Bleach is the property of Tite "Trololo" Kubo

Tackling the Unknown

Yoruichi was about to go to sleep when she heard a faint knock on her door. "Come in." She instructed. The door slowly opened to reveal Soi Fon. She continued to stand in the doorway but didn't take a step into Yoruichi's bedroom. "What's the matter, Soi Fon?"

"Lay… Lady Yoruichi," Soi Fon struggled in addressing her commander.

"Yes?"

"Lately I've been having trouble concentrating and I feel uneasy. I thought it might blow over but these problems persist so I thought talking with you might alleviate my worries."

"Okay." Yoruichi was a bit confused. Soi Fon had never approached her like this before. "Sit down next to me." Yoruichi patted a spot next to her on her bed.

"Thank you." Soi Fon sat down. She curled her fingers on top of her knees. "Ever since I became your bodyguard I've felt like I want to be near you all the time."

"Is that odd? You are my bodyguard after all so shouldn't you want to be near me?"

"My heart seems to beat faster whenever I'm around you. My body feels warm and my face grows numb." Continued Soi Fon.

"Isn't that because you train everyday?"

"Well yes but it's a different sensation than muscle fatigue or a loss of breath. It's um… It's um…" Soi Fon couldn't come up with the words to describe it.

"Do you feel nervous around me?" Asked Yoruichi.

"No of course not! Well, yes I want to prove to you that I am capable and should be at your side."

"Do you wish to be stay by me even when I'm sleeping?"

"I would happily guard you while you sleep, Lady Yoruichi." Answered Soi Fon.

"I meant do you wish to sleep next to me in the bed?" Soi Fon stood up, embarrassed.

"Wwhat?!" She was blushing furiously. "How could even propose such an absurd idea?"

"Soi Fon, I'm sure no one has told you about this but it's common for souls around your age to begin feeling certain ways about other souls."

"What do you mean, Lady Yoruichi?" Soi Fon sat back down next to her captain.

"Souls are like humans. We seek companionship with others. Sometimes souls like humans develop a special bond with another."

"What is this special bond, Lady Yoruichi?"

"Love."

"Pre…preposterous." Soi Fon stuttered. "I admire you, Lady Yoruichi, but I don't think of you in that way."

"Soi Fon, it's okay. There is nothing wrong with being attracted to women. What's important is that you follow your instincts." Yoruichi comforted her junior.

"This feeling, this desire to be with you forever is not impure?" Soi Fon relaxed a bit. She had thought Yourichi would have been angry at her.

"No because I feel the same way about you Soi Fon. I trust you completely. That's why I wanted you to serve as my bodyguard."

"Lady Yoruichi," Soi Fon was touched by Yoruichi's compassion. Her cheeks turned bright red.

"Do you feel better?"

"Yyes!" Soi Fon stood up and marched over towards the door. "Lay… Lady Yoruichi?"

"Hmm?" Soi Fon turned around to face Yoruichi.

"I swear I'll protect you, I will." She vowed. Yoruichi noticed Soi Fon shoulders quivering.

"I have no reason to doubt your resolve." Affirmed Yoruichi. "Now go get some rest. Tomorrow we're leaving early in the morning."

"Yes, Lady Yoruichi!" Soi Fon bowed, exited, and closed the door behind her.

"What a troublesome youth she is." Remarked Yoruichi before turning off her lights and drifting off to sleep.