It’s the morning after the party. Marika wakes, dragging herself from a dark, unforgiving mist, each pulse of her headache a hammer to her skull. Faint traces of alcohol seem to linger, suffocating her in their stale embrace. The room around her is a silent wasteland - lack of things in the chambers deepens the feeling of emptiness inside of her. She shifts, the soreness in her body relentless, mirroring the tangle of regret in her gut. She pinches the bridge of her nose, as if that could somehow silence the pain.
Fragments of last night return in flashes: the drinking game at Rangiku’s, Kira’s warm body against her hip, Gin’s cold, taunting hands, Rakgiku’s little game of jealousy, Aizen’s anger, that reckless, manipulative dare with Byakuya… She loathes how easily she let them pull her away from her goals, how quickly she let herself drift.
She squeezes her eyes shut, blotting her vision with static, hoping it might clear her head.
With a groan, Marika pushes herself up, trying to reclaim some control over the nausea gnawing at her insides. It doubles her over, and she curls around her knee for support.
“Easy, easy now… “ - she mouths to herself as though soothing a wild animal. A thin line of saliva slips from her mouth, falling to the sheets.
“It’s time to make a decision. ” - she whispers, stroking and pinching her thigh, “All right, all right, let's take this one step at a time… “ - She runs her fingers through her tangled hair, calming herself, as if to iron out both her appearance and resolve.
“I should pay Captain Byakuya a visit and apologise for last night. As for Captain Aizen, he should witness it himself. I hadn’t realised he was a jealous type. Typical… But this will only deepen his desire for me… “
Marika swiftly washed and changed, even dabbed on her most alluring perfume. Fortunately, the shortest path from Squad 5 to Squad 6 led her right through the Academy grounds, where Aizen taught his classes - meaning she wouldn’t need to invent a reason to pass that way.
As Marika passed the building where she knew Aizen was located, a familiar spiritual pressure materialised behind her.
“Gato… “ - Aizen’s soft voice failed to conceal the displeasure that his spiritual pressure imposed onto Marika. Despite the shivers his presence sent down her spine, she turned to him with a perfectly feigned expression of surprise.
“Captain Aizen! It’s a pleasure to see you”, she smiled warmly.
“I wasn’t aware that you had any duties on Academy grounds today, Officer Gato”. His malevolent smile betrayed the enjoyment he derived from taunting her. It never occurred to him that this encounter was part of her plan - one he had unwittingly walked into.
“Oh, that… um… “ Marika feigned embarrassment, pausing deliberately to give the impression that she was concocting an excuse, but her words faltered. “I’m on my way to Squad 6 headquarters…”
“If you had business with another squad, the captain of that squad would have needed to request my permission. Correct me if I’m wrong, but no such request has been filed.” Aizen emphasised the word “Captain,” unable to utter Kuchiki Byakuya’s name.
“I have personal matters to discuss with Captain Byakuya”, Marika said clearly and confidently, allowing Byakuya’s name to roll off her lips like honey. In response, Aizen’s nostrils flared, betraying that she had struck a nerve.
“Do you fancy that man?” he asked, still unable to speak Byakuya’s name.
“And what if I did?” she replied, her tone unwavering.
“Nothing. You are free to desire whomever you wish.” His voice turned cold. “Nevertheless, I expect to see you today at 6 PM by the Eastern gate.”
“Is something the matter, Captain?” She inquired innocently.
“You don’t have the authority to question my orders, Officer.” With that, Aizen vanished.
Marika smiled to herself. Men are so predictable, she mused.
Marika arrived at headquarters of Squad 6, hoping to find Byakuya in his office - a reasonable expectation, given that it was around 11 AM. However, there was also a chance that he was at his family palace, as he was of noble blood, which would turn bothersome for Marika. If he were indeed there, she would have to schedule an official appointment, delaying the chance to see him.
As she approached, Abarai Renji opened the door, bewildered at first, but then giving her an approving nod. “Good call”, he whispered, before calling out, “Captain, Gato Marika is here to see you!” When Byakuya appeared, Renji seized the moment to excuse himself, mumbling about fetching some files that the Captain requested.
“What files…?“ Byakuya murmured, clearly puzzled. He then turned his undivided attention to Marika.
“I am here to apologise for my indecent behaviour at the party last night.” Marika began, her voice steady yet sincere. “I was in high spirits thanks to good company and a bit too much bad wine. We played a game, Lieutenant Matsumoto and I; we engaged in a friendly competition. I regret that, in my enthusiasm, I treated you rather lightly.”
Byakuya inclined his head slightly, his expression inscrutable. “I appreciate your honesty and bravery. Besides, “ he added, his voice cool and even, “you couldn’t have done anything I did not allow. I would, however, prefer that we let this matter rest.”
“Of course. Thank you for your understanding.” Marika inclined her head in a graceful bow, then withdrew, leaving with a sense of dignity intact.
“Now to find out what Aizen wants,” Marika murmured to herself, her gaze fixed upon the Eastern gate.
Maybe it's better if I release chorter chapters more frequently ✌️🤡
