Submission for the Summer Contest

[mist_x]

Hey.
I am also new to this whole live journal thing so please excuse my fail at it.
Well, here my entry to the summer contest.
Hopefully, I did it right. Mind you, this is an AU school fanfiction.

Title : Fated Meetings
Rating : K
Pairing : Byakuya & Hisana
Type : Fanfiction 
Word Count : 3697


Teenagers.

They were simply to emotional and undisciplined for her to teach them anything or in this case, the students in her class. How in the world did she manage to finish her lesson today?

Hisana Sato had no idea but was grateful that at least she knew her students had learned at least something today. Nonetheless, she was still kept in her class for various reasons. One for the fact that she hadn`t graded her papers today and second, Hisana Sato did not want to encounter a certain teacher in the teacher`s lounge yet again. Who was this teacher she hoped not to see? It was none other than Mayuri Kurotsuchi, a man well known for his twisted ways of teaching students of just how you dissected a poor innocent little frog until one would never ever hope to see the resemblance of the frog again.

Regardless of her dislike for the said man, which was plenty in her standards, she also knew she did not want to encounter the newest teacher of the year either. His name was Gin Ichimaru who was said to be engaged with Rangiku Matsumoto. Just what the two did in the teacher`s lounge the last time she unfortunately came for a cup of tea, was more than enough to scar her for life. No, it wasn`t anything perverted or adult like, mind you, it was just that ... hearing the two plot for the demise for the other teachers was a rather frightening thing to hear. And if her hearing was correct, Hisana was sure her name was included in the list for matchmaking as well before she ran off to hide in her class until the two were gone.

However, as frightening as the thought may be, she was sure the two would fail in the prospect. Love was simply an emotion she knew she would be better off without. It would only make her life even more complicated to say at the least. Besides, Hisana Sato had her students well being to think of. Adding love to her life would probably cause her to go insane. No, that was an understatement. Love would probably bring her to her death bed if her future soul mate was anyone like Gin Ichimaru. And so, Hisana pushed her thoughts to the back of her head and spent the remaining of the time intently grading her paper, unaware of just what would befall her the very next day.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This did not look well for her. No, not at all. Why in the world was she assigned to have a teacher assistant so late in the year? Right, she knew having one could be helpful to her in the near future but really, she did not need to have any more complications in her life. It was summer for peace sake and beside, yet another break was going to start soon. She had a group of full grown teenagers to teach and a sister to find to worry about as well. Having this ... gorgeous man as a teacher assistant was not only going to distract her but the students in her class and god knew her students could not afford to have any other distractions so late in the year. The tests were coming and Hisana Sato knew she had to get her students prepared for success, not failure. What kind of teacher would she be if she couldn`t even get her students to learn anything? Sure, they were intelligent individuals but ... at this point, if she didn`t pull herself to together, no one would ever know the potential her students had. It was that certain thought that got her to exclaim her rejection of the idea to Principal Yamamoto who was busy, informing the ravenette man in front of him.

"Principal Yamamoto, sir. I do not believe that would be a good idea." Pausing, she gave the man beside her a glance before continuing the rest of her sentence. "I am doing just fine ... alone. There really no need to assign ..." Wait. What was his name again? My, wasn`t this embarrassing. She didn`t even know what to address the man in the first place. So what was she going to do now? Address him by man or gentlemen? Well, the later choice sounded about right for her but ...

Sneaking another glance at the gorgeous man, she inwardly sighed. If looks were any indication, calling him gentlemen would hardly be suiting for someone as ... stoic and serious as he looked. If she didn`t know better, she could have sworn she saw a look of disapproval and annoyance on his slender face. Great, this would be the second time she accidentally insulted someone yet again. Even so, she didn`t have to worry about what to call him anymore because at the very moment she was pondering her options, the man beside her spoke for the very first time or in this case, spoke while she was here.

"... My name is Byakuya Kuchiki. Do not make myself repeat it again." Yeah, this was probably not going to end well. Despite the negative thoughts she had in her mind, Hisana Sato was confident that she could get herself out of this problem. So, now filled with a bit of an annoyance and confident at her part, Hisana was finally able to finish the rest of her sentence, this time sounding more confident than meek. "Mr. Kuchiki as my teacher assistant. I`m sure he would find it more suiting with ... someone of his level." Giving the said man a apologetic smile if her sentence sounded at least bit offending to him, her gaze eventually returned to the principal. "My classroom is far from the best. It would be more suiting for him to be placed in a higher class than of mine." And with that, she sat down and waited to see if this ' Byakuya Kuchiki ' would indeed be placed in her class, much to her approval/disapproval or placed in a different class like she hoped he would be.

If she had hoped her plan had worked, the next few minutes would surely have crushed that hope. It would seem Captain Yamamoto had no intention of changing his plans, let alone listen to her regards of that matter. In fact, all he really did was made it clear that he was uninterested of hearing anything from her and to tell you the truth, Hisana didn`t blame him. He out of all the people, knew she was not as cut out as a teacher as one would hope. She was to soft and kind for her own good. Even so, Principal Yamamoto could have least take some consideration into her words than flat out saying, "Hisana Sato. Do not question my judgment. It has already been done. Byakuya Kuchiki will be assisting you for the entire year. You will accept this task or I will take this as an insult."

What did that leave her with?

Nothing.

Aware of just what would happen if she did try to fight her way out, Hisana Sato sighed out her acceptance to the whole ordeal. Well, now that this was over and done with. The least she could do was relax even if it was just for a few moments. Those moments wasn`t long, however because very soon, he began to explain what would happen in the next few weeks now that she had an ' assistant '.

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Teaching the class was a difficult task indeed, if not more. The piercing stare she knew was from the distant man was more than enough to shatter the relaxed facade she had on. In fact, often times than not, her said assistant would volunteer or to be exact, force her to do the paper work while he taught her students her daily lessons himself. It was really to bad that he actually achieved more than she would ever had, actually. Yes, it was true. Byakuya Kuchiki, a man who did not appear to give a care to anything, actually managed to tame her class and teach them something. It was actually rather pathetic at her part if you thought about it.

She, who had endured countless of years of training, was bested by a newcomer who seemed to know what he was doing than she ever had. It was pitiful, really. However, as of now, it was the least of her concern. Right now, Hisana Sato knew she had to do something. For the past few weeks, the two of them never did speak much to each other. Byakuya simply found it more entertaining to read one of crime and mystery books than to talk to her. Then again, who could blame him?

The said woman frequently made it impossible for any sane human to speak to her. She was always nervous and to quiet for her own good. He didn`t mind the silence that came with it though. It was better to be with her than with any of the woman at the teacher`s lounge. Some of which, would annoy him to the point where he would go insane. Yachiru and Rangiku would be one of those women.

Despite appreciating the silence and room the woman gave him, Byakuya Kuchiki couldn`t help but wonder why she always appeared so ... sad when she was gazing upon a picture he had seen in her desk. It was none of his business or his concern, he knew of that but ... again, often time his curiosity got the better of him. It was one of the reason he finally spoke to her after a few weeks of teaching the students in her class while she corrected the student`s paper.

"... You appear to be sad. Why is that?" His best efforts of trying to conceal his gruffness seemed to be in vain. Why? His tone still sounded as though he was uninterested with whatever the woman had to say. He couldn`t help it, however. Many years of harsh teaching did to to a person. It would take a lot more than just his effort to help him ' lighten ' up as many would say. However so, the woman didn`t seem to be fazed at his harsh tone at all.

She seemed to have in even expected it. Well, wasn`t she the smart one? Not that it matter to him either way. The only thing he was looking forward to, was to hear her reason of her melancholy state. Once he had his answers, Byakuya was sure he would soon lose interest with the woman eventually. It was only a matter of time.

Silently awaiting for her response, he spent the remainder of the time, examining the woman more thoroughly. Oddly enough, the raventte couldn`t help but appreciate her beauty. He had never paid much attention to Hisana before. She was a woman who did not to put it lightly catch his attention at all. Well, not so much that he would grow curious of her until now.

He silently wondered how he had overlooked the beauty she had. Though her beauty wasn`t as obvious as some, it should have been obvious that Hisana was one of the hidden beauty he had always admired. Did this mean he was captivated by the said beauty? No, not really. Just interested. Hisana Sato was a woman who faced many hardships. It was obvious from the way she behaved and looked, and if that wasn`t enough, Byakuya Kuchiki was positive that anyone in the teacher`s lounge would know at least bits of her history.

This didn`t mean he cared about her, he assured himself. Byakuya was simply curious that was all or so, that was what he told himself. His thoughts were soon interrupted when the woman finally responded, her tone mellow and ... bitter? "Sad? ... No, it`s nothing important. I was just thinking back ... about something." With it, she sent a less than surreal smile towards him as an attempt to distract him from the conversation.

Meanwhile, Hisana Sato was more than bothered at the whole ordeal. This was ... awkward. Out of all the things she would expect from him to bring up, it was ... her sadness he decided to talk about? Was it really so visible that even a stranger could see it? She never would have thought her emotions could be seen so easily. The fake smiles she flashed to nearly everyone should have hidden the said emotions from anyone`s gaze. This ... Byakuya Kuchiki was different then and now Hisana knew, she could not divert his attention as easy as the others.
"... You are a bad liar, Ms. Hisana Sato."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
This couldn`t be. Days had past since the day he brought up a conversation with her and ever since then, Byakuya Kuchiki was determined to break down all of her defenses. She couldn`t go anywhere without seeing him and whenever the two would meet, he would unconsciously coax her into talking to him. It was by this method that he learned so much of her, just as she did to him. Though the two of them would not admit this, everyone including Principal Yamamoto knew something would soon bloom within the two of them. Someone just needed to give the two a little push to realize the hidden emotions in them.

And guess who decided to take on the job?

It was Rangiku Matsumoto and Gin Ichimaru, the devious duo who were well known for their twisted ways of matchmaking. Devious as they were, the job was soon accomplished. The two of them somehow tricked Hisana Sato and Byakuya Kuchiki to reveal their ... hidden emotions to each other. Even to this day, Byakuya Kuchiki and Hisana Sato was still not aware of just how they accomplished such a well thought feat in so little time. There were only a few days left before summer ended and oddly enough, Hisana felt the need to see Byakuya again before they went on their separate ways.

To no one shock, Byakuya Kuchiki was recommended to teach in some prestigious school, a country away from the one they were at. Knowing it was a good opportunity to start his career, Byakuya accepted the offer but not without thinking his choice thoroughly. For some strange reason, he felt ... devastated to leave the school or to be exact, someone. He just didn`t know why he felt this way. It was true that many of the people here were good companions, especially Shunsui and but even with the bond he had with them should not have been enough to make him feel so ... sadden. The thought of leaving anyone, especially Hisana, felt foreign to him.

No one had ever affect him this much before and now that he was feeling this way, he didn`t know what to do. Sadness, devastation, possessiveness, greed. Why were these feelings present? Never in his life had he felt this way and to tell you the truth, he did not want to start now. His wants didn`t seem to matter at this point, though. Byakuya Kuchiki wanted, no, he needed to see Hisana Sato one last time. She was ... the only one who understood him here. She was the only one who made him ... happy.

She would never fault him for his flaws. Instead, she embraced them fully as if those said flaws were good things rather than bad. She did things, people in his family would never have done and made him looks things differently. The feeling was wonderful when he was with her ... and often times, made him greed for more. Whether she felt the same way, he wasn`t sure but he knew one thing, Hisana cared for him, perhaps even more than just friends or so he hoped. It was for that reason he rose from his seat and begin his search for the delicate frail woman.

Meanwhile, Hisana Sato was accompany Kaien Shiba, a dear friend of her, to his classroom. As embarrassing as it was, Kaien asked her to help him with a romantic problem of his. He wanted her ... to be the Miyako Shiba figure while he practiced his lines to her. To say at the least, Kaien Shiba was ... rather descriptive when it came to confessing his love to the woman. " Miya, you`re mine. You stole my heart when we met and now, I want you to know how I feel..." After that, everything became even more vulgar to the point where her face was flushing every two seconds.

Just about when he finished, Kaien suddenly embraced and gave her a kiss to the cheek before letting her go. Now, normally, she would have flushed even more but at the moment, she had bigger problems to worry about. That said problem would include a very ... calm looking Kuchiki who seemed about ready to leave the room. Eyes widening in surprise, Hisana Sato was more than shocked to see the look of hurt Byakuya sent her way before leaving. Feeling the urge to run to him and clear whatever he was thinking, Hisana abruptly said her goodbye and ran after him.

Let just say after dealing with a few stops every now and then, she finally made it to the front of the school where Byakuya was approaching a vehicle. Now if there was one thing Hisana knew, if she didn`t stop him from entering that car, everything that could have happened would have been ruined. As cliche as it was, at that moment, she knew she loved him. He was a sweet man, a man who who just didn`t know how to let out his emotions and if she was correct, Hisana was sure he felt the same way as she did.

It would explain why he always spent so much time with her, treating her as if she was someone special to him and because of that reason, she called out his name in attempt to stop him. "Byakuya !"

Fortunately, that did the trick. Byakuya did stop. In fact, he turned around to face her. Now, this would have pleased her had he appeared blank like he normally did but today, that was far from it. Byakuya ... looked betrayed and perhaps even mad at her. Though he kept his silence, the look he sent was more than enough to get his message across. "What do you want?"

Under certain circumstances, Hisana would have cowered in fear but today she held her place. "Byakuya ... What you saw back there was ... nothing." Noticing the look of disbelief in his face, she continued. "There nothing going on with us. You have to believe me." Still looking unconvinced, he turned back to the vehicle and continued to make his way towards the car. He was stopped yet again. This time, by gentle arms around his lower chest and tears cascading on his back. "Byakuya. Please. I was helping Kaien. H - He ... wanted me to pretend I was his lover. There r - really nothing going on." Pressing a soft kiss on his hand when he turned around to face her, she mumbled out, "I love you." and was then relieved once she saw the comfort in his eyes. "I ... really love you, Byakuya."

"Hisana ..."  He was relieved. That much was obvious. In fact, he had to admit, he was more than happy to know that Hisana felt the same way as he did. Yes, it was true that she cared for him just as he cared for her. There was really no way of telling if Hisana loved him. Often than not, Byakuya Kuchiki was insecure and uncertain when it came to his feelings, much to everyone`s surprise. He didn`t know whether to tell her or to keep his feelings to himself. It was ... just odd to have these emotions resurface after many years of hiding them. At this point, it didn`t matter now. His insecure thoughts were gone now and all because of one petite woman. A woman he was more than ready to share a future with.

Caressing her cheek, he flashed the woman a rare smile and lowered her head to bring her lips to his.

Little was said after his own confession because at that moment, they shared a kiss. Sadly, the moment they shared was soon interrupted by a familiar voice or to be more specific, voices. It would seem everyone who was onto the matchmaking was out and smirking at the fact that the two did end up together. Mind you, before, the idea of being together sounded impossible to both Byakuya and Hisana. However, any of that didn`t matter to the two of them anymore. They had each other now. Nothing else could change that. Stifling a giggle, Hisana now confident with herself smiled at the scene before waving to her friends.

Perhaps love wasn`t as complicated as she thought after all and with that in mind, she shared yet another kiss with the man she loved.

AN : This is a year around school. Thus, making it possible for school to still be running at summer. I might just write about their summer plans if anyone is interested. If not, that is fine with me.  However, let me tell you this, I`m new to this fanfiction so yeah.
Also, I sort of rushed the ending just a tad bit. Criticism is welcomed, remember that.