Bleach Fic 2, Chapter 1
Author's note: This is a sequel to my first story 'Descend, Heaven's Cloud of Doom!'. It's not necessary to read that first but it does contain back story that is referred to frequently throughout this fic. I wrote this one because I really wanted to know how Sakura would find her place within Soul Society. I've also just started watching the Arrancar arc in the anime, and I realised how much Ikakku Madarame is a great, fun character to watch. I wondered if he'd be as fun to write. Turns out he is.
I hope you enjoy this!
The sky is blue and clear above Soul Society, fluffy white clouds moving lazily to the east, pushed by a gentle breeze. The trees that flower are already in bloom, branches laden with the white, pink, and crimson blossoms that occasionally release a petal or two, letting them drift to the perfectly green, perfectly soft grass.
On the roof of one of the Seireitei's massive building sits a tall young woman, arms behind her as she stretches out her legs. Long white hair cascades down her back and wide violet eyes look up to the sky, watching the clouds travel by. Part of her longs to go with them.
"He wants to see you."
The young woman sighs and glances at her companion, Shunsui Kyoraku, Captain of the 8th Division of the 13 Protection Squads. She notes his trademark pink haori, embroidered with delicate flowers and blossoms, and his large straw hat, which casts shadows across his ruggedly handsome face.
"I know."
"So, you're ignoring him, Sakura?"
Sakura Takahashi, unranked Shinigami of the 3rd Division, allows herself to fall backwards on the roof, her arms behind her head and weary eyes fixed on the impossibly blue sky. She brushes a pale strand of hair out of her face.
"I don't know. Maybe."
Kyoraku watches her from beneath his hat.
"I thought you were making progress. He speaks highly of you."
The young woman snorts derisively.
"I've hated the dream of him all my life, Shunsui. And then I actually have the chance to meet him, and he's so. . . nice."
She frowns, eyes clouded with thought.
"He's nice, and honourable, and strong. And I know I should try harder to rebuild whatever relationship we might have, but I'm finding it increasingly difficult to let go of the idea of him."
Shunsui Kyoraku watches her in silence, his usual expression of good-natured amusement absent from his face.
"He talks about my mother. I never know how to respond."
"He's your father, little Sakura. And he misses her deeply."
Her eyes darken.
"So do I."
She raises herself into a sitting position and looks at her companion and confidant.
"Just give me some time, Shunsui. That's all I ask. Things are hard enough as it is."
The older man pushes back his hat and raises an eyebrow.
"Oh, don't pretend you don't know." She exclaims. "I don't fit in here."
"Ahh." He lowers his hat, a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. "You don't even try."
"Untrue!" The woman snaps back.
"Just look at how you insist on dressing." Kyoraku gestures at her body, and Sakura looks down, frowning.
"It's just yoga pants and a t-shirt. I was practising earlier."
He sighs, shaking his head, though he's still smiling.
"You're in Soul Society now, Sakura. We do not wear such clothes. Why don't you wear the dresses I buy for you?"
She laughs, face lighting up attractively.
"I think those would be even more unsuitable, you old pervert! If I show that much cleavage, Matsumoto might assume I'm a rival for most scantily clad and buxom female."
Kyoraku laughs, leaning forwards and clasping one of her hands.
"An old man can dream."
Sakura shakes him loose, smiling.
"You're a dog."
"That I am."
He leans back.
"What about the kimonos Jushiro buys for you?"
Sakura's smile fades at the mention of her father, Jushiro Ukitake, Captain of the 13th Division.
"It would be a nice gesture, Sakura." Kyoraku's voice is soft but there's a hint of steel to it that she knows well.
She looks at the sky and then back at her unofficial mentor, and friend.
"Okay." She stands, stretching out her long, lean body and wincing slightly as the tight skin at her neck throbs painfully.
"It still has not healed?" Kyoraku is suddenly standing before her, fingers gently feeling the livid scar at the base of Sakura's throat, left by a device that almost killed her, and all of Soul Society.
She pushes the older man's hands away impatiently, and pulls the collar of her t-shirt up to hide the ugly wound.
"No. I doubt it ever will. But, enough of this. You," she wags a playful finger under his nose, "have duties to attend to, which I am sure Nanao will agree with."
Kyoraku smiles widely at the mention of his attractive, bookish vice-captain.
"I'm sure we'd get more done if only she agreed to come drinking with me."
Sakura laughs.
"You old liar. You know damn well you'd get nothing done, other than making passes at Nanao. And that's why she declines your offers!"
She swats him on the arm.
"I need to go shower, and then, yes, I will put on something more 'appropriate'." Her voice is scornful but her eyes smile at him.
"Why don't I accompany you?"
"To the showers?" Sakura raises an eyebrow. "You're the same age as my father! Give it a rest, Shunsui."
"Never." His eyes sparkle.
Sakura shakes her head, laughing, before kissing him on the cheek, dodging his playful grab for her, and then running off, leaping from roof to roof as she makes her way to her quarters.
Shunsui Kyoraku watches her leave, his eyes thoughtful, a small smile on his face.
"Ahh, Sakura. You never make things easy for yourself."