Everyone knows...

Your recovery, and training streched from days to weeks and eventually into two months. In that time, Captain Unohana had a bed, and room, on reserve for you regularly. In secret, you trained with Captain Kurosaki, though you're fairly sure everyone knew you could achieve Bankai, only the Captain had ever seen it.

You were surprised to find that, like the Captain, your sword reverts into a small form of itself, changing into just a normal Katana. The only thing speical about it, was the small cross dangling from the upper part of the sheathe. You'd also not had a problem with your Hollow in quite a while, another plus. Things were looking good...

"That's it." At the end of every training session, you seem to be the only one winded. "We'll continue tomorrow." Sealing your sword you nod and thank the Captain once again. Your clothes, almost similar to Grimm's return to the normal Shinigami Shihakushō. "Yeah. About your Hollow...have you had any attacks lately?"

"No, Captain."

"I see...as much as I've enjoyed our training we've been skirting the issue here. The whole point of our training together was to tame your Hollow, but that purpose seems to have been forgotten, eh-heh..."

"I understand. Perhaps we should start THAT training some other time? I believe I've taken much of your time up these past few months." He nods and you two say your goodbye's for the night...

The next day is spent simply relaxing. It's been so long since you had a day off. That evening finds you relaxing in a bath. You sigh in the warm water and sink down to your shoulders. It's been so long since you could simply soak for so long. You quietly muse to yourself that maybe Grimm wouldn't be so depressed all the time if he could soak like you do.

The door opens and you look over. It's Lieutenant Isane, who seems rather shocked to see you. She gasps and shields herself from your eyes as you turn your head. You apologize to the Lieutenant.

"I'm sorry, Lieutenant. I thought that maybe I could soak to relax. I'll be out in a moment if that is acceptible."

"N-No, it's fine." You're somewhat surprised but you keep your eye's averted. "I, um...could scrub your back if you want."

"Y-Yeah. Sure." You're a bit flustered to be frank. As a Visored you've never really had friends let alone been in the same room as naked woman. You stand up, grabbing a towel to hide your nudity before taking a seat on the small stool she is knealing by.

"Oh, my...what happened to your back?"

"Oh, um, Captain Kurosaki can be really tough, he tries to restain himself but I've taken a few slashes. The scars should fade after Captain Unohana takes a look at them." You sit in silence as she begins to scrub your back softly. "You...have questions about my Hollow...don't you?"

"O-Oh, no. I mean...would it bother you?"

"Not at all, Lieutenant Isane."

"C-Call me Isane, Valentine." You nod meekly and sigh. "So, um, how does it work?"

"Well, when I was a plus no Shinigami came for me. I spent plenty of time running from Hollow's to be truthful. I met a guy...he wore this strange hat and some clogs all the time. He gave me shelter for a bit and when I started to change into a Hollow guidence."

"Guidence?"

"I found my Zanpakutō that day. Even though I didn't know it's name it stopped me from becoming a Hollow, and...well, here I am."

"I see. Did it hurt?" You give her a nod of your head as she pauses for a brief moment before continuing. "How is your...training?"

"I'm actually taking a break. I think I've taken enough the Captain's time. He should probably catch up on some paper-work." The two of you share a small laugh and soon, the tension seems to fade as you two soak in the water together.

You're commrades after all. "Do you think I'm too tall, Valentine?" In truth she is fairly tall. Probably six foot, which is a few inches shorter then yourself.

"Not at all. If you ask me, it just means you've got a bigger stride and you're quicker on your feet." You flash her a goofy-grin, your less serious side is coming out. The smile make's her laugh.

"After you complete your training...you're going to go to a different Squad, right?" In truth you're not sure anymore. Everyone is almost like family to you now and the Captain is friendly enough...but maybe there's another reason you should say...?