A/N: Oh hi, old friend OOC.

Promises

They stole glances every chance they got. The other Captains did not seem to notice, or care for that matter, what changes had come across them.

Soifon was happier, her training had intensified since that night. She seemed to have gained new strengths having gotten her burden off of her chest.

Byakuya, though seemingly the same cold man on the outside, seemed easier on his subordinate Renji, who just figured it was one of his Captain's rare good months.

By day they could not communicate with one another, always running around, always busy with something or another. But at night, they met on the bridge, they shared idle talk and exchanged stories of what they did that day.

The two were content with their situation, though they didn't hug or involve themselves in intimate activities, just the presence of the other was enough to please.

That wasn't to say that either one didn't want to hug, or kiss, or hold hands. They were nervous despite their comfortable greetings. Neither one was ready to melt into a lifestyle of depending on one another.

This night, however, Byakuya was caught off guard at the feeling of Soifon leaning lightly against him. He stiffened at first, an action that Soifon noticed immediately and caused the girl to immediately pull away. Regret setting in his stomach, the man reached out and pulled her close, her back leaning against his front.

He thought back to the meeting of the day, a topic they both decided to skip over completely.

He was to aid Kurosaki with Kenpachi at Hueco Mundo, whereas Soi was to defend Kurosaki's home with the other captains.

It was a suicide mission, they both new. They were confident in their strengths, but nobody knew of the other tricks the swine had hidden in his bag.

Perhaps Soi sensed his tenseness, for she looked up at him, "are you...thinking about..?"

"Yes."

"Oh."

The night became tense with silence, spontaneously interrupted by chirping crickets.

"I don't want to go."

"Neither do I, Soi."

The young girl chuckled, "this is strange, correct?" she played with the cloth of her Captain's uniform, "any other day I would...simply take it without a second thought."

"Was...was this a bad idea? Are you regretting...?" He was uncertain of her statement.

"Probably." She looked up at him again, his face upside down from her position, "I can't say for sure, but I feel that if this hadn't happened....well....Its hard to explain." She was at a loss for words, and the man chuckled.

"I think I get what you are trying to say, though." He bent forward (considerably so, since the girl was quite short) and placed a hesitant and gentle kiss on her lips. He pulled back and looked to the skies, "Right then, make me a promise."

"hunh?" Slightly dazed, the ninja remained staring up at the captain.

"Promise me we'll meet again, after everything that unfolds tomorrow." He squeezed her hand gently.

"Idiot." She turned and punched him gently on the shoulder.

"....?" Shock played on his face.

"Remember, that night you promised not to go. Not to leave me." she shuffled her feet, " so of course I won't leave you either. There's strong, and then there's stubbornly strong. I'm too stubborn to die that easily." A playful smile graced her lips as she stood on her tiptoes, arms wrapping around the older mans neck and pulling him down so she could place her lips gently against his. She felt his strong arms wrap around her as he gave in and deepened the kiss.

Pulling away once more they looked at each other with new found longing, and made a silent promise.