Hello all! Well, I must say that ByaSoi is one of my favorite Bleach pairings. I am new to writing in the Bleach fandom although I have been following it for some time. Since this is my first Bleach story, I must say I'm a little nervous so please be kind? Haha, I do welcome constructive criticism, though.

I intend for this to eventually be a series of meetings between the two over the course of their lives, with each meeting sort of influencing the perceptions they have of one another. That said, I hope you enjoy!

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First Meeting

It wasn't an actual meeting. They didn't speak, they didn't even see one another face to face. She would know his name, but he would not know hers. It was an unconventional "meeting" in that it wasn't a meeting at all.

It was her first time going to the Kuchiki manor. She had been serving as Yoruichi's apprentice of sorts for some time however the Shihoin family head kept her removed from her diplomatic affairs until that day. Soifon had been excited and nervous to accompany Yoruichi. She wondered what kind of important business her mistress had to take care of. A meeting between two of the most powerful families in the Soul Society had to be a weighty matter, she thought to herself.

Soifon, it turned out, severely underestimated her mistress' capricious nature. She had been instructed by her mentor to have a look around while she "strengthened the diplomatic relations between the esteemed Shihoin and Kuchiki clans." Soifon dutifully obeyed, exploring the whole complex. While she had been impressed with the vastness and opulence of the Kuchiki estate, she couldn't help but wonder what Yoruichi was doing, what important matters she was hashing out. Such developments were likely to be heavily guarded, she thought to herself, and wondered if she could find the room and sneak in unnoticed. It would be a good test of her skills.

In the end, such an assessment was rendered unnecessary when Soifon heard her mistress' unmistakable voice ring out. Following the sound, the young girl found her mentor with a young man about her age, she assumed it was the Kuchiki heir. He had the high-bred bone structure. Byakuya, wasn't that his name? Soifon hid herself in the shadows and watched intently, wondering what was going on. It was apparent to her that the young Kuchiki was becoming increasingly irritated with her mistress. She wondered at their conversation. It appeared the diplomatic relations weren't going as well as anticipated.

In a flash, his once bound hair fell around his shoulders and Soifon had the ridiculous thought that his hair looked enviably soft. Dreamily, she wondered if Yoruichi knew what shampoo he used and if she would tell her. Her hair was the one vanity she allowed herself. Her reverie was broken when she heard his undignified shout, "BITCH!"

Soifon stiffened. She would not allow Yoruichi to be referred to in such a callous and rude manner. She silently seethed in shock as she wondered how such a prestigious family could rear such a rude brat. She prepared to go down and show the young man the consequences of his offensive actions but was stayed by a familiar touch. She turned quickly to come face to face with her mistress.

"Now now, there's no need to get worked up," Yoruichi said. "Be a good girl and wait a moment while I have a cup of tea with Ginrei. I won't be long, we can leave after that." Soifon nodded in response but was still filled with righteous indignation at the Kuchiki heir's vulgar behavior. He might have had nice hair, but that was the only thing nice about him, she decided.

"Ah, Byakuya-bo! He's perfect!" Yoruichi said happily as she strode through the Kuchiki estate gate. Soifon, who was trailing silently behind couldn't help but halt at the statement.

"Yoruichi-sama!" she exclaimed, her countenance displaying all the proper incredulity required of the situation, "Kuchiki heir he may be, but he is far too young for you!" She served Yoruichi, but that wouldn't stop her from expressing her dismay at her mistress' questionable taste in men. Not only was Byakuya Kuchiki far too young, but he was also, from her observations, hot-headed, immature, and worst of all disrespectful. He was nowhere near suitable for her mistress. He was almost as bad as Kisuke Urahara, another man whose appeal to Yoruichi remained elusive to the young girl.

Yoruichi's initial look of surprise quickly morphed into one of silent bemusement as she turned to face her young protégé. Soifon gazed at her defiantly, her fists clenched. It was as if she was saying that she would not budge until Yoruichi rid the silly fancy about the Kuchiki heir. The dark-skinned woman let out a chuckle at the sight before saying quickly, "no no, silly! I meant he's perfect for you!" The comment's effect on her short companion was immediately apparent. Gone was the stiff determination. In its place was flustered embarrassment.

"W-what? Yoruichi-sama, that is a preposterous suggestion!" said Soifon frantically. Her voice rose higher with each word, becoming uncharacteristically shrill.

Yoruichi couldn't help but laugh. "You must like him since you're getting so worked up about it," she teased gently. "You have to admit, he is pretty cuuuute!" she added in a sing-song voice.

"Yoruichi-sama!" her protégé yelped while trying vainly to preserve her sense of dignity. "Such words are inappropriate for one as esteemed as yourself! Besides, as I have already stated, I believe Byakuya Kuchiki to be a rude and immature hot-head."

"But he's a cute hot-head."

"No! He may be mildly attractive, however his personality is far too flawed to be appealing."

"So you do think he's good looking. I knew it!" Yoruichi crowed gleefully. "Don't you worry my dear, I will set you two up right away! I think it's adorable that you like him." She hugged Soifon tight against her, as if sharing some sisterly moment. "He's your first crush, isn't he?" she asked as she released her young ward from her clutches. Soifon tore herself away, saying fiercely,

"I don't have a crush on him! I haven't even met him!" She cursed the blush that said otherwise. The pink stain on Soifon's cheeks did not go unnoticed to Yoruichi, but she decided that she had had enough fun with her companion for one day.

"Come on, let's go." She said gently as she turned around once again. Soifon nodded silently, relieved that the ordeal was over. She was irked that the wretched blush wasn't going away as she could feel her cheeks still burning. Her first visit to the Kuchiki estate certainly was memorable but she couldn't wait to get away.

As the two approached the Second Division offices, Yoruichi abruptly called over her shoulder, "here, catch" before tossing a small object behind her. Soifon caught it easily and stared at it a moment before rushing to catch up to her fleet-footed mistress.

"What is this?" She asked when they reached the division. She didn't really need to ask; it was quite clear what it was. The seemingly simple cord was made of fine silk and was obviously expensive. It was Yoruichi's prize of the day, her "crush's" hair tie. What Soifon was wondering was why she had it now.

"It's a gift from your boyfriend, isn't that obvious?" Yoruichi replied with a wink. Okay, so maybe she wasn't completely done teasing Soifon that day. Soifon felt her blush return with a vengeance, and silently cursed. She had just managed to rid herself of it and one comment set it flaring up again. She spluttered a moment, trying to find words to say before giving up. She silently stormed her way past Yoruichi, the cloud of frustration saying more than enough her mood. She hadn't even met the guy and she was in love with him? She gazed reproachfully at her "gift" as she entered her room. It really was a shame such a nice hair tie had to have such a rude owner. She ought to throw it away, she thought to herself. It would surely silence Yoruichi about her supposed affection for the Kuchiki heir. She moved to toss it, but couldn't do it. She held the tie in her hand before sighing softly and setting it carefully aside. She told herself firmly that it was only because it was such a nice, and clearly expensive, ornament; it would have been a shame to discard it. That was the reason, nothing more. She made sure though to hide it away, where her mentor's sharp eyes wouldn't see.

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Love it? Hate it? I'd love to hear what you think ^_^