohol, please,” Gin said turning at the waiter.

    “What, you don’t wanna get drunk and miss out on the fun, eh?” Ichigo asked.

    “I didn’t have a single drop of alcohol tonight and I don’t intend to either. I want to remember every single painful moment of this,” Gin said rubbing his hands.

    “Don’t worry, I gave Aiko my camera, you’ll have plenty of reminders!” Asako chuckled. “He will as well,” Asako said as he pointed towards Byakuya who was next to Juushiro and Shunsui at the table.

    “I am counting on that, my dear.” Gin smirked.

    “What on earth did he do to piss you off like that?” Aiko asked as they were still looking at Byakuya making a fool of himself.

    “Byakuya-kun seems to have forgotten how much shit I got him out of, and I wanted to show him I could just as easy put him into deep shit. Hopefully, this will serve him that lesson. Cheers!” Gin said holding up his drink as they all did the same chuckling. “Enjoy the show.”

    ---

    At the other table, Juushiro and Shunsui were laughing their asses off at Byakuya and his random babbling.

    “And the kitty went boom! Then the cheese was pink and the cow mooed!” Byakuya replied.

    “Should we bring him out of this?” Juushiro asked wiping away a tear.

    “Nah,” Shunsui said as Byakuya stood up from the table and went to disgrace himself even more at other tables.

    When he headed to the dance floor Juushiro said, “You think we need to go and stop him?”

    “Yeah, it would be about time,” Shunsui said as they got up from the table.

    They headed towards Byakuya and grabbed him by the arms pulling him on the sand.

    “No more fun for you, party-skirt,” Shunsui said as they dragged him all the way to the shore.

    “Not fair!” Byakuya complained as Juushiro and Shunsui lifted him up.

    “Wheee!” he exclaimed as they threw him into the water.

    Byakuya splashed around a bit then came to the surface. He had a shocked and confused look on his face as he walked out of the water.

    “What is the meaning of this?! Are you out of your minds?!” Byakuya yelled.

    “No, but you were a moment ago,” Juushiro said pointing down at his grass skirt.

    Byakuya looked down as his eyes widened.

    “Holy Mary, Mother of God!” Byakuya yelled.

    Byakuya then glared at Juushiro and Shunsui as they stood there with smirks on their faces.

    “Don’t look at us you started this war with Gin. Take it up with him,” Shunsui told him.

    Byakuya looked over across the beach as he saw Gin sitting with Aiko and the others as they were laughing and looking his way. As Byakuya walked off toward the hotel to change, he mumbled under his breath.

    “You may have won this battle, Gin. However, the war is about to begin.”

    As Byakuya was walking off Juushiro looked over at Shunsui. “I don’t think you should have told him that,” Juushiro said.

    Shunsui smiled as he started walking back to the table shrugging his shoulders. “Why not? Just more laughs for us.” Shunsui replied.

    ---

    The hours pasted as Aiko and the others sat talking to Gin, Izuru, Juushiro, and Shunsui at their table. There was not many left from their group as they had taken off to bed or they were off doing something else. However, Ichigo, Chad, and Ishida remained along with Ikkaku, Renji, Asako, Ayasegawa, Toushiro and Hisagi as well as Aiko. However, a few minutes before two in the morning, Hisagi was holding his head.

    “Are you alright, Shuuhei?” Aiko asked him sitting her hand to his shoulder.

    “I am starting to get a headache.” Hisagi replied.

    “Why don’t you go take something for it?” Ichigo told him.

    “Grab a catnap while you’re at it,” Shunsui said. “Always works for me.”

    “Come on, I will go with you,” Aiko said.

    “Awwwww.” Everyone exclaimed around the table.

    Hisagi and Aiko turned looking at everyone at the table.

    Hisagi chuckled as he shook his head. “You guys are a bunch of big babies.”

    “Yeah, and you’re the biggest.” Renji joked.

    “Stay, Aiko this party is for you. Why should you have to leave because of Hisagi’s headache,” Asako said.

    “He is a big boy he can take care of himself.” Toushiro added.

    Hisagi looked at Aiko. “Their right, stay here. I’ll be back when I feel better.”

    Aiko nodded as she watched Hisagi stand from the table. He then leaded over kissing the top of her head. “See you in awhile,” Hisagi told her.

    “See you in a bit.” Aiko replied.

    A little later and a lot of convincing from everyone at the table, the group got Aiko to have a few drinks with them. As they sat there talking and laughing, Byakuya showed at the table. As he walked toward them, Aiko gestured with her head for Gin to look behind him.

    Gin turned as he saw Byakuya with a pleasing smile on his face.

    “Well I see ya decided not to hold a grudge.” Gin replied.

    Byakuya stopped behind Gin as he sat his hand to his shoulder and patted it with a slight chuckle. “Let’s go get us a drink, Gin,” Byakuya told him as he lifted Gin from his chair by his shirt.

    “Looks like I am leaving,” Gin said as he stood with the help of Byakuya.

    “This shouldn’t take long, my Dear I will be back,” Gin told Aiko as he followed Byakuya to the bar.

    “Was it me or did Byakuya look a little odd?” Toushiro asked.

    “Yeah that smile of his was way creepy,” Asako said.

    Juushiro and Shunsui stood from the table as they excused themselves.

    “We need to go keep an eye on those two. We will be back as soon as we know they are not going to kill one another,” Juushiro told them.

    “Good luck,” Izuru told them.

    “Thanks we might need it.” Shunsui replied as they turned and walked back to the table they were at once before.

    As the hour went on, Izuru kept looking over at the table where Byakuya, Gin, and the other two were sitting. They were slamming drinks as if they were water and getting drunk in a quick way.

    “Something wrong, Izuru?” Aiko asked.

    Izuru shook his head as he looked at Aiko and smiled. “No. Want to dance?” Izuru asked her.

    “Sure,” Aiko said.

    Izuru stood offering his hand to Aiko, when the two were out on the dance floor Izuru kept looking over toward Gin. Aiko placed her hand on Izuru’s cheek and made him look at her.

    “Stop worrying about them. They are grown men,” Aiko said.

    “Grown men that act like teenagers. If Byakuya and Gin get into Aiko, no one is going to be able to break them up.”

    “I am sure Juushiro and Shunsui will keep that from happening.” Aiko assured him as she looked into his eyes.

    Izuru became quiet as he gazed into Aiko’s green eyes. He then pulled her closer to him as they danced. “I miss having you at my side, Aiko,” Izuru told her.

    Aiko smiled. “I am always at your side, Izuru, just not like it use to be.”

    “That is what I miss,” Izuru said with a wide smile.

    Aiko chuckled as she laid her head to his chest as they danced.

    “Ok, does this look like they are getting a little too comfy out there?” Ichigo asked looking at Renji and Ikkaku that just finished a shot they ordered.

    Ikkaku and Renji looked out at the dance floor as Ikkaku looked back at Renji. “Leave them alone. It is Izuru he is not going to do anything,” Ayasegawa told them.

    “He uses to date Aiko, dude. Are you dense in the head?” Renji retorted.

    “So!” Asako exclaimed. “Aya is right. Leave them alone.”

    Walking back up to the table, Toushiro over heard their conversation. “What’s going on? Leave who alone?” Toushiro asked.

    Ikkaku and Renji pointed out to the dance floor as Toushiro looked that way. He then started his way out toward Aiko and Izuru. “That’s an easy fix,” Toushiro said.

    “Hey!” Asako called to him. “Great!”

    Toushiro walked causally out toward Izuru and Aiko as he tapped Izuru on the shoulder. “May I?”

    Izuru smiled as he stepped back from Aiko and handed her over to Toushiro. Toushiro bowed slightly to Aiko and took her in his arms.

    “Wow! We should have thought about that,” Renji said hitting Ikkaku in the back of the arm as he watched as well.

    Izuru walked back to the table with Asako and the others as he told them. “I am going to go see what is going on with Gin and Byakuya.”

    “Bring us back an update.” Ikkaku chuckled as he watched Izuru walk off.

    ---

    While at the table of the Sensei’s, Byakuya and Gin, were tossing reminders and challenges back and forth at one another.

    “You’re an idiot, Gin.” Byakuya hiccupped. “It was me.”

    “And you're drunk, Byakuya,” Gin told him. “I was the one that had all the girls back in high school.”

    “Only in your dreams,” Byakuya hiccupped again then chuckled. “And I am not drunk. You are.”

    “Right, if I remember right I was the one that got the last drinks we had without spelling them.” Gin replied flinging his hand off to the side.

    “Uhmm, sorry that was me,” Juushiro said.

    “You two have not moved from your seats since you sat down here,” Shunsui told them.

    Gin looked out to the dance floor as he saw Aiko, now dancing with Ikkaku. Gin swagger to a stand as he got up from his seat. Juushiro reached for him to steady him as Gin stood erect and straightened his shirt.

    “And where do you think you are going you drunk bastard?” Byakuya asked.

    “To dance with my girl Aiko. I have yet to share a dance with her tonight.” Gin replied.

    Byakuya laughed a hard laugh as he covered his stomach with one hand. Gin was making his way around the table as Byakuya then started to speak.

    “Aiko! Your girl! Where do you get off thinking like that?” Byakuya questioned.

    Gin leaned over resting one hand to the table and one on Byakuya’s shoulder looking at him as their faces where just inches apart.

    “Bet ya I can get a kiss from her before you can,” Gin said giving Byakuya that ‘dare you’ smile.

    Byakuya glared into Gin’s eyes as Gin then told him. “A full kiss. Right on the lips!” Gin then made a kissing sound, as Byakuya’s look got more intense.

    “Now wait a minute thi--” Juushiro retorted as he stood from his chair.

    “Our on!” Byakuya growled as he shot up from his seat cutting Juushiro off.

    Shunsui quickly grabbed Byakuya as he almost fell backward.

    “Gin, I am not sure this is a wise--” Izuru stopped short as Gin was not listening as he walked away from the table followed by Byakuya.

    Izuru looked at Juushiro and Shunsui in a panic as he retorted. “Do something!”

    “I am sure, Aiko will do enough.” Shunsui replied with a chuckle.

    “Do you two realize the hell this is going to cause with Hisagi if one of them do kiss Aiko?!” Izuru stated.

    “He is right,” Juushiro said.

    “I am sure neither of them will get their kiss. Let’s just watch the fun for now.” Shunsui replied motioning out to where Gin and Byakuya where standing.

    Not too far from the dance floor, Gin was standing next to Byakuya with his arm draped over his shoulders.

    “Now to make this fair for the both of us, we will each get a full dance with Aiko. If ya have not gotten a kiss from her by the end of the dance, ya lost.” Gin informed him.

    “No stealing a kiss either, Gin. I know how you are.” Byakuya grunted.

    Gin pulled slightly back from Byakuya as he raised his hand to his chest. “Meee! Now why would I do that?” Gin asked with one of his crazy smiles.

    “I get first dance,” Byakuya told him.

    “As you wish,” Gin said as he gestured toward the dance floor.

    Byakuya walked out to the dance floor walking toward Aiko and Ikkaku as their song finally ended. Ikkaku was about to lead Aiko off the dance floor as Byakuya asked.

    “Aiko, may I have a dance?”

    Aiko turned looking at Byakuya shocked he was on his feet and walking so well. “Are you sure you are to up to it, Byakuya?” Aiko asked. “I mean I like my toes where they are.”

    Byakuya gave a slight chuckle as he walked out taking Aiko’s hand into his. “I promise you your toes will be safe.”

    Aiko chuckled as she stepped up to Byakuya and he held her gently but firmly in his arms. “So are you enjoying your party?” Byakuya asked her.

    “Oh yes, very much so. It was so sweet of you all to do this for me.”

    “Well like we said during your speech. We all love you very much,” Byakuya told her.

    “Thanks, Byakuya and I am so glad I have you all in my life. I don’t know where I would be without all of you.”

    The two danced a little longer in silence when Byakuya looked Gin’s way. Gin was pointing at wrist gesturing that Byakuya’s time was running short. Byakuya then pulled Aiko closer to him and said. “You look very lovely tonight, Aiko.”

    “Thank you,” Aiko replied with a slight bush as she cast her eyes down.

    Byakuya lifted Aiko’s head so she would look into his eyes as he said, “I have a confession to make if you do not mind.”

    “A confession? About what?” Aiko asked.

    “About me and you.” Byakuya replied.

    Aiko was shocked as she looked into Byakuya’s eyes; she was not sure what to say as she replied. “Ok.”

    “The reason I was trying to keep you from Hisagi was my own selfish needs. I never did nor will I ever look at you as my sister. That was only a cover to hide my true feeling for you.”

    “Byak--”

    “No let me finish,” Byakuya said cutting Aiko off. “I envied Izuru because he was able to have you at his side. Now that you have become of age I find the urge to be with you even stronger.”

    Aiko was so shocked at his words she stopped dancing and just stood before him. Aiko had her head lowered as she said, “Byakuya,--”

    Aiko stopped short as she felt Byakuya slide his hand under her chin and lift her head.

    Soon she and Byakuya were eye to eye once more. Aiko leaned back slightly as Byakuya started closing the gab between them. As their lips brushed together, Aiko quickly turned her head.

    “Byakuya I am sorry, but there can be nothing more between us then friends as long as I’m with Shuuhei.”

    Byakuya was about to say something as they heard Gin’s voice. “Tisk tisk tisk. While the cat’s way the mice will play. And here I thought you looked at Aiko as a sister. What a surprise!”

    The song ended as Gin offered his hand to Aiko as she took it stepping away from Byakuya. Aiko looked back at Byakuya, as he was glaring at Gin. Gin stepped toward Byakuya and leaned toward to his ear as he whispered. “Go have a set and let the big dog show ya how it is done.”

    Byakuya shoulder bumped Gin pushing Gin back slightly as he stormed off toward their table. Gin then turned and looked at Aiko with a slight bow and offering his hand.

    “May I? I have yet to share a dance with my girl tonight.”

    Aiko smiled as she took Gin’s hand. Gin then raised his hand signaling to the band and they started the song Gin requested. The dance they were getting ready to dance to was an up beat dance tune. One Aiko and Gin had danced to before back when Aiko was seeing Izuru.

    “Do you remember the night we danced to this song?” Gin asked her.

    Aiko nodded with a smile as Gin pulled Aiko toward him quickly and embarrassed her firmly in his arms. The two danced with a quick step and a fast pace as everyone was watching them dance.

    “I didn’t know Aiko could dance to this stuff?” Renji said.

    “This stuff as you so call it is the Tango. You big dork,” Toushiro said.

    “Look at them go. Wow!” Asako exclaimed.

    “She is good!” Ikkaku replied.

    “So is Gin,” Toushiro said.

    As the two danced, Byakuya was at their table watching them as he growled. “Show off!”

    “He knows how to dance that is for sure,” Juushiro said.

    “He’ll never get a kiss from her at this rate.” Byakuya replied.

    “I wouldn’t bet on that,” Shunsui said as he pointed out to the dance floor as Gin dipped Aiko back putting just centimeters between the two of them.

    “That son of a bitch!” Byakuya growled.

    However, back at Aiko’s table.

    “Did Gin just kiss her?!” Renji exclaimed as he watched Gin slowly moved his head down Aiko’s body then jerk her back to her feet and off they danced again.

    “No you idiot that is how the dance moves go.” Asako replied.

    “They better be glad Hisagi is not out here he’d be flipping a lid right now!” Ikkaku retorted.

    “Calm down, Ikkaku it is Gin,” Toushiro said.

    “Yeah, that’s the problem. You heard what he said about her the first night we were here.” Ikkaku growled.

    Just then, the song started coming to a close as Byakuya watched waiting to see Gin fail as badly as he did. As Gin dipped Aiko back for the last time, he was again just centimeters from her lips. Aiko was smiling at Gin as he smiled one of his wild smiles looking into Aiko’s eyes. Gin then pressed his lips to hers and they shared a kiss. Gin lifted Aiko to her feet as he bowed to Aiko still holding her hand.

    “I will always love dancing to that song with you, my Dear. The end is always the best.”

    Aiko chuckled as she bowed to Gin. “You’ll always be the best dancer I know, Gin.”

    Aiko stepped up to Gin wrapping her arms around him and giving him a hug then a kiss on the cheek.

    Shunsui laughed as he reached back hitting Byakuya playfully in the center of the chest with the back of his hand. “Not only did he get the kiss he bet you on. He got a hug and another kiss on the cheek.”

    Byakuya growled as he stormed off down the beach leaving Juushiro, Shunsui, and Izuru laughing at everything that went on.

Description

Chapter 69:

    As the party went on everyone was having a good time. When the band took a break, the group sat down at some tables. Hanataro joined them too as Nomi dragged him to the table.

    “Wow, this is the best beach party I've ever been to,” Chiyo said.

    “Definitely, and I have all my friends to thank for that.” Aiko replied.

    “You're welcome, Aiko.” They all replied together.

    “Hey, Hana, I have a question to ask,” Chiyo said.

    “Yeah?”

    “How on earth can you keep up with Nomi?” Chiyo asked as the others burst into laughter.

    “That’s a good question,” Ichigo said as he and the others appeared. “Got room for five more?” He grinned.

    “You know you’re always welcome. Take a seat, guys,” Aiko said as they pulled another table over and took their seats around it.

    “Now about my question?” Chiyo said turning back to Hanataro.

    “Hey, that’s not nice! I’m not that energetic!” Nomi exclaimed.

    “Like hell you aren’t! And if you even touch a chocolate bar you become even worse! Trust me I know! Damn devil and his evil doings,” Hisagi said as Renji and Toushiro laughed hard.

    “Ok Ok, so I am,” Nomi said as she pouted.

    “Nomi, we like you even if you’re hyper sometimes.” Aiko chuckled.

    “You do? Awww thanks,” Nomi said.

    “Hana, please! I need to know cause I’m seriously having problems keeping up!” Chiyo chuckled, as did everyone else.

    “Well my mom thought I was rather anemic, I wonder why?” Hanataro pondered.

    “Oh, I wonder,” Toushiro said chuckling.

    “So she hired a nutritionist and he put me on a vegetal diet. Lots of fruits, vegetables, and vitamins.”

    “Address? Telephone? Email? Anything!” Chiyo pleaded.

    “I’ll call my mom when I get back up to my room,” Hanataro said.

    “Thank you.” Chiyo replied.

    “You know what would be awesome now?” Aiko replied.

    “What?” Hisagi asked.

    “I’d really love some group photos. Anyone have a camera?” Aiko asked.

    “I have one up in my room. Want me to go and get it?” Asako asked.

    “I’d love that if you don’t mind,” Aiko said.

    “Sure thing, girl. Coming, Aya?” Asako asked as she stood up.

    “Of course,” Ayasegawa said offering his arm as he and Asako went back to the hotel.

    As they were leaving, the band came back from their break.

    “Hey Hisagi, can I steal Aiko for a dance?” Ichigo asked as he went to their table.

    “Hmm, not too tempting,” Hisagi said.

    “Kurosaki-kun is a good dancer, Aiko,” Orihime said.

    “Orihime! You’re not helping,” Hisagi said turning his head towards her.

    “Sorry, Hisagi-kun,” Orihime said.

    “Alright, but if you try and pull something funny I’ll be on your trail like a bloodhound,” Hisagi said.

    “Fine with me, boss,” Ichigo said as he took Aiko’s hand and helped her from her seat.

    “Don’t be sad I’ll be back.” Aiko giggled as she gave Hisagi a kiss.

    “Let’s go!” Nomi exclaimed as she jumped up from the chair. “I love that song!”

    “Okay,” Hanataro said letting himself be dragged up on the dance floor again.

    “Come on, Renji, let’s go have some fun,” Ikkaku said getting up from the table.

    “Sure,” Renji said as he got up himself.

    “Hey! Do you mean you’re leaving me here?” Chiyo questioned resting her hands on her hips.

    “Aww, come on, Babe! I hate dancing and I’m bored sitting here,” Ikkaku said.

    “Well what am I supposed to do?” Chiyo asked.

    “I don’t know, ask someone to dance,” Ikkaku said as he left with Renji.

    “Boys.” Chiyo grunted. “Wanna dance, Toushiro?” Chiyo asked.

    “Sure, it’d be nice to get away from the fangirls.” Toushiro laughed as he went with Chiyo to the dance floor.

    “Wanna dance, Ishida-kun?” Orihime asked.

    “Oh I’m not into this kind of thing,” Ishida said.

    “Oh please?” Orihime begged.

    “Alright, but don’t get mad at me if I step on your toes,” Ishida said.

    “Fine with me,” Orihime said as she went with him.

    “Well don’t sit all the way over there,” Hisagi said to Rukia and Chad.

    “Ok,” Chad said as he and Rukia moved closer.

    “So you’re not the dancing type, eh?” Hisagi asked.

    “Well I can’t really find someone my size,” Chad said.

    “Of course you can! You just haven’t looked,” Hisagi said. “What about you, Rukia?”

    “Oh no, I don’t really know how to, my brother didn’t really teach me and I never really dared by myself…” Rukia stammered.

    “Oh come on, it’s not that hard. I’ll show you. If Byakuya won’t kill me of course,” Hisagi said.

    “Oh I’m not sure. I don’t want to be a bother,” Rukia said.

    “Come on, just one dance,” Hisagi said offering his hand. “You’re not a bother. Besides, that way I get to keep an eye on Ichigo.” Hisagi chuckled.

    “Ok,” Rukia said as she chuckled as well.

    “Chad, you come too. I’m sure we can find you a partner,” Hisagi told him. “Come on, it’s Aiko’s birthday, have some fun!”

    “Ok,” Chad said as he followed too.

    ---

    As Asako and Ayasegawa were walking back to the hotel, Ayasegawa broke the silence.

    “May I ask a question?”

    “Sure. What is it?” Asako asked.

    “I wanted to ask you about what you said earlier, that a girl like you could have never got close to a guy like me. Did I look that untouchable?” Ayasegawa asked.

    “No!” Asako said.

    “Then what?”

    “Well I was always the boyish girl and you were always the stylish and classy guy. I mean, I dunno, it’s not like I really thought about it. I never looked at you as more than a friend,” Asako said.

    “I see,” Ayasegawa said.

    “Wait, did I say something wrong?” Asako asked.

    “No, don’t worry,” Ayasegawa said as he smiled at her. “I was quite the stuck-up brat, wasn’t I?”

    “No! It’s more like you’re the artist type and a bit more refined material than you find around here.” Asako looked over at Ayasegawa as he looked a little confused. “You know, where mommy and daddy paid for their brat to go at the most high-class high school,” Asako said.

    “So you don’t think I’m stuck-up?”

    “No! But you do have some hilarious reactions sometimes.” Asako chuckled. “Like at the Christmas party when you made that fuss just because we told you that you were a little bad-mouthed. I mean you were with friends, no one really cared about it.”

    “It’s not my friends I’m worried about, it’s just I can’t stand myself speaking like that,” Ayasegawa said as he chuckled.

    “Well you need to lighten up some,” Asako said.

    “I’ll try.” Ayasegawa smiled as they entered the hotel.

    “Oh great! Just firkin great!” Asako exclaimed as Ayasegawa opened the door for her.

    “What is it, rose bud?” Ayasegawa asked.

    “I left my sandals on the beach when I threw them at Renji and Ikkaku, and they just washed the floor in here! Look at it! There’s water everywhere! I’ll be lucky if I don’t fall and crack my head! Aaaaah!” Asako exclaimed as Ayasegawa lifted her up in his arms and carried her across the floor. “What are you doing?”

    “Well the floor is wet and I wouldn’t want you to fall or get a cold, now would I?” Ayasegawa replied as he walked with Asako in his arms over to the elevator then gently put her down once inside. “There you go. You’re very light for your height you know.”

    “Thanks,” Asako said wearing a bright shade of pink on her face.

    “You’re welcome,” Ayasegawa said as the door closed.

    Once up at her room Asako opened the door and they went it. She searched through her bags and quickly found the digital camera her mother had bought and they went out again, not before Asako got another pair of sandals. As they went out of the hotel and onto the beach again, a bulky guy bumped hard into Asako.

    “Watch where you’re going, you idiot!” Asako snapped.

    “Got a problem, shrimp?” The guy replied as he looked down to Asako.

    “Leave him and let’s go, rose bud,” Ayasegawa said rather nervous.

    “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of a thug like this!” Asako questioned as Ayasegawa lead her away.

    “To be honest, yes! Now let’s go,” Ayasegawa said as he tried to get Asako farther away from the guy.

    “Bullshit! I’m gonna show you how to defend yourself,” Asako said storming back to the guy.

    “First rule: The bigger they are the harder they fall,” Asako said as she went over to the guy.

    “Second rule: Hit a weak spot, it’s usually here!” Asako said as she grabbed the guy by the shoulders.

    “What are you—OOF!” He gasped as Asako kneed him in the groin. “Or here.” Asako added as she thrust her fist into his stomach. “If you can’t reach, get the shins,” Asako said as she kicked him in the shins.

    “Ah I see,” Ayasegawa said looking interested at her.

    “When he’s down at your height you do this,” Asako said as she turned and kicked him under the chin with her foot. “And you’re done.” Asako concluded dusting her palms.

    “Interesting,” Ayasegawa said.

    “Let’s go back, Aiko is probably waiting for us,” Asako said.

    “Ok,” Ayasegawa said as he offered his arm to Asako.

    Asako wrapped her arm around his and they went back to the tables. When they got there, they found Aiko sitting with Hisagi, Ichigo, Toushiro, and Chiyo at a table.

    “We’re back. Here you go,” Asako said as she handed Aiko the camera.

    “Thank you so much, Asako,” Aiko said.

    “You’re welcome, girl,” Asako said.

    “It’s photo time!” Aiko cheered as she started by taking photos of all those who were at the table.

    She then handed the camera to Toushiro.

    “Here, take a few pictures of me and Shuuhei,” Aiko said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and Toushiro took a photo.

    “Hey, Toushiro you with me?” Hisagi asked with a wicked smile.

    “Every step of the way, pal.” Toushiro grinned as he readied the camera.

    “Shuuhei, what are you—Ahh!” Aiko exclaimed as Shuuhei grabbed her in her arms, spun her around a few times, and then threw her up in the air as Toushiro kept taking shots and the other were laughing.

    Shuuhei caught her as she playfully slapped him.

    “You should have warned me you clown!” Aiko replied still up in his arms.

    “Yeah but the effect wouldn’t have been the same.” Hisagi grinned. “Toushiro, another photo,” Hisagi said as he was holding Aiko.

    She wrapped her arms around his neck and they both smiled towards the camera.

    “Done,” Toushiro said as he handed her the camera.

    Next Aiko started taking photos with her friends which included Toushiro making funny faces and pulling his hair up to match Aiko’s height. Ichigo keeling in a pose like Romeo would with Juliet in the play and Aiko popping her head in between Asako and Ayasegawa. After she was done, they sat at their table and continued talking. Asako and Ayasegawa were holding hands as Ichigo kept looking at them.

    “You two are serious about this aren’t you?” Ichigo asked.

    “Keep ogling and I’ll get serious on you,” Asako said as Aiko and Toushiro chuckled.

    “I was just saying,” Ichigo said as he kept looking.

    Asako calmly pushed his head to the front direction. “Keep your head that way or else I’m gonna tape it,” Asako said.

    “I think I got the message,” Ichigo said.

    “Where are the others anyway?” Aiko asked.

    “Either dancing or getting wasted,” Ichigo said as they laughed.

    “What the..?” Hisagi replied.

    “What?” Ichigo asked.

    “Over there!” Hisagi said in a shocked state as they all looked in that direction.

    The sight they saw was priceless. Gin was pushing Byakuya from behind to the center area of the party and Byakuya was wearing a floral Hawaii shirt with a grass skirt on, looking rather wasted.

    “Are you shhhure I look pwetty?” Byakuya mumbled.

    “Yes you do, pretty bird, now go have fun,” Gin told him with a malevolent smile as he gently pushed Byakuya forward.

    Byakuya put on a dumb smile as he stumbled to their table. “Hewo,” Byakuya said.

    “Hey,” Aiko said as they all were trying hard to hold back their laughter before they finally burst.

    “What? Ain’t I pwetty?” Byakuya asked in a drunken tone.

    “Oh yeah yeah, you’re pretty alright! Pretty screwed!” Hisagi said as he was holding his stomach and hitting the table laughing.

    “Good, alls that mattershhh ishh I’m pwetty.” Byakuya mumbled as he stumbled to the teacher’s table doing a bad impression of a hula dance along the way as Aiko and her friends were laughing hard.

    “THIS is going to the album!” Aiko said as she wiped away a tear and turned on the camera filming Byakuya and taking photos of him.

    “This just made my day!” Hisagi exclaimed as he was still laughing.

    “Only yours?!” Toushiro asked as he was laughing equally hard.

    Then suddenly Gin appeared at their table, pulled a chair from a near-by table to theirs, and sat down.

    “Gin! You’re behind this?” Aiko questioned.

    “Of course I am,” Gin said with a broad smile.

    “I’m gonna make you a statue for this,” Hisagi told him. “Waiter! Get him a drink! Make it the best you have!” Hisagi said.

    “Why thank you, Hisagi-kun, you’re too kind,” Gin said.

    “Spare me, you deserve a monument for this.” Hisagi said.

    “Make it non-alcohol, please,” Gin said turning at the waiter.

    “What, you don’t wanna get drunk and miss out on the fun, eh?” Ichigo asked.

    “I didn’t have a single drop of alcohol tonight and I don’t intend to either. I want to remember every single painful moment of this,” Gin said rubbing his hands.

    “Don’t worry, I gave Aiko my camera, you’ll have plenty of reminders!” Asako chuckled. “He will as well,” Asako said as he pointed towards Byakuya who was next to Juushiro and Shunsui at the table.

    “I am counting on that, my dear.” Gin smirked.

    “What on earth did he do to piss you off like that?” Aiko asked as they were still looking at Byakuya making a fool of himself.

    “Byakuya-kun seems to have forgotten how much shit I got him out of, and I wanted to show him I could just as easy put him into deep shit. Hopefully, this will serve him that lesson. Cheers!” Gin said holding up his drink as they all did the same chuckling. “Enjoy the show.”

    ---

    At the other table, Juushiro and Shunsui were laughing their asses off at Byakuya and his random babbling.

    “And the kitty went boom! Then the cheese was pink and the cow mooed!” Byakuya replied.

    “Should we bring him out of this?” Juushiro asked wiping away a tear.

    “Nah,” Shunsui said as Byakuya stood up from the table and went to disgrace himself even more at other tables.

    When he headed to the dance floor Juushiro said, “You think we need to go and stop him?”

    “Yeah, it would be about time,” Shunsui said as they got up from the table.

    They headed towards Byakuya and grabbed him by the arms pulling him on the sand.

    “No more fun for you, party-skirt,” Shunsui said as they dragged him all the way to the shore.

    “Not fair!” Byakuya complained as Juushiro and Shunsui lifted him up.

    “Wheee!” he exclaimed as they threw him into the water.

    Byakuya splashed around a bit then came to the surface. He had a shocked and confused look on his face as he walked out of the water.

    “What is the meaning of this?! Are you out of your minds?!” Byakuya yelled.

    “No, but you were a moment ago,” Juushiro said pointing down at his grass skirt.

    Byakuya looked down as his eyes widened.

    “Holy Mary, Mother of God!” Byakuya yelled.

    Byakuya then glared at Juushiro and Shunsui as they stood there with smirks on their faces.

    “Don’t look at us you started this war with Gin. Take it up with him,” Shunsui told him.

    Byakuya looked over across the beach as he saw Gin sitting with Aiko and the others as they were laughing and looking his way. As Byakuya walked off toward the hotel to change, he mumbled under his breath.

    “You may have won this battle, Gin. However, the war is about to begin.”

    As Byakuya was walking off Juushiro looked over at Shunsui. “I don’t think you should have told him that,” Juushiro said.

    Shunsui smiled as he started walking back to the table shrugging his shoulders. “Why not? Just more laughs for us.” Shunsui replied.

    ---

    The hours pasted as Aiko and the others sat talking to Gin, Izuru, Juushiro, and Shunsui at their table. There was not many left from their group as they had taken off to bed or they were off doing something else. However, Ichigo, Chad, and Ishida remained along with Ikkaku, Renji, Asako, Ayasegawa, Toushiro and Hisagi as well as Aiko. However, a few minutes before two in the morning, Hisagi was holding his head.

    “Are you alright, Shuuhei?” Aiko asked him sitting her hand to his shoulder.

    “I am starting to get a headache.” Hisagi replied.

    “Why don’t you go take something for it?” Ichigo told him.

    “Grab a catnap while you’re at it,” Shunsui said. “Always works for me.”

    “Come on, I will go with you,” Aiko said.

    “Awwwww.” Everyone exclaimed around the table.

    Hisagi and Aiko turned looking at everyone at the table.

    Hisagi chuckled as he shook his head. “You guys are a bunch of big babies.”

    “Yeah, and you’re the biggest.” Renji joked.

    “Stay, Aiko this party is for you. Why should you have to leave because of Hisagi’s headache,” Asako said.

    “He is a big boy he can take care of himself.” Toushiro added.

    Hisagi looked at Aiko. “Their right, stay here. I’ll be back when I feel better.”

    Aiko nodded as she watched Hisagi stand from the table. He then leaded over kissing the top of her head. “See you in awhile,” Hisagi told her.

    “See you in a bit.” Aiko replied.

    A little later and a lot of convincing from everyone at the table, the group got Aiko to have a few drinks with them. As they sat there talking and laughing, Byakuya showed at the table. As he walked toward them, Aiko gestured with her head for Gin to look behind him.

    Gin turned as he saw Byakuya with a pleasing smile on his face.

    “Well I see ya decided not to hold a grudge.” Gin replied.

    Byakuya stopped behind Gin as he sat his hand to his shoulder and patted it with a slight chuckle. “Let’s go get us a drink, Gin,” Byakuya told him as he lifted Gin from his chair by his shirt.

    “Looks like I am leaving,” Gin said as he stood with the help of Byakuya.

    “This shouldn’t take long, my Dear I will be back,” Gin told Aiko as he followed Byakuya to the bar.

    “Was it me or did Byakuya look a little odd?” Toushiro asked.

    “Yeah that smile of his was way creepy,” Asako said.

    Juushiro and Shunsui stood from the table as they excused themselves.

    “We need to go keep an eye on those two. We will be back as soon as we know they are not going to kill one another,” Juushiro told them.

    “Good luck,” Izuru told them.

    “Thanks we might need it.” Shunsui replied as they turned and walked back to the table they were at once before.

    As the hour went on, Izuru kept looking over at the table where Byakuya, Gin, and the other two were sitting. They were slamming drinks as if they were water and getting drunk in a quick way.

    “Something wrong, Izuru?” Aiko asked.

    Izuru shook his head as he looked at Aiko and smiled. “No. Want to dance?” Izuru asked her.

    “Sure,” Aiko said.

    Izuru stood offering his hand to Aiko, when the two were out on the dance floor Izuru kept looking over toward Gin. Aiko placed her hand on Izuru’s cheek and made him look at her.

    “Stop worrying about them. They are grown men,” Aiko said.

    “Grown men that act like teenagers. If Byakuya and Gin get into Aiko, no one is going to be able to break them up.”

    “I am sure Juushiro and Shunsui will keep that from happening.” Aiko assured him as she looked into his eyes.

    Izuru became quiet as he gazed into Aiko’s green eyes. He then pulled her closer to him as they danced. “I miss having you at my side, Aiko,” Izuru told her.

    Aiko smiled. “I am always at your side, Izuru, just not like it use to be.”

    “That is what I miss,” Izuru said with a wide smile.

    Aiko chuckled as she laid her head to his chest as they danced.

    “Ok, does this look like they are getting a little too comfy out there?” Ichigo asked looking at Renji and Ikkaku that just finished a shot they ordered.

    Ikkaku and Renji looked out at the dance floor as Ikkaku looked back at Renji. “Leave them alone. It is Izuru he is not going to do anything,” Ayasegawa told them.

    “He uses to date Aiko, dude. Are you dense in the head?” Renji retorted.

    “So!” Asako exclaimed. “Aya is right. Leave them alone.”

    Walking back up to the table, Toushiro over heard their conversation. “What’s going on? Leave who alone?” Toushiro asked.

    Ikkaku and Renji pointed out to the dance floor as Toushiro looked that way. He then started his way out toward Aiko and Izuru. “That’s an easy fix,” Toushiro said.

    “Hey!” Asako called to him. “Great!”

    Toushiro walked causally out toward Izuru and Aiko as he tapped Izuru on the shoulder. “May I?”

    Izuru smiled as he stepped back from Aiko and handed her over to Toushiro. Toushiro bowed slightly to Aiko and took her in his arms.

    “Wow! We should have thought about that,” Renji said hitting Ikkaku in the back of the arm as he watched as well.

    Izuru walked back to the table with Asako and the others as he told them. “I am going to go see what is going on with Gin and Byakuya.”

    “Bring us back an update.” Ikkaku chuckled as he watched Izuru walk off.

    ---

    While at the table of the Sensei’s, Byakuya and Gin, were tossing reminders and challenges back and forth at one another.

    “You’re an idiot, Gin.” Byakuya hiccupped. “It was me.”

    “And you're drunk, Byakuya,” Gin told him. “I was the one that had all the girls back in high school.”

    “Only in your dreams,” Byakuya hiccupped again then chuckled. “And I am not drunk. You are.”

    “Right, if I remember right I was the one that got the last drinks we had without spelling them.” Gin replied flinging his hand off to the side.

    “Uhmm, sorry that was me,” Juushiro said.

    “You two have not moved from your seats since you sat down here,” Shunsui told them.

    Gin looked out to the dance floor as he saw Aiko, now dancing with Ikkaku. Gin swagger to a stand as he got up from his seat. Juushiro reached for him to steady him as Gin stood erect and straightened his shirt.

    “And where do you think you are going you drunk bastard?” Byakuya asked.

    “To dance with my girl Aiko. I have yet to share a dance with her tonight.” Gin replied.

    Byakuya laughed a hard laugh as he covered his stomach with one hand. Gin was making his way around the table as Byakuya then started to speak.

    “Aiko! Your girl! Where do you get off thinking like that?” Byakuya questioned.

    Gin leaned over resting one hand to the table and one on Byakuya’s shoulder looking at him as their faces where just inches apart.

    “Bet ya I can get a kiss from her before you can,” Gin said giving Byakuya that ‘dare you’ smile.

    Byakuya glared into Gin’s eyes as Gin then told him. “A full kiss. Right on the lips!” Gin then made a kissing sound, as Byakuya’s look got more intense.

    “Now wait a minute thi--” Juushiro retorted as he stood from his chair.

    “Our on!” Byakuya growled as he shot up from his seat cutting Juushiro off.

    Shunsui quickly grabbed Byakuya as he almost fell backward.

    “Gin, I am not sure this is a wise--” Izuru stopped short as Gin was not listening as he walked away from the table followed by Byakuya.

    Izuru looked at Juushiro and Shunsui in a panic as he retorted. “Do something!”

    “I am sure, Aiko will do enough.” Shunsui replied with a chuckle.

    “Do you two realize the hell this is going to cause with Hisagi if one of them do kiss Aiko?!” Izuru stated.

    “He is right,” Juushiro said.

    “I am sure neither of them will get their kiss. Let’s just watch the fun for now.” Shunsui replied motioning out to where Gin and Byakuya where standing.

    Not too far from the dance floor, Gin was standing next to Byakuya with his arm draped over his shoulders.

    “Now to make this fair for the both of us, we will each get a full dance with Aiko. If ya have not gotten a kiss from her by the end of the dance, ya lost.” Gin informed him.

    “No stealing a kiss either, Gin. I know how you are.” Byakuya grunted.

    Gin pulled slightly back from Byakuya as he raised his hand to his chest. “Meee! Now why would I do that?” Gin asked with one of his crazy smiles.

    “I get first dance,” Byakuya told him.

    “As you wish,” Gin said as he gestured toward the dance floor.

    Byakuya walked out to the dance floor walking toward Aiko and Ikkaku as their song finally ended. Ikkaku was about to lead Aiko off the dance floor as Byakuya asked.

    “Aiko, may I have a dance?”

    Aiko turned looking at Byakuya shocked he was on his feet and walking so well. “Are you sure you are to up to it, Byakuya?” Aiko asked. “I mean I like my toes where they are.”

    Byakuya gave a slight chuckle as he walked out taking Aiko’s hand into his. “I promise you your toes will be safe.”

    Aiko chuckled as she stepped up to Byakuya and he held her gently but firmly in his arms. “So are you enjoying your party?” Byakuya asked her.

    “Oh yes, very much so. It was so sweet of you all to do this for me.”

    “Well like we said during your speech. We all love you very much,” Byakuya told her.

    “Thanks, Byakuya and I am so glad I have you all in my life. I don’t know where I would be without all of you.”

    The two danced a little longer in silence when Byakuya looked Gin’s way. Gin was pointing at wrist gesturing that Byakuya’s time was running short. Byakuya then pulled Aiko closer to him and said. “You look very lovely tonight, Aiko.”

    “Thank you,” Aiko replied with a slight bush as she cast her eyes down.

    Byakuya lifted Aiko’s head so she would look into his eyes as he said, “I have a confession to make if you do not mind.”

    “A confession? About what?” Aiko asked.

    “About me and you.” Byakuya replied.

    Aiko was shocked as she looked into Byakuya’s eyes; she was not sure what to say as she replied. “Ok.”

    “The reason I was trying to keep you from Hisagi was my own selfish needs. I never did nor will I ever look at you as my sister. That was only a cover to hide my true feeling for you.”

    “Byak--”

    “No let me finish,” Byakuya said cutting Aiko off. “I envied Izuru because he was able to have you at his side. Now that you have become of age I find the urge to be with you even stronger.”

    Aiko was so shocked at his words she stopped dancing and just stood before him. Aiko had her head lowered as she said, “Byakuya,--”

    Aiko stopped short as she felt Byakuya slide his hand under her chin and lift her head.

    Soon she and Byakuya were eye to eye once more. Aiko leaned back slightly as Byakuya started closing the gab between them. As their lips brushed together, Aiko quickly turned her head.

    “Byakuya I am sorry, but there can be nothing more between us then friends as long as I’m with Shuuhei.”

    Byakuya was about to say something as they heard Gin’s voice. “Tisk tisk tisk. While the cat’s way the mice will play. And here I thought you looked at Aiko as a sister. What a surprise!”

    The song ended as Gin offered his hand to Aiko as she took it stepping away from Byakuya. Aiko looked back at Byakuya, as he was glaring at Gin. Gin stepped toward Byakuya and leaned toward to his ear as he whispered. “Go have a set and let the big dog show ya how it is done.”

    Byakuya shoulder bumped Gin pushing Gin back slightly as he stormed off toward their table. Gin then turned and looked at Aiko with a slight bow and offering his hand.

    “May I? I have yet to share a dance with my girl tonight.”

    Aiko smiled as she took Gin’s hand. Gin then raised his hand signaling to the band and they started the song Gin requested. The dance they were getting ready to dance to was an up beat dance tune. One Aiko and Gin had danced to before back when Aiko was seeing Izuru.

    “Do you remember the night we danced to this song?” Gin asked her.

    Aiko nodded with a smile as Gin pulled Aiko toward him quickly and embarrassed her firmly in his arms. The two danced with a quick step and a fast pace as everyone was watching them dance.

    “I didn’t know Aiko could dance to this stuff?” Renji said.

    “This stuff as you so call it is the Tango. You big dork,” Toushiro said.

    “Look at them go. Wow!” Asako exclaimed.

    “She is good!” Ikkaku replied.

    “So is Gin,” Toushiro said.

    As the two danced, Byakuya was at their table watching them as he growled. “Show off!”

    “He knows how to dance that is for sure,” Juushiro said.

    “He’ll never get a kiss from her at this rate.” Byakuya replied.

    “I wouldn’t bet on that,” Shunsui said as he pointed out to the dance floor as Gin dipped Aiko back putting just centimeters between the two of them.

    “That son of a bitch!” Byakuya growled.

    However, back at Aiko’s table.

    “Did Gin just kiss her?!” Renji exclaimed as he watched Gin slowly moved his head down Aiko’s body then jerk her back to her feet and off they danced again.

    “No you idiot that is how the dance moves go.” Asako replied.

    “They better be glad Hisagi is not out here he’d be flipping a lid right now!” Ikkaku retorted.

    “Calm down, Ikkaku it is Gin,” Toushiro said.

    “Yeah, that’s the problem. You heard what he said about her the first night we were here.” Ikkaku growled.

    Just then, the song started coming to a close as Byakuya watched waiting to see Gin fail as badly as he did. As Gin dipped Aiko back for the last time, he was again just centimeters from her lips. Aiko was smiling at Gin as he smiled one of his wild smiles looking into Aiko’s eyes. Gin then pressed his lips to hers and they shared a kiss. Gin lifted Aiko to her feet as he bowed to Aiko still holding her hand.

    “I will always love dancing to that song with you, my Dear. The end is always the best.”

    Aiko chuckled as she bowed to Gin. “You’ll always be the best dancer I know, Gin.”

    Aiko stepped up to Gin wrapping her arms around him and giving him a hug then a kiss on the cheek.

    Shunsui laughed as he reached back hitting Byakuya playfully in the center of the chest with the back of his hand. “Not only did he get the kiss he bet you on. He got a hug and another kiss on the cheek.”

    Byakuya growled as he stormed off down the beach leaving Juushiro, Shunsui, and Izuru laughing at everything that went on.