I am very disappointed in myself folks. I missed this story's 9th birthday by a month. On the bright side, I managed to post a new chapter a year later. There's some improvements, I apologized for my lack of writing and the poor repetition. I try my best on this chapter to reach its climax. I did, however, posted this exact story to another account on Archive of Our Own. So far, it's over 200 hits. I'm proud of myself on that. Maybe one day, I'll go back onto this chapter to revision it. So, in the meantime, I'm going to relax my brain.

Also, I recently became a fan of My Hero Academia. My top 4 favorite male characters would be Izuku "Deku" Midoriya, Fumikage Tokoyami, Shoto Todoroki, and Katsuki Bakago. I was thinking of writing a MHA story as a Tokoyami/OMC fiction and/or Tokoyami/OFC. Like I said, I became a fan.

So, without further ado, enjoy this chapter. ^-^

Chapter 14: What Happens in the Club, Stays between the Cat

Saturday came faster than you can say "holy shit cakes". It was past noon where Train Heartnet got out of his bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist and fresh bandages around his burnt arm. The said man just finished his fourth shower (three of them were in the morning). He had absolutely no idea what to do in his first weekend here in his new home. He could do his kido assignment; hah, yeah like he wanted to do that on a Saturday! He could go to one of the training grounds to enhance more on his powers, but that would require going out in public and being destructive (even though he doesn't mean to). He could find the others and see what they're doing, however, he doesn't want to waste his time walking aimlessly around campus just to find out what each one is doing. Then again, what if they're no one in campus or in their dorm rooms? For that matter, he could be the only one with no social life!

Oh, the humanity!

Meow.

The sound of a familiar mew brought Train back to reality. A black cat sat on his bed with its tail swishing back and forth. Train's mind clicked in an instant. The same cat who stared at him in the hallway and the same one who led him to the outside class. This was getting irritating. That cat keeps coming to him and then disappears later. Okay, if the black cat was a white rabbit that would make him Alice - maybe Alister would be a better name for a male Alice.

"You want me to follow you again", Train said without stating his statement as a question. The feline simply stared at the half-naked man. Its eyes trailing up and down Train's body as if it was inspecting him. He sighed. "Can I at least change first?" The staring cat said no response. "As in turn around so I can change." There was no way he was changing clothes in front of the cat. Call him crazy but Train believed the feline before him isn't just your ordinary stray. As if it understood him, the cat turned its body around and stared at the wall. Still not trusting the sudden house guest, Train grabbed a new uniform and sandals and walked back into his bathroom (he made sure to fully close his door).

It took Train six minutes to prepare himself. He stepped out of his bathroom as he dried his hair with the same towel he used around his waist. As he got out, Train saw the cat patiently sitting on his bed. He tossed the towel on his bed. "Where are you taking me this time?"

The cat went to the window and lightly tapped it indicating to go out the window; Train opened it. The cat jumped without hesitating. Said man followed. After landing, the stray walked up to the wall, leapt on top of it, and looked down upon the approaching student.

Train stared up at the cat. It wanted him to go over the wall. This just builds questions in Train's mind. Now that he thinks about it, was he allowed to go out from the academy grounds. He didn't get much of a tour of Seireitei the first time he arrived here. He spent one night at Toshiro's barracks and that was it.

Was the cat leading him to Toshiro? Like the tales, in a manner of speaking, the rabbit was a guide... in some way. Perhaps the black cat is leading him to squad ten; it must've felt the disturbance in the force.

Ever since they kissed (mostly Train kissed Toshiro), the air between them was less conversational. They spoke of lesson and Train asked questions on certain aspects of the teachings. Neither one spoke of the incident. If this cat is leading him to Toshiro, then it's time not to kick around the dirt.

It's time for him to take the first step.

With one quick nod, Train jumped up the wall and looked upon the city before him. Now he just needs to know what to say to the little captain.

Train sighed.

God give him strength.

Meanwhile, halfway of southwest, walking towards the Shinsou Academy, was Toshiro Hitsugaya deep in his thoughts. Throughout the week, Hitsugaya kept thinking about that kiss and the tension between them – alone together in one room – wasn't making any easier to speak his mind.

So, with much precise planning and perfect choice of wording, Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya decided today is the day he tells Train Heartnet how he feels. He won't return to his barracks until he accomplishes his task.

A shadow passed over him. Hitsugaya looked up in time to see the man he fell for rushed past him. Where was Train heading to? He didn't know the brunet had plans. Let alone know the outskirts of Seireitei since Train didn't get a much of a tour. If Train did make plans, he would've told him about it.…well, he didn't ask him. That's it! This nonsense has gone off far enough! He missed having conversations with Train. The thick tension between them is killing him! It's time to bury the hatchet and move on.

Concealing his riatsu, Toshiro followed the swift man. Wherever the bed-headed man is going, Hitsugaya is going to talk to Train Heartnet today.

Today is the day Toshiro Hitsugaya pours his heart out.

~BCR~

(Train's POV)

The black cat kept jumping from one building to the next. It kept moving back and forth, up and down, heck, even zigzags. I was amazed I could keep up with it. During our leaping, I thought I saw Toshiro back there, but the meowing made sure I was looking at where it's going. It took a couple of minutes of leaping that we finally stopped in front of a cliff. The cliff wasn't the thing that caught my attention, though. It was the cave where the black cat calmly walked to the entrance.

I'll admit, I hesitated about following this anomaly of a feline. It disappeared and reappeared like it was magic or something. It kept staring at me like its looking deep within my soul. Can it read minds and passing thoughts?

Hold on, Train, you're overthinking this. Maybe it's leading me to its home and family.

….is it a boy cat or a girl cat? I never get a good look at it to tell what its sex is.

My curiosity got the best of best of me and I followed the strange cat without a second thought. The tunnel was long and narrow – one entrance, one exit – not to mention, it got darker the further we go in. I don't know how long I walked, yet I knew it wasn't long – took a while, actually – to see light at the end.

Beyond the light was what took my breath away. It was like I entered a whole new world. The field was a canyon or something plateau related with a bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds. I narrowed my eyes. The clouds aren't moving. Must be fake, then. Whoever designed this place must had have a lot time on their hands. Lightbulb! This place is perfect place to practice my powers and underground training. No one to bother me or see me! This is perfect!

I jumped out of the way of a sneak attack. Debris covered the assailant. I was about to create my duplicate Hades when the debris cleared a bit. I squinted my eyes as the figure became somewhat familiar.

"Ash?" I blurted.

"Black Cat?" the orange, spikey-haired man pulled his cane from the ground. "How are you here? I thought Lin and Jenos were going to bring you here." Ah, so they intended to bring me here eventually.

"I followed a cat, and it led me here", I replied.

"A cat?" he questioned. Ash looked down at the black cat while it sat next to the exit. His eyes grew wide in recognition. "Oh, that cat. Honestly when I first saw him, I thought it was your spirit animal or your very spirit. He has your eyes so yeah." I raised an eyebrow. Seriously? He thought, which I died, my soul will be the embodiment of a black cat?

….

….

…. heck, I'll believe that.

"That cat is over there is our club's mascot", Ash continued. Mascot? Club? Ash is part of a club that involves a hidden cave. What do they do in a club anyway? Practice hakudo or practice croquet? I stared at the cat, who's is apparently the mascot, licking its paw; minding its own business. "Don't know why, though, since David and Beluga were the first to find our new clubhouse." If this cat led me into this secret hideout, who's to say I wasn't the first one. It probably did the same with David and Beluga. "Since you're here makes the job easier. I suppose. Welp, welcome to the clubhouse." Ash expanded his arms mock greeting. "This place has everything, except an open bar, a kitchen, and a bathroom.""

I looked up at the "ceiling". "How can you tell time here?" I asked, "I can tell the "sky" is fake 'cause the clouds aren't moving and there's no sunlight either. So how?"

"Every day one of us will be put on time duty until that said person yells us it's time to head back to the academy." We looked toward the only exit where Creed and Echidna were walking in with their arms linked together and their smiles brightening up around them.

"You two looked radiant", Ash said, snarky, "did you have sex again before coming here?"

Echidna glared at the cheeky orange-haired man. "Must you always assume that that's our pastime? And I'm surprise you know what radiant means."

"Bitch, just because you're hot doesn't mean I can't beat your ass. And trust me I will."

"As if you can defeat me."

Creed wrapped his arm around his wife-to-be, possessively. "Now, now. We were actually cuddling", he admittedly replied. "And Ash, don't forget: if you so much as poke Echidna – figuratively, physically, or sexually, mind you – I won't hesitate to rip your arm off."

Ash stepped back with his arms crossed. "God, I know that Creed. I ain't that crazy to be killed by you again. I happen to like my afterlife", he joked and soon after scoffed, "and cuddling? Really? Who do you think you're fooling here? A jackass?"

Creed ignored him and walked up to me. "Let me be the first –"

"I already greeted him to first, ya douchebag!"

Creed's eyebrow twitched. "Of course. At least, let me be the second member to greet you to our fair club."

"Some club", I muttered, still admiring the architecture. So much for training in secret and technically this place is off radar to anyone in the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Not to mention, if I go all out, I doubt anyone outside this cave would sense my spiritual pressure. The downside is being in the cave with everyone else I've come to known. I'll just tell Toshiro about it and we could use it during my tutor session.

Problem solves.

Oh wait, me and Toshiro didn't have much of a conversation since I kissed him. It's been awkward between us. REALLY AWKWARD. I thought that cat was leading me to Toshiro like how it led me to the training room.

"What up, sluts!" In comes Nizer with his shining head of glory. His grin spread cheek-to-cheek as he saw me. "Hey, Black Cat's here! Did your freshmen buddies brought you to our Batcave?"

"For the last time, Nizer, we're not calling our club the Batcave", David called, walking in soon after with Beluga trailing behind him.

"Why would we call it a Batcave if it doesn't have any bats?" Beluga's statements-of-the-day echoed.

"If you lot don't know who Batman is, then I feel sorry for you all", Nizer said in disappointment.

"Nizer!" Ash greeted with a brief fist bump, "I thought you got stuck in detention. How'd you get out of that?"

"Like hell I'm staying in a classroom on a Saturday."

"How'd you get detention?" I somehow asked him.

"Let's just say there was a secret spitball war during a lecture and one massive spitball might've hit behind the teacher's head. I'm not saying it's me or anything, which I must point out it was a masterpiece; it was bad timing is all."

"In other words, you have horrible aim", Echidna commented. Creed nodded with a knowing smirk.

"Fuck you all! Go jump into a ditch."

I laughed along with everyone. Suddenly, I was tackled by an unknown force. I cringed from the force. I still have the injuries from my physical test. "Train, you're here!" I looked down to see Saya hugging me. "I can't believe you're here without Lin's and Jenos' help. Where are those guys, anyway?"

Why does everyone keep saying that?

"So, who's missing from brigade?" Ash asked, changing the subject.

"Looks like the freshmen duo aren't here yet", Nizer responded.

"Jenos will be upset", Creed said, "He did volunteer to bring Train here."

"Which worries me since he volunteered willingly", Echidna stated.

"Guys, I'm standing right here", I said, "What does Jenos had in store?"

"Not sure", Saya said to me, "'Said something about being it a surprise."

"Now I'm worried."

"Eh, don't be", Ash retorted, "It's not like he can get the jump on you anyway."

"Did I forget to point out that you look horrible?" Nizer said, changing the subject again.

"No, you haven't", I said.

"Well, then you look horrible."

"I'm afraid I have some to blame. I was responsible for injuring his arm", Creed intervened.

"I wasn't talking about his arm in general."

"What Nizer was trying to say is we might have a way in completely heal your arm", David translated.

"Really?" I asked. That got me intrigued. I tried not to get my hopes up. There's a possibility it won't work, but it wouldn't hurt to check it out. "And here I thought Nizer was being friendly."

They led me further into their hideout. I think it northwest from the exit. We came to a hot spring. It didn't surprise me that there's a hot spring inside a cave. The fact there's one made me raise an eyebrow. Good thing I'm not an architect.

"Here we are", David pointed to it. I step up to it. Doesn't look any different than any regular hot spring. I was expecting to see some herbs in there, but its water is clear and hot. I kept looking at my reflection until I saw Nizer sneaking up behind me. His hands were inching to push me in. I jumped out of his way in a niche of time. However, I wasn't aware of Ash tackling me from behind.

I resurfaced and glared at the two morons. "Can't you guys just tell me to get in rather than pushing me in?" I lifted my bandaged arm. I saw some of its wrappings coming loose, but what got me was my arm. It wasn't scarred or burnt. It's completely healed. No wonder they love coming here.

A hand caught my vision. I looked up to see David extending his hand. "On the bright side, you're healed." I accepted his hand. He pulled me up. My clothes are completely drenched. I couldn't be any cleaner. Downside, my clothes are soaked. I hoped I won't get sick.

"Lin, Jenos, finally you jackasses made it!" Ash exclaimed as he pulled himself from the spring, "Where the actual side turd took you so long?"

"Sorry for the delay", Lin said, "Jenos wanted to make a few stops before getting Train."

"I'm one curious bastard, so I'll ask anyway, what kind of stops?" Nizer asked, intrigued, while wringing out water from his top.

"Something that involves picking up supplies", Beluga answered.

"I don't want to know", I said.

Speak of the Devils themselves, we heard two pairs of footsteps. Lin and Jenos made their appearance.

"Sorry guys. We couldn't find Train anywhere", Lin announced.

"That guy is slicker than a shadow", Jenos said.

At this point, I decided to step in. "Hey, Lin. Hey, Jenos."

"Train! You're here! How?!"

"A cat."

"Not just any cat. Our mascot", Saya imputed as she hugs the black cat.

"Welp. Never thought I see the day a cat beat us."

"Didn't Train defeat you while you were trying to capture –" Ash asked.

"Highly irreverent! Moving on!"

"Did you guys hear that?" Saya asked, changing the topic.

That got my attention. Me and the group grew quiet. It was faint, but we heard small footsteps.

"I say we charged in and challenge the intruder", Nizer suggested.

"I'm with ya, my Major Lightbulb", Ash joined.

"Really? Name calling? Fine. I could top that. Onward, Admiral Orange Grass!" Nizer cried while running toward the upcoming intruder. Ash followed without hesitation. I shivered at the cold coming from our one exit. It wasn't a spring cold; it's a winter chill. A chill I'm far familiar with.

"Guys, wait! It's not what you think it is!" Before I knew it, Nizer and Ash grunted in pain. Coming out of the entrance was Toshiro. "I tried to warn you. Hey, Toshiro, how'd you find me?" I asked, casually. Didn't think I would see him today. I guess I did jump over him.

"I managed to follow your trail before I lose sight of your reiatsu", he said.

"Are you kidding me?!" Jenos – who's flailing his arms like a crazed madman – yelled, "Can't we have one weekend where we're not being evaluated?"

Toshiro crossed his arms and were tucked in his sleeves. "By all means", he simply said, "I'm here to take Heartnet for his scheduled study session." I have a scheduled study session? On a Saturday? Seriously?! I wanted to tell him that, but I didn't because my expression says it all.

"Well, Train is staying here in our secret clubhouse", Jenos said, sashaying over to Toshiro, "So, why don't you skedaddle and let the adults do their thing, k?" He placed his hand on top of the little captain's fluffy hair. Oh boy, this isn't good.

I saw Toshiro's eyebrow twitched. "Get your hand off my head or else I'll freeze it off."

To add more to his taunt, former Number VII leaned down and said, "Go ahead, shorty. I triple-dog dare you."

Before things out of hand, I went up to Toshiro to calm him down by placing my hand on his shoulder while Beluga, silent Beluga gently pushed Jenos away from the fuming captain. "Enough. We don't want to file a report of how Jenos lost a hand."

"Not to mention, how Captain Unohana will have all our hides on a silver platter", David imputed.

"Except Creed and I will not be among you if you are capture", Echidna said.

"Hold on, basically you're pushing us under the bus?"

"Why yes, I am."

"Train, I was looking for you", Toshiro looked up at me, "I wanted to talk to you. In private." He added the last sentence while glancing at the gang.

"Why don't we call it a day and continue where we left off tomorrow", David concluded.

"Seriously?! We didn't practice anything!" Jenos argued. Lin pulled former Number VII by his uniform's collar line. Ash, Nizer, and Beluga walked off two minutes after.

David bowed to Toshiro before leaving.

Creed and Echidna linked arms being lovey-dovey.

The only ones in the cave was me, Toshiro, and Saya. Saya fidgeted with her fingers.

"Train, before you go with Captain Hitsugaya can I talk to you?" First, Toshiro wanted to talk to me now Saya? What is with today? Her eyes didn't look at my way. She must've wanted to tell me something important. Toshiro wanted to say something as well. I walked to her. On instinct, the small captain grabbed my sleeve. I stared into his eyes. I gave him a reassuring smile.

"It'll be quick", I told him, "I promise. I'll see you outside."

He was unsure, but he reluctantly released my sleeve and left leaving me and Saya alone.

(3rd POV)

"Creed, are you coming?" Echidna asked. Her head tilted in curiosity. Her red lips pursed as if to ensnare her fiancé into submitting her. Creed Diskenth tried his best not to submit – he absolutely tried – yet his loins scream of hoisting his beautiful vixen in his arms and searching for the closest supply storage, yet there was a task he needs to get done.

"Not yet, my love", he said, masking his nerves with a smile, "I'll catch up with you later. I need to talk to Train for a moment."

"Oh… I see." She was disappointed.

"Tell you what", he reassured her, "you should use this remaining day to broaden your abilities. You did say you need to practice more. And the saying: the absent of the one you cherish most makes the heart grow fonder."

Echidna giggled. "I'm certain that's not how it goes."

"Semantics, love, semantics."

Echidna shunpo up to Creed and kissed him. He lifted his arms to wrap her waist, but he felt nothing but air. He looked up to her. Her ruby lips lifted in a smirk. "Until tomorrow, darling", she said. After, she vanished.

"That sly vixen", Creed whispered with a small smile plaguing his lips.

"You two are cute together", Creed jumped and looked down to see Captain Hitsugaya standing beside him with an expressionless gaze. "Too cute, in fact, that it's disgusting." The disgust in his tone didn't reach his eyes.

The man in love passively shrugged. "I am a man who found his other half; the light to his darkness; the woman who is going to be my wife once we graduate together. To put it lightly, I'm happy and in love. I guess Death can be gentle in her own ways."

"Hn…"

They stood there in silent. Neither speaking a word. Creed kept processing on his next words carefully. If not, well, he can kiss his ass goodbye for what's coming to him.

"Captain Hitsugaya, I know this isn't my place to insinuate but you keep missing your chance."

The small captain glanced at the tall man. "And what are you implying, Diskenth?"

"I'm not insulting you, if you think so. Merely giving advice to one man to another."

"…go on."

"All I'm saying is if a man is in love, he should confess his heart to the person who he cherishes."

If the captain was drinking something, then he would've spit it out. The sheer comment drew the captain off that it was practically comical. Hitsugaya's face was so red he would've resembled a tomato. Unfortunately, Creed wasn't trying to spite Captain Hitsugaya; he was encouraging him. The white-haired man kept a neutral composure as he watched the captain composed himself.

A moment of awkward silence surrounded them until the captain prodigy straightened himself, yet his face remained crimson. "You were there when Train used his ability", he stated without stating it as a question. Poor guy really wanted to change the subject. Creed Diskenth is not having it!

"Yes, I was, and I won't tell anyone I swear on my soul", Creed quickly replied, "don't change the subject." Hitsugaya stubbornly looked away. Another silence overcame them.

Hitsugaya took a deep breath. "I bet my position you especially saw that kiss."

"I heard gambling isn't a healthy trait, and yes, I did see Train kiss you."

"You shouldn't be there."

"It's not my fault Train finished my chore in mere seconds."

They grew silent again. Toshiro clicked his tongue. "What do you think I should?" he asked, a minute later.

"If it were me, I would grab Train by his collar and give him a big snog." Captain Hitsugaya gave the man a dubious stare. "However, since I don't have a high rank position, it makes it difficult. If you were to choose between love and work, I would gladly choose the former instead of the latter. You, on the other hand, would choose work."

"You don't anything about me!" Hitsugaya snapped.

"I'm not saying I do – which I obviously don't – all I'm saying is in your current position, people will assume you're favoring one person into giving that said person a high position job. They will assume the favorite person will get a high pay raise and a third-seat rank, at best. It'll cause envy to many people and might endanger not only to the favorite but you,

"I do want to be with him, Diskenth; I never felt this way toward anyone", Hitsugaya softly retorted as he placed a hand on his chest, "you're correct. I have been thinking of what might happen if word gets out of my newfound affection to Train. I love him, but I worked so hard into getting where I am now. Do I let Train go or do I pursue him and downgrade myself to a lower position?"

"It's never easy, Captain, I'll tell you that. People like Train aren't easy to find. I say cherish it. To hell with what people say. Not many people have bankai so the closest downgrade you'll get is at least back to lieutenant or third seat."

"How reassuring."

"I'm one hundred percent certain he feels the same about you." He smiled softly as the captain's cheeks showed a bit of pink. "You have my support. I'm sure those close to you would want you to be happy, as well."

Silence surrounded them again. Toshiro Hitsugaya stepped forward and bowed to Creed, which caused the man to blink. "Thank you, Diskenth, for your advice."

Creed caught up to Captain Hitsugaya. He noticed how the small captain stood stiff. He slowed his pace. He was about to talk to speak, but Creed saw why Hitsugaya stood there. Before them, a few feet away, was Train and Saya kissing together. This isn't good. Not good at all.

"I'm certain it's not what you think", he reassured the shocked captain, but realized the said captain wasn't present. This can't be good."

Train ran up to Creed. "Creed, did Toshiro left?"

The man blinked. "Yes, but…"

"Thanks, man!"

"Train, wait!"

Train Heartnet sprinted toward the exit.

"Fuck!" Creed cursed. He needs to stop this.

"Creed?" the said man looked at Saya. Her eyes were tearful, and her nose became red like a small cherry. She tried to hold in her tears. "Why are you here?"

"I followed Captain Hitsugaya and we saw your affectionate display of your love", he replied in malice.

"I thought I should make my actions clear", she sniffed, "I guess I was too late. Train really is in love with Captain Hitsugaya. I wanted to think he has feelings for me. Apparently, he never did."

"Once upon time, he did. You could've been a nice couple if I hadn't intervened and I'm sorry. But now, you need to fix this mess. I don't how. It's up to you." Creed finished his advice and ran after his friend without looking back. Hopefully, he can reach Train before confronting Hitsugaya.

In a small pit in his stomach, it told him he already is too late.

~BCR~

(Train's POV)

Saya wanted to speak to me before I leave the cave. So, I stayed behind. I leaned against a boulder, patiently waiting for her. She walked up to me. She was sheepishly tugging on her sleeve. She didn't make eye contact. I tilted my head in curiosity. I never seen her act so nervous. The moment I met her, Saya has been an upfront and approachable girl. She took a deep breath and said she wanted to tell me something.

I waited for her to continue. She exhaled one big breath and approach me. She placed her hands on my shoulders and stared into my eyes. I knew my eyes gotten big with how close she gotten. Her lips were inches away from mine. I held my breath. At this point, I didn't know what to do.

"I love you", she whispered and kissed me. My posture went stiff.

She's kissing me!

She said she loves me!

She's kissing me and she said she loves me!

Yet, I felt nothing in this kiss. With Toshiro there was electricity and intense passion if I hadn't used that to distract him. Wait, I kept saying I like Saya, but do I like her as just a friend or far from it? Dammit! If Creed hadn't intended that I love Toshiro I shouldn't be like this!

Love? Don't tell me… am I in love with him? I thought back to everything that occurred between us. The moment we first met, the felt like it froze; after saving him, I carried Toshiro to Urahara's shop I noticed the moon seemed bigger and how my heart was beating that day; the day where me and Toshiro went to my funeral, I remembered how close we were as I leaned to see him texting a message to me; I remembered how he cried when he heard I killed people and I cupped his cheek to wiped his tear; at Seireitei, I caught him before he fell onto a puddle; at campus, I tackled him to get the bento he made for me, how close I was tempted to kiss him; up to the moment I kissed him a few days ago.

I remembered his laugh. I love his laugh. The way he drank milk off the same bottle as me. I love his cute expression as he drank.

Toshiro's laugh. Toshiro's tears. Toshiro's serious mood. Toshiro's let loose moment at lunch break.

I noticed these passing memories is because… because… because… my God, I AM in love with Toshiro Hitsugaya.

Why am I an idiot?

I gently pushed Saya away. I looked at her and said two words that brought tears to her eyes, "I'm sorry." I ran off. As I did, I saw Creed standing there. He sure has his timings, but I'll question them later. I quickly asked him if he seen Toshiro.

He said he left. I didn't bother to further continue and ran with every bit of energy into my legs. I ran out the cave. I looked both ways. He wasn't near. I closed my eyes and focused. I felt a cold trail going, well, cold. I followed it. Soon enough, I saw the familiar figure slowing his pace.

"Toshiro, wait! Slow down!" He stopped, yet he didn't bother to turn. "Man, I'm glad I was able to catch up to you. Listen, I need to get this off my chest. I-"

"Am I just a big joke to you?"

I blinked at his accusation. "I… I don't follow."

He released a laugh; a laugh I didn't like hearing. A mockery at my confusion. "Your act was good. So good you had me fooled. You practically had me on the palm of your hands." Toshiro's shoulders quaked. I was starting to get worried. "I'm such an idiot. I never had a chance in the very beginning. I thought we were meant to be… How could I be so blind, so naïve?" I heard the young captain's voice cracked. That really got me worried. He sounded like I cheated on him or something.

I reached for his shoulder. "Toshiro, what are-?"

He slapped my hand and finally faced me with a piercing, cold glare. "Don't TOUCH me!" My eyes widened in shock. I held my hand as if it was stung with acid (not really, but the slap did hurt my hand). "And it's Captain Hitsugaya to you, Heartnet." His words were full of venom and hate and… and pain? I looked at him, still confused on what he meant, yet I also want to know why he's in pain. We didn't have a fight since a week ago and that didn't even last long; give or take three minutes. This, however, is different. "If you wanted to be with Minatsuki, all you have to do was tell me; not drag me along with these games!" His eyes began to tear up.

What? Is he telling me to be with Saya? But I don't love her, I love him; I love Toshiro Hitsugaya: the brave, smart, beautiful captain I've ever laid my eyes upon. It took me this long to finally listen to my heart. I couldn't get those words out of my mouth. My throat was clenched like I was being strangled. I wanted to tell him it's him I want to be with. If I did play with his emotions, then I'll gladly apologize. I'll beg on my knees and apologize repeatedly until he can forgive me. However, I did no such thing. I stood there with shock-filled eyes, weak knees, and gaping mouth.

"What… are you trying to say?" I uttered.

"Are you this stupid?!" he yelled, making me take a step back. "I. HATE. YOU. I wish I never met you!" And that, ladies and gentlemen, was where the dam broke. His tears glistened down his cheeks before he dashed away.

My knees gave out as I kept staring at the spot Captain Hitsugaya stood upon. I wanted to be a dream, no, a nightmare. A prank gone wrong, ANYTHING! I want this to be a joke gone wrong. Can someone pinch me? PLEASE! My arms are too heavy to move.

"Train!" I heard Creed approach me. I didn't bother to acknowledge him. "Please tell me you spotted Captain Hitsugaya. Please tell me you didn't talk to him!"

"Creed…" I spoke in a whisper, "…do you ever feel like your heart's been ripped off your chest and crushed and destroyed beyond comprehension?"

"Oh, Train…" he became silent. He must watch me wallow or he's carefully choosing his next sentence carefully. "Listen… Captain Hitsugaya saw you and Saya kissing. I'm certain there's a bigger picture. Perhaps you two need some space. Give yourself a day and you can explain to him. I'm certain things will go back to the way things are." Creed, I know you're a good friend. Giving me false hopes. I appreciate what's he's trying to do.

As much as I want to hold onto his words, I couldn't. I feel defeated. Toshiro said he HATES me. "I don't think it matters anymore", I told Creed, miserably. "Hitsugaya said he hates me. I'm too late. So, so late." I looked back to Creed. "Why couldn't I figure out my emotions sooner rather than facing this pain?"

My friend solemnly patted my shoulder. "Let's get you back to your dorm." My eyes stung. My chest heaved. My throat clenched. I don't know what to do. I didn't bother arguing or fight back. I let him lead me back to the school; back to my dorm.

I should've stayed in my room.

~BCR~

(Toshiro's POV)

I shunpo back to my office. I quickly wiped my tears before I set foot inside. I opened my door and peered inside. Matsumoto slept on the couch with a sake bottle in hand. For once, I prefer for her sleeping. I don't want her to question my red, swollen eyes.

My gaze went to my desk where three piles of paperwork were waiting for my undivided attention. I wasn't in the mood to accomplish my work. My heart is very heavy to even care. How can I stop thinking about my crush? Perhaps I need something to distract myself, and to do that I need to be away from my office. I need to be on my own.

I went to my desk and opened one of my drawers. If I'm not mistaken, the object I was searching should be in here somewhere. Aha! Found it! I pulled out one of my lieutenant's secret sake bottle. I pulled two more and stored them in my pocket. I looked at my sleeping lieutenant once more before I leave my office to go to my barracks. I made sure no one saw me as I quickly reached my destination.

First, I quickly shut my door.

Then, I took one sake bottle.

Next, I ripped off the plastic cap.

After, I pulled the top toward my lips. I hesitated. My thoughts went back to Train. My lips quivered.

Finally, I let the liquid flow down my throat. I took big gulps. I concentrated on the stinging sensation the sake was providing me. It's better than being in pain.

So, I drank to forget the pain, the heaviness in my chest, my memories of Train. I never thought of myself as an alcoholic. Not before, but I want to forget everything from today. I'll deal with the consequences tomorrow.

For now, I want to drink in peace.

End of Chapter 15