1. Re-assignment.
T: This is a case fic and thus it's going to be a little slow burning plot wise, you can also expect…a little bit of both manga and anime characterisations, random Kyoto spoilers, angst, potential slash, slight OC moments and the potential for slow updates further down the line! I own nothing you see here other than the plot bunny.
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"Kurosaki-kun, may I have a word?" The Division sectary's voice has been dropped to a whisper in deference of the other occupant of the room and is edged in something that raises the hairs on the back of his neck.
Setting down his paperwork he responds, "of course," his voice also little more than a whisper. It is a caution that proves all but useless for, the instant that he begins to move a bandaged hand is reaching out for him and his empathy is being prodded with a sleepy curiosity.
"Tatsumi-san wishes a moment of my time, most likely to discuss budget forecasts or something equally as dull." He explains as he gently loosens the other's grip upon him.
"Okay. Bring me back a cookie." The other responds before turning over in his bed and falling back to sleep.
Thus 'freed' he crosses the space between Tatsumi and himself, allows the other to usher him into the hallway and waits, patiently, for the sectary to close the infirmary door before enquiring,
"How can I be of help, Tatsumi-san?"
"A case has appeared that requires your 'unique gift' Kurosaki-san and, after much discussion, a decision has been made to temporally re-assign you." There is the hint of an apology in the other's voice and, comprehending that these are 'orders from above', he pushes away the anger that this choice has invoked within him and says, "Of course, thank you for coming to tell me," before politely excusing himself.
He spends five minutes walking around the Bureau gardens, calming his emotions and thinking of the best way to approach Tsuzuki with this news. Once he feels 'ready' he returns to the infirmary, making sure to drop into the staff canteen and secure a cookie on the way. Kakyouin
Feeling nauseous he opens the doorway and is greeted with the sight of Kakyouin Tsubaki maintaining a quite vigal over Tsuzuki's still slumbering form.
A week after the Queen Camelia had sunk Kanoe had called him into his office and informed him of Tsubaki's instatement as a Shinigami. Guilt still thick in his mind he'd thanked the other for the news, left the office and pushed the information to the very back of his mind.
Presented with the undeniable fact of her 'existence', with the noisy discord of the emmotions (his as well as her own) that echoes in his mind, he is able only to say,
"I am sorry."
She smiles at the words, the expresion banishing the shadows that had, until that moment, been about her face and responds,
"Myself also."
The honesty is unexpected and, understanding well the intent behind it he thanks her before remarking,
"It is good to see you again."
"Yourself also." She says before remarking, "I only wish that I had been brave enough to come to you without an alteriour motive," an appology clear in her voice.
Rather than make her feel the worse for her cowerdess or question why she felt such a thing to begin with, he instead enquires,
"Are you not assigned to the Chinese division?"
"Not any longer, no." She responds, before informing him, "My achievements in the field have gained me rather a reputation and, when my partner assended last week, I was asked if I might wish to transfer over to the Japanese division."
"An offer that you clearly accepted."
"Yes, but only after I was informed of what my first assignment was to be." There is a hint of faint embaressement edging her emmotions now and, curious, he enquires,
"What is your first assignment?"
"Kanoe-san told me that you would be able to breif me." The words confirm the suspicion that had been forming in his mind and, raking a hand through his hair, he says,
"I was so angry about being re-assigned that I didn't give Tatsumi-san time to tell me who my new partner was to be, let alone detail me on the case we were to undertake."
"Shall I go and get the information now then?"
"Yes, thank you, Tsubaki."
"Don't mention it." She responds before gaining her fet and heading for the door.
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T: Thus chapter one is out of the way. Number two should be up on Fri, until then why not review?