Despite All Odds

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or its characters; all credit goes to Tite Kubo.

Chapter 1

"What do you mean, I can't go home? It's almost eight o'clock!" I glared at my little white-haired captain. It was late, and I had been working all day. All I wanted to do right now was take a long bath and go to sleep.

Toshiro sighed. "I'm sorry, Koreyoshi. I still need you to deliver these papers to the first and second divisions." He handed me a stack of paperwork, looking apologetic.

I rolled my eyes. "Fine, fine, Shiro-chan." Grabbing the papers, I ran out the door before he could yell at me for the nickname. Toshiro absolutely hated it when people called him anything other than 'Captain Hitsugaya'. Of course, that only made it more fun to ignore his title.

Walking down the street, I exited the tenth division headquarters. Why did I have to go all the way to the first division? It would take a while, even with shunpo. Tilting my head upward, I gazed up at the sky. It was a beautiful night, breezy and cool. Perfect weather for a walk, I thought. If only I didn't have to work!

I had just passed the sixth division headquarters when I saw a familiar red-head walking out of the division's main building. "Hey, Renji-kun," I greeted him.

"Hey, Nikita. Still working?" He caught up and walked alongside me, eying the papers.

"Yeah. I'm going to the first and second divisions."

"Both? I can take one if you want," Renji offered.

"Nah. Thanks, but I should do it." I gave him a grateful smile.

He shrugged. "Okay." We continued walking until we reached Renji's house. "Hey, you want me to walk you to the divisions?" Renji asked.

"No thanks. Get some rest, Pineapple-kun."

He shot me a glare before walking into the house. "Watch it," he warned jokingly. I smiled as I flash-stepped away.

I went through the fifth and fourth divisions fairly quickly, not allowing myself to be distracted by my friends. Upon entering the third division however, I found myself drawn towards the headquarters. Captain Gin Ichimaru would be there, and the last time I had talked to him had been about forty years ago. We had grown up together, along with my lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto, but these days, I rarely ever saw him, much less spoke to him. Gin Ichimaru…my friend and ex-lover. I sighed. Slowing down slightly, I gazed at the gate to the headquarters, promising myself that I would go visit sometime before walking away again.

The second division headquarters were the most luxurious in Seireitei, thanks to Lieutenant Marechiyo Omaeda. I wasn't particularly fond of the man myself, but I did have to admit, he had good taste. I had even heard they were digging a hot spring in the training room under the offices. I walked into the headquarters, the door automatically closing behind me. This made me slightly uncomfortable, feeling as though I had been locked in, but I ignored the feeling and walked into Captain Suì-Fēng's office. She looked up as I set the paperwork on her desk. "These are from my captain," I told her.

Suì-Fēng nodded. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." I didn't have anything else to say, so I turned to leave, the door opening as I approached it. It would be quite useful if a person had their hands full, I thought to myself. But other than that, it seems pretty useless to me. I shrugged to myself and left.

Captain-commander Yamamoto seemed to be dozing when I walked into his office. I carefully placed the papers on his desk, making sure the pages didn't rustle as I set them down. As I started walking away, he spoke. "Koreyoshi-san."

"Ah…yes?" I turned to face the aged man.

He gestured to a chair in front of his desk, motioning for me to sit down. "Please sit down. Make yourself comfortable. These papers are from your division?"

"Thank you, Captain-commander." I sat down in the offered chair, then answered his question. "Yes. Captain Hitsugaya had me deliver them to your division."

"I see. How have you been doing?" He asked.

I was surprised by the question. Genryuusai was not a man for idle chit-chat. He was usually quite blunt and got straight to the point. "I'm doing well, you?"

"I am fine, thank you." He paused fractionally, then said, "You remember our last conversation, Koreyoshi-san?"

I hid a smile. There was the true Genryuusai Shigekuni Yamamoto I knew. "Yes, I do." Our last conversation had consisted of him offering me a captain position, with me refusing adamantly.

"Have you reconsidered?"

I sighed. "No, Captain-commander. I do not wish to take on such a large role. And there are no positions open at the moment, so I don't see how I would become a captain, even if I did want to." This was a point I had brought up many times, and he had yet to explain it.

The Captain-commander sighed. "If a position were to open up, would you take it?"

I shook my head. "No. I'm sorry. The position is not one I am suited for."

"Many have found that it does."

"But I don't." I stood up. "It is getting late, Captain-commander. You should get some rest."

The old man gave me a curt nod. "Yes. You are dismissed, Koreyoshi-san. But think about my request."

"All right. Good night, Captain-commander." I left the first division headquarters.

Talking to Captain-commander Yamamoto always made me slightly irritable. Every time I mentioned Captain Hitsugaya, I knew what was running through his mind. You could be a captain too, that's what his eyes said. I didn't want the position though. Being an officer didn't interest me, and besides, I was perfectly happy as Toshiro's third seat. All that potential is going to waste, Captain-commander had said when he summoned me to him. It had only been seven years after I graduated the Shinigami Academy and about a week after I had achieved Bankai. I knew it was rare to achieve it in so short a time period, but I hadn't cared for leadership at the time. I still didn't. Maybe I was being selfish, but I didn't think so. Besides, the captains were fine as they were, and I didn't want to take any of their positions.

Walking out of the first division, I headed down the street, not using shunpo. The night sky was dotted with stars, and the moon was bright in the sky. I took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air. It was only about ten o'clock, and I was in no hurry to get home. The cool breezes had refreshed me considerably; sleep was no longer on my mind. Pulling the purple ribbon out of my hair, I shook my dark tresses loose. Much better.

I had just passed the third division headquarters when I felt the overwhelming sensation that somebody was watching me. Their reiatsu was slightly familiar, but not immediately identifiable. I whirled around, scanning the seemingly deserted street. Nobody was there. Wait…someone was approaching. I saw the silver hair and foxy grin, recognizing him immediately. A smile spread across my face as he stopped in front of me. "Gi―! Er, I mean, hello, Captain Ichimaru."

"Nikita Koreyoshi! What a pleasant surprise!" Gin exclaimed cheerfully, as if we had just seen each other yesterday, instead of forty years ago. Still, it felt incredibly good just being able to look into his face again, smiling as always.

"I was just planning on visiting you, Captain Ichimaru," I told him with a laugh. "Your timing is perfect."

"So formal," Gin sighed. "Just 'Gin' will be fine."

"All right, Gin-kun it is then." We were falling right back into our easygoing friendship, before our relationship had started. I was glad. You always were a good friend to me.

"Are you headin' home?" He began walking with me down the street.

"Yeah. I just got off of work."

"Ah. Is the Captain of the tenth division overworkin' you already?" His smile was mischievous as he turned to look at me.

"Of course not! It's only been this once. Although I was annoyed at the time," I admitted.

"Maybe you should switch divisions," Gin suggested.

"What?" I asked, slightly surprised. "No! I would never! Besides, whose division would I even go to?"

"Mine, of course. I would take you." Gin's grin widened.

"Um…no thank you," I told him.

"Oh no! I'm rather hurt!" He smile wavered.

I gave him an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Gin-kun. No offense to the third division whatsoever."

"None taken. I was just kiddin' around."

"Like usual," I told him. "You haven't changed at all. Well, except you've gotten taller." I looked up at him. He was probably a good nine or ten inches taller than I was.

"Of course I have. I'm a captain, after all. Captains are the biggest, strongest…" He stopped. "Except the captain of the tenth division, of course."

"Hey," I laughed. "Quit insulting my captain. Pick on someone your own size."

"My own size?" Gin sighed. "Now that's no fun."

The walk home passed quickly with Gin by my side. Before I even realized it, we were walking through the tenth division towards the house Rangiku and I shared. He walked me to the front door, examining the house as he did. "Nice place you got here."

"Thanks. Ran-chan and I try to keep it clean. Doesn't always work though."

He smiled. "Well, I'd best be headin' back to my division. See you, Nikita."

"Bye, Gin-kun." I walked into the house, up to my bedroom, smiling all the way. I've missed you, Gin-kun. I still remember the last time we spoke. It was such a long time ago. And I've been adjusting to life without you. But now, suddenly you return. It really was strange for him to return now, after forty years. Why now?

I woke up early that fateful morning, Gin still asleep by my side. He looked so peaceful, his eyes closed, silver hair falling into his face. I smiled softly, crawling out of bed carefully so I wouldn't wake him. Walking over to the bathroom, I decided to take a shower before heading back to the fourth division headquarters. Stepping into the bathtub, I let the warm water flow down my body. It was a soothing feeling, and I closed my eyes, enjoying the warmth. Then I tilted my head back, starting to wash my hair.

Fifteen minutes later, I walked out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around me. Gin was still asleep in the bed, breathing softly. I walked to the edge of the bed where my clothes were, having been scattered there last night. Picking up the pieces of my Shihakusho, I got dressed and walked to the door where my waraji were. Putting them on, I whispered, "Bye, Gin. See you later," and walked out the door.

xxx

"Good morning, Captain Unohana," I greeted the woman at her desk.

"Good morning, Nikita-chan. How are you doing?"

"I'm good. And you?"

"I'm doing well, thank you. Someone is here to see you, by the way." She got up from her desk, walking towards a doorway, gesturing for me to follow. I obliged, and we walked down the hallway until we reached an open door. "Go on in, Nikita-chan," Retsu told me. I walked in, and was surprised to see the Gotei 13's newest and youngest captain, Toshiro Hitsugaya, sitting on the futon in the room. Rangiku was sitting next to him, a huge smile on her face.

"Nikita!" She sang happily.

"Hi, Ran-chan. What're you doing here?"

She grinned. "Captain Hitsugaya will tell you."

The white-haired captain looked at me. "Hello, Koreyoshi."

"Hello, Captain Hitsugaya," I said, giving him a slight bow.

"Do you know why we are here?" He asked me. I shook my head. "Well, you're my third seat now," he said bluntly.

I stared at him. "…what?"

He sighed. "You're my third seat. You're now a member of the tenth division, under Rangiku and me. I've already discussed it with Captain Unohana of course, and she approves."

I turned to look at my former captain, shocked and confused. "Captain Unohana? Why?" I asked.

She gave me a soft smile. "Captain Hitsugaya is just starting out, and he needed good officers. I thought you'd be happy being promoted from a fifth seat to a third seat."

"I am happy. Really, I am. But…I'm going to miss you," I could feel tears in my eyes.

The older woman began tearing up too. "I'll miss you too, Nikita-chan. You've been like a daughter to me."

"And you've been like my mother," I told her, a tear spilling down my cheek.

Toshiro gave an awkward cough. "Ahem, we'll let you have some privacy then." He and Rangiku walked out. Retsu smiled at me, wiping her eyes.

"Be strong, Nikita. The tenth division is a good division. And you're close to Matsumoto-san, correct?" I nodded. "And Captain Hitsugaya is a very good captain. He'll be good to you."

I nodded again. "I know."

Retsu reached into her pocket, pulling out a little white box. "Here. It's for you."

I took it shakily. "You shouldn't have, Captain."

"Ah," she said, smiling. "But I wanted to."

I opened it, seeing a deep purple ribbon rolled up inside it. There were tiny black flowery designs on it, barely noticeable. It was lovely. "Captain Unohana, I…I love it. It's so beautiful. Thank you."

"You're welcome. I thought it would suit you; it matches your eyes."

"I didn't get you anything…" I murmured, still admiring the ribbon.

"You don't have to. All I need is to know that you're happy."

I smiled, throwing my arms around Retsu, hugging her tight. "I'll miss you, Captain Unohana. I'll come back to visit, I promise."

"Goodbye, Nikita-chan. Come back often."

xxx

I walked out into the hallway, where Toshiro and Rangiku were leaning against the wall, waiting for me. All my tears had been wiped away and I had come to accept the fact that I was in the tenth division. Now that the initial shock was over, it was actually an exciting prospect. "So, I'm your subordinate now, huh, Ran-chan?"

She grinned. "Weird, isn't it?"

"Too weird," I agreed.

Toshiro started to walk down the hall, saying, "Come on, Rangiku. We have to get back to headquarters."

"Hang on," I said. "Am I still living in the fourth division?"

"No," Rangiku answered me. "You're going to live with me! We'll be roommates, just like we were back in Rukongai!"

I laughed. "Yeah. But the living arrangements are slightly better now, aren't they? And Gin won't be there."

"True. But we can do without him, right?" She grinned at me.

"We sure can!" I responded with a grin. "After all, he's going to be busy with his captain duties now, so we won't see much of him." This thought saddened me. Would I ever see Gin anymore?

Rangiku sensed my sadness and gently patted me on the back. "You still have a couple days to pack. You'll officially be part of the tenth division in another two days. Don't worry."

I nodded. "Okay."

xxx

I walked into the third division headquarters, headed by Gin. My silver-haired lover was sitting at his desk when I walked in, a pile of paperwork already in front of him. "Captain Ichimaru," I said. He looked up, a smile spreading across his face when he saw me.

"Hello, Nikita."

"Hey." I perched on the edge of his desk, looking down at him.

"Somethin' wrong?" He asked as he walked around to my side of the desk, putting an arm around me.

"Um…" I hesitated, not sure how to tell him what had happened. "I have news. I just found out this morning. I'm…I'm in the tenth division now. Toshiro Hitsugaya's third seat."

Gin was silent. Then he said, "Well, you got promoted! Congratulations, Nikita."

"Thanks. But I'm going to be so far away. How are we going to make this work?"

Gin smiled at me. "Ain't no point in worryin' about it so much, now is there?"

I shrugged. "I suppose." In my head, I thought to myself, Does he care about me at all? He doesn't seem particularly bothered by the fact that I'll be on the other side of Seireitei from now on. "Well, I have to pack up and move to Ran-chan's. I have two days."

"That's two days we can spend together, ain't it?"

"Yeah." I smiled up at him. "Yeah, it is."

xxx

It was moving day. I had packed up everything I owned into two large bags and placed them at the door. Gin was sitting on the front step, not saying a word as he watched me check off my belongings. "Let's see, I have that…no, I gave that to Isane-chan as a present…"

"Nikita," he interrupted.

"Hmm?" I looked at him curiously. "Something wrong, Gin?"

"I've been thinkin'," he said.

"About…?"

"Us."

I stiffened. The last two days had been slightly awkward. Gin had always seemed too busy with his captain duties to spend time with me during the day, and at night, he had always seemed distracted.

"What's wrong, Gin?"

"I think…we should stop seein' each other." He didn't meet my eyes.

"…oh." I lowered my head as tears sprang to my eyes, my loose hair covering my face.

"It's just the distance, Nikita. Everythin' will be more difficult. Seein' each other."

I was trying not to cry. "I suppose it might be for the best," I forced my voice to stay steady.

Gin tried to grin. "Don't look so gloomy, Nikita. We're still friends, right?"

"Yeah. Of course." The tears were threatening to spill over.

His arms wrapped around me, pulling me to him. "Nikita…" His voice was low, husky with emotion. I looked up into his open blue eyes, hoping he would take back his words, hoping he would say, 'just kiddin'!' in that way he did so often and grin that infamous grin of his. He didn't though. Instead, he just whispered, "Sorry," and let me go.

I sighed sadly. We hadn't ended things on a very good note. But now Gin was back. I still didn't know why he decided to come back now, of all times, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't happy about his return. Gin-kun, I thought. Will you stay in my life for good this time around?

Gin collapsed onto his bed, thoughts turning in his brain. Nikita had been happy to see him, that much he could tell. He knew he shouldn't have returned to her though. Their time was almost up…He sighed, gazing out his window toward the direction of the tenth division, where he had dropped Nikita off just a while ago. She was sure to be sleeping by now. This thought inevitably brought back memories of nights he had spent together with her, including their last night together. It had been forty years ago. Too long, Gin thought. He wondered if she had been with anyone else in that time period. She probably had, she was a beautiful girl, kind-hearted and loving. Unlike himself. The silver-haired man sighed again, rolling over on his bed. He didn't know what had compelled him to confront Nikita tonight. It had been a bad idea. Their plans were already laid out. Now they just had to act. He knew what he had to do, but…Gin wanted to kick himself. What had he been thinking, returning to her life all of a sudden, when he knew he would be leaving soon afterward? What would she do when he left for good?