Speaking Clearly
Mission
Byakuya Kuchiki never did like the imbeciles that broke the laws--furthermore, he hated even more the ones who bent them. And he, of all people, is a hypocrite. After Rukia's execution, how could he speak in such an ill-mannered way toward those who did not abide by the law? Make no mistake, he didn't regret his decision. In fact, he cursed inwardly toward himself for not doing it sooner. But still, he never did like the rule breakers and benders.
Soi Fon was the same. Almost. She followed the laws of the Soul Society with precision. If she was instructed to kill her Lieutenant--and God, was she waiting for that day--she would do it without hesitation. She spat at those who went against the rules, those traitorous fiends. But like Byakuya, there was just one exception. Her sister--although not technically, Yoruichi-sama was her sister, her love, her sempai--was that one exception, just like the nobleman.
Today had caused her a great deal of chaos and flare of emotions, which was never good to display within her unit. Personal matters should be kept separate from business at all times. So why, oh why, was today so different? As she sat in her office, she couldn't explain it. She had randomly cried a few hours ago, and then just moments earlier, she had practically bit off the head of Oomaeda, who had actually done something right this time. As her head rested in her hands, she sighed as a knock rapped on the office door. "Go away." She wasn't in the mood for some stupid question a squad member had. The knocking continued. "Come in," she sighed. As the door opened, she didn't look up. "What," she bit out coldly.
At the clearing of a throat, she looked up with dull, unamused eyes. "Captain Kuchiki, what a surprise. Is there something I can help you with?" It was hard to hide the apathy in her voice.
"You missed the Captain's meeting," he replied, matching the emotionlessness of her voice.
"Did I miss anything important?"
Byakuya raised an eyebrow at this, but quickly regained his composure. Soi Fon had never missed a meeting, and she was as strict and anal on procedures as he was. "All activity has been suspended outside of the Soul Society, except for special orders. Captain Commander Yamamoto says there is a traitor in the human town, and has assigned you and myself to the mission."
Soi Fon stood to her feet, unwillingly, and finally looked into his eyes. "Let's go, then." As she walked toward the doorway which he was standing in, she stopped. He wasn't moving. "We're wasting time just sitting here."
Byakuya mentally rolled his eyes at what he was about to do. He walked forward, making her take a few steps back, and closed the door behind him. "What is it?" he asked coldly.
"What is what?"
"You're different today. It's unlike you to miss a meeting. And your eyes are red from crying."
The Special Forces Commander narrowed her eyes at his ability to observe things well. "I don't believe it is any of your concern."
"It is if you're my partner in this mission. We're going to be retrieving a traitor of the Soul Society who possibly works under Aizen. If you are emotionally unstable, I need to determine whether or not you are fit to go." His bored expression matched his tone.
Soi Fon stepped forward, standing on the balls of her feet to be taller and she glared up to him. "Do not doubt my ability to control my emotions."
"Or what."
"Or--!" Soi Fon stopped, realizing her hand was balled up in a fist. She let out a frustrated sound and closed her eyes, trying to calm herself.
"If you are not able to control yourself--" he stopped short when a fist came flying in his direction. He caught it in his hand and gripped it tightly.
Soi Fon jerked her arm back, freeing it from his grasp. "I can control myself!" she hissed. Realizing what she had just done had contradicted what she said made her eyes soften. "Oh..." Tears welled in her eyes. "I..." She wasn't one for apologizing. As the tears leaked from her eyes, she fell forward--against her will--and cried into Byakuya's clothes.
This was definitely uncomfortable and comfortable at the same time. Not sure what to do, he patted a hand on her back. It was better she let everything out now than while in the human world. "What's bothering you?" He still sounded bored.
Soi Fon quickly stood straight and took a step back, quickly wiping her eyes. "It's nothing, let's go." When she tried to walk forward again, she realized he still wasn't budging. She sighed. "I'm not actually sure, really."
Byakuya glanced over to her desk which held a small picture frame. A picture of Yoruichi was printed on it. "It can be hard to be away from someone. But you did it for a hundred years, so you can do it for a mere few months."
Soi Fon nodded with a fluttering sigh. His words were small, and forced, but they somehow brought comfort. Her usual, hard, unflinching expression returned as she pushed her emotions back into the corner of her mind. "What time are we supposed to leave?"
"Immediately." The Captain of the Sixth Division turned and opened the door, walking through. Soi Fon followed. This wasn't the first time Yamamoto paired her and Byakuya up for work. She often either was partnered with him or Hitsugaya, them being the three most serious and strongest Captains.
As they were transported to Karakura Town, Soi Fon looked around. The two walked down the street, eyes shifting from side to side. "I'll cover the north side," Byakuya explained and then flashed out of sight.
Soi Fon nodded and headed South. Splitting up always did get more ground covered, but it also made it easier for one of them to be attacked. As a pair of eyes watched the two Captains go different ways, they finally settled on Soi Fon's direction. Instantly, the figure followed her.
Author's Note: Where's all the Byakuya x Soi Fon love, eh? I admit, they aren't my favorite pairing, but I do like them!
Sorry this chapter was short. I have a tendancy to make introductory chapters relatively small. Reviews are appreciated (: