Disclaimer: Oh, I wish.

Listening to: David Bridie – 'Hotel Radio'.

Chapter Four

The morning of the weekly Eighth/Thirteenth picnic dawned beautifully clear, and the day had only seemed to improve as the sun rose higher in the sky. By the time things were in full swing the sun was shining, the birds were singing, there was scarcely a cloud in the sky and Jyuushiro was seriously considering murdering his best friend.

Since that conversation in his office Jyuushiro had expected barely veiled hints, accidental meetings and pitifully handled interrogations. Shunsui had delivered on none of these accounts, which had naturally made him even more nervous. Still, a week and a half later, he had finally let out a breath of relief. Perhaps, for once, Shunsui had realised that he was making something out of nothing and had decided to let this potential source of Jyuu-kun teasing slide…

No such luck.

That illusion had perished the second he'd arrived at the vast tree they picnicked under only to find that, in addition to his usual companions Shunsui and Nanao, there were two additional party members, one of whom was the very source of his Shunsui-based panic. Jyuushiro did not believe in coincidence and, therefore, he firmly believed that Nemu Kurotsuchi quietly sitting next to Nanao and a rather unexpected Momo Hinamori, and Shunsui trying and failing to not look smug, were very much interlinked no matter what his best friend protested about the SWA being the main party involved. Why they would be a part of this was beyond him, and he had barely restrained himself from making a rude gesture at his fellow captain in response to, 'You could just talk to her, Jyuu-kun, and find out why she's here'.

Although, the urge to respond in that manner was mostly a result of Shun's tone and accompanying eyebrow wiggling, rather than the words of his statement.

Anyway, back to my original train of thought – does it still count as fratricide if we're only brothers in spirit?

Damn Shunsui and his urge to interfere in everything. 'Just talk to her' – and say what exactly, hmmm?

So… I killed your father. How's that working out for you?

Oh, I know – Why did you stay? Or how about – I know you thanked me for killing your father, but does that mean I'm actually forgiven, or were you just trying to say the 'right' thing? Should I be sleeping with one eye open?

Or I could retreat into the insignificant and asinine. Lovely weather we're having – always a showstopper.

Maybe – I'm planning to kill my best friend for getting involved in my love life, or lack thereof. Want to help? No, that opening line wouldn't be strange and creepy in the least.

Do you come here often? No, wait! That sounds like the sort of thing Shunsui would expect in his warped little version of the world.

I need to get out of the office more. I sound socially inept.

In truth, Jyuushiro felt tongue-tied. Any attempt he had tried to make at conversation had been hampered by the knowledge that his best friend was watching every move he made like a hawk and that there were no safe topics to discuss with Nemu as long as this was the case, so he'd given it up as a bad job. He'd taken himself a few metres from the others in order to sit and think, and was now staring at the horizon as though it had offended him personally.

Not that there are many safe topics with her anyway. Family is out, work is out since it's too closely linked with family, shared history is out… Which leaves what? Literature? I have no idea what she reads or even if she does so outside of her duties. Then again, I know nothing about her at all so I might as well start somewhere. But how? Just sidle up to the girl and ask her if she likes books?

Oh Kami, Shunsui would have a field day with that.

I'm over-thinking the situation. I want to understand her decision but I don't need to get to know her like this. Nanao could probably tell me what I need to know in order to comprehend Kurotsuchi-san's motivations – I don't even need to engage her in conversation. I have no reason at all…

Except, of course, for curiosity. I'll admit, I have that in spades.

Just not for the reasons that Shunsui is suggesting, damn him…

Which brings me back to plotting his demise.

The sound of a throat clearing at his side jolted him out of his thoughts and back to reality. Unfortunately, it was a reality in which his ex-best friend was trying to talk to him.

"You", Jyuushiro growled quietly to a decidedly nervous-looking Shunsui.

"Uh, me?" Shunsui attempted a winning smile, which only made Jyuushiro more tempted to punch him. "You know, you really ought to start talking to our guests. Or maybe even just talking in general. I think Nemu-san has said more than you today, and frankly I'm finding that a little alarming."

Narrowing his eyes, Jyuushiro replied, "Don't give me that. You know damn well why I'm annoyed, and it's your fault!"

"Now, now", his friend began in a reasonable tone, "I did explain to you that the SWA wanted the two of you to talk. I just suggested this as a low-key and relatively less awkward setting."

"Suggested, did you? And the SWA came up with a concept of us interacting in the first place, did they?" Jyuushiro continued through gritted teeth, "No one suggested anything else?"

Shunsui had the good grace to look a little sheepish. "Ok, I did help them along there, but they would have come to the same conclusion anyway." Running a hand through his dark hair, Shunsui tried to talk himself out of being the target of his friend's wrath. "It's not what you think, for once, at least where I'm concerned. The young lady needs help, Jyuu, and you're the best option she has." He considered this. "Probably the only one, too."

This was new. Jyuushiro's anger dissipated as he frowned, turning this suddenly acquired fact over in his mind. "Really? What does - "

Shunsui shook his head. "It's up to her to decide whether she even wants assistance in the first place, and then to ask. She might prefer not to, especially after the warm and fuzzy reception you've given her today."

This earned him a glare. "Forewarning would have been nice, Shun."

"I wasn't even sure if she'd really come along", his friend admitted. "She's somewhat tentative about connecting with most of the Gotei 13, as they are about connecting with her. Nemu-san is much more sensitive than people give her credit for – she knows when she's not wanted and Kami knows she's had enough of that sort of atmosphere with her father. She's not going to force her presence on anyone or make them help her if they aren't willing, not matter what her own needs are." Shunsui frowned, his gaze going to the quiet young woman kneeling on the ground, who was nodding in response to whatever Momo had just whispered into her ear. "Seriously Jyuu, whatever you decide, tread cautiously with her. Nanao will kill us both if her little protégé gets hurt."

Jyuushiro raised one dark eyebrow. "Since when have I ever been careless of other people's feelings, Shun?"

"I'm perfectly aware of your wonderful track-record and ability to play nicely with others, Jyuu-kun, just don't slip up now", Shunsui responded with a smile, before chuckling to himself. "Ah, Jyuu-kun. Ever the gentleman. And now your good friend Shun has even found you a damsel in distress!"

"My good friend Shun should stop talking about himself in the third person", muttered Jyuushiro. "I would also recommend that he cease and desist all innuendo involving me if he wants to live." Gathering his thoughts, he frowned slightly. "So, you really suggested this meeting purely out of altruistic impulse?"

"Uh, mostly?" Shunsui ventured, holding up his hands when Jyuushiro narrowed his eyes in a glare. "Hey, you wouldn't believe me if I told you otherwise."

"And I'd be right not to."

"Touché. Still, the woman needs your assistance. I just found the timing… convenient", Shunsui finished, a smug smile on his face.

"Yes", Jyuushiro remarked wryly, "I'm very sure you did. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go talk to Nanao."

He walked back toward the main gathering, cries of 'Abandoning me, Jyuu-kun? How cold!' echoing behind him as he shook his head and smiled.

xXx

Nemu was having second thoughts about this whole affair.

Is that right? Are they still second thoughts if I have had them repeatedly? If not…Can people have four hundred and eighth thoughts? Would this then count as one, too? I need to ask Momo to clarify this for me, though it will have to wait. Right now I need to focus on the current task – talking to Captain Ukitake.

To be fair, most of her reluctance to speak was because of who she would be speaking to. Not only had he seemed out of sorts today but, despite the fact that Captain Ukitake was always open and friendly to talk to, she could sense that he never quite knew what to say to her. It bothered Nemu, that a man so accustomed to making everyone else feel at ease in conversation was always at a loss when it came to their few encounters. People tended to prefer treating Nemu as if she weren't there unless they knew her well, but he always tried to make an effort to be nice and include her, especially since the war, and she could see that he struggled with it. As much as she wanted to put him at his ease, Nemu had no idea how to go about it. She had thanked him for killing her father very politely but that hadn't seemed to help at all, and she was unable to think of any other way to make what little conversation they had less stilted.

This bothers me too much. I will do what Momo said and just keep it simple. A quick explanation, an assurance that he is not bound to assist me unless he wishes to, and then I can work out what path to pursue from there.

If he accepts, then I can worry about how we will converse. Though why seeing how difficult he finds it to talk to me bothers me so, I have no idea. I am used to my colleagues' wooden attempts to interact with me – they either amuse or annoy me. Putting aside the thought that I am too much like my father in those responses, why should he be any different?

Nemu grimaced slightly to herself as she realised that, not only had she not heard most of what Nanao was saying, but that the woman in question was now being called over by Captain Kyouraku. Apparently he required her to adjudicate in a friendly debate between himself and Momo about whether the food he was currently cooking was done or not, which meant that Nemu was now alone with her thoughts. A soft breeze blew her bangs across her face as she looked up to watch the tree branches sway. With a shrug, she rose to her feet. If the others were all occupied with their current conversation, she was going to look around. It was clear to her that Captain Kyouraku knew how to select a place to picnic, one that combined beauty with functionality. The fairly ancient and sizable tree under which they'd been sitting provided adequate shade, the trunk was wide enough to act as a wind-bank and the general surrounds were lush and green, possibly in part because of the small, swift-flowing stream that ran not to far away. Her attention now on this, Nemu walked forward slowly, her mind occupied with less sedentary activity as she thought through her situation.

I need training. If Captain Soi Fon's report from her mission to Hueco Mundo is entirely accurate, then Akon is now the Eighth Espada and is still decidedly not fond of me. At my current level he would, as Momo says, make minced meat of me.

Though why he would wish to go to the effort of doing that, when it'd be far simpler to just kill me and leave my body to rot in the sand, is beyond me. Some of Momo's turns of phrase are entirely nonsensical.

All of this aside, the central point remains – I need training. With an elemental sword, my options are limited. Captain Ukitake really is the only feasible teacher, which means that I need to talk to him and I will never have a better opportunity than what I am currently being presented with. Therefore, logically, I need to take advantage of this now and stop just sitting here fretting about it.

Nemu arrived at the bank of the stream, kneeling to dip her hand cautiously in the cool water.

Unfortunately, there are any number of things I would prefer to do instead. Having to attempt conversation with Captain Ukitake, the man who my subconscious mind clearly has some sort of fixation with, the man who killed my father? With all that to consider, is it any wonder that our conversations are so fraught with difficulty?

I cannot dwell on this. I am wasting -

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Nemu looked up just as the very source of her internal monologue came to a stop beside her, standing awkwardly as he looked down at her. Withdrawing her hand from the water, she stood up to face him.

No time like the present. And Momo did give me some ideas for making this conversation easier.

"Captain Ukitake." She nodded in greeting, before adding, "Do you typically purchase such intangible things?"

Jyuushiro blinked at that one. "Well, no. Kurotsuchi-san, you can't actually buy - "

"I know", Nemu replied quietly, trying not to sigh out her frustration. "I am not a fool, Captain. I am perfectly aware of what a figure of speech is, though most of them are entirely without sensible origin." She frowned slightly.

Clearly attempting humour was not one of Momo's best ideas.

Still blinking in confusion, Jyuushiro fought the instinct to gape like a fish. Of all the things he had come to expect from the young lieutenant, any statement that resembled a joke, however slightly, had not been on that list. Still, he reflected, he could hardly say that a few purely professional, albeit friendly, chats really gave anyone a clear picture to work from. At least her reproof had not been unkind, just resigned. He wasn't sure if that was really any better but, all the same, he schooled his features into a polite smile. Gently, he returned, "My apologies. I certainly don't think you a fool. On the contrary, a penny would be undervaluing your thoughts."

Behind him came the familiar noise of a fan hitting flesh, as Nanao sharply told her fiancée not to grope her in public. With a resigned smile and a roll of his eyes, Jyuushiro muttered, "It'd be about the right price for Shunsui's, though."

It was so quick that he might have missed it, but the corner of Nemu's lips clearly twitched upward in what was potentially a smile. A barely-used corner of his brain couldn't help but point out that it was a rather pretty almost-smile, which made Jyuushiro shake his head slightly. Shunsui was clearly getting to him.

Nemu, meanwhile, was watching the strange pair and mused aloud, "Would that be on a single thought basis, or would that be your price for the sum total?"

It was a combination of the sheer unexpectedness of the question and the casual, almost curious, way she voiced it, but Jyuushiro found himself chuckling and answering before he could stop himself. "Oh, the total. Definitely the total."

Humour, though, had apparently not broken the ice. Once Jyuushiro's quick laugh had petered out, they returned to regarding each other in silence. She barely moved, he noticed. The awkwardness was almost tangible, and he longed to break it by looking away or thinking of something to blurt out, however foolish, but he felt caught by her calm, steady gaze as she scrutinised him.

Great. Just great. The moment where I desperately need something to say and my one coherent thought is about how green her eyes are.

This is all Shunsui's fault.

Clearing his throat, Jyuushiro began, "So, how are you finding your work?" Nemu blinked at him as she considered this, and Jyuushiro continued, determined not to fall into silence again. "Is Captain Urahara enjoyable to work with? Have you been doing anything interesting in the lab, or - "

There, in the back of Jyuushiro's mind, was the part that noticed things like pretty almost-smiles and very green eyes. It was this same part that was now pointing out to him with glee that, despite the fact that he was a decorated captain and over a millennia old, he was now babbling like an idiot. Needless to say, Jyuushiro didn't much like that particular part of his mind, especially when it was right. He let his stream of questions trail off.

Nemu turned back to look at the stream, her face pensive. "Captain Urahara is intelligent, capable and entertaining. I enjoy my work. At present we are not involved in any particularly important experiments." She gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head, before turning back to look at him. "Captain, why are you here?"

Thrown by the abrupt question, Jyuushiro stuttered out, "Wha – I'm here for the picnic."

She made a noise at the back of her throat that sounded distinctly impatient. "That is not what I meant. Very few people actually seek me out for conversation without at least one other individual for backup, and you are not a part of that select group. So allow me to rephrase – why are you here talking to me?"

He paused, taking in the complete lack of bitterness in her tone. Instead, there was only the air of a woman quietly stating a fact, perhaps with a hint of tired resignation. Deciding that this conversation couldn't get much worse, he relented and said what immediately came into his head.

"You're very abrupt."

She flinched sharply, a contrast to her composed face, before she lowered her eyes. "I am. Mayu – my father was not entirely able to cure me of that. He hated that I resembled him in any way."

"I don't mind." The words were out of his mouth before he even realised he meant them. Shaking his head, he asked, "Why do you - " It occurred to Jyuushiro mid-question that this was perhaps not the best topic for him, of all people, to address. Nemu, on the other hand, didn't seem to mind.

"Why do I always go to refer to him by his name?" She sighed softly, turning back to watch the stream flow for a moment. "I was to call him Mayuri-sama. That was the rule. In the privacy of my own mind, however, he was always my father. Now that he is no longer there to enforce the order, I may call him what I choose. I just need to remind myself of that sometimes." Looking back at Jyuushiro, she added, "It has not escaped my notice that you have yet to answer the question that I put to you."

"Oh, right." Racking his brains, Jyuushiro remembered. "Shunsui mentioned that you might want to talk to me. I just thought I'd give you the opportunity."

"I see." Her face was pensive again as she regarded him. "How much does your illness influence your abilities? Does it hamper you in any way?"

Anyone else would have never put that question to him in a million years, but he found that he didn't mind.

At least she's bothering to ask and isn't just assuming that I'm too frail for anything but paperwork.

"I know my limits. A prolonged fight is a potential problem, but to me that means several hours of extreme physical exertion. My endurance increases the more I rely on my sword, though that's a dangerous crutch. But I'm careful with my health, and I haven't had a serious attack since before the war." He gazed back at her curiously. "Why do you ask?"

Nemu was not one of those people who believed in beating about the bush or, indeed, any shrubbery. "I need someone to train me to use my zanpakuto, someone used to handling elemental weapons. Momo and I have been training together, but she cannot teach me any thing more than she already has. As she is one of the strongest lieutenants, I clearly need a captain now."

Of the very few things Jyuushiro had expected in this conversation, this was decidedly not one of them. He reacted just the way Shunsui said he did when surprised – like an idiot.

"But, I killed your father!" The second the words were out of his mouth, he wished he was back at the tree with the others, if only because the tree trunk would be a nice, solid surface to beat his head against.

Nemu just continued to stare at him calmly. "I do not hold that against you. It was a fair fight and he would have done the same to you, had you lost. I cannot say that I wished him dead, but I did wish to be removed from his influence and that was probably the only feasible way to achieve that." Her head bowed forward, her bangs obscuring her face as she finished quietly, "I know that I call him my father, but that is only because the connection cannot be denied. He never claimed the role, though, unless it suited him. I do not mourn him."

That was all well and good, but Jyuushiro was still reeling.

Train her? Kami knows, I need something to do, but can we work together? We can barely have a conversation, though I'll admit, she is growing on me. And she does make me curious. I'd love to know more about her motivation to stay here in the first place. It seems to be more of a desire not to go with her father, but he had such a hold on her. There must be more to it…

Which I could discover if I trained her. She may be difficult to talk to, but she's clever and attentive – a perfect candidate to learn. She's certainly determined. Given how little she interacts with anyone outside her circle, to put herself forward like this, she must want my help.

No, not want – need. And as a captain of the Gotei 13, I am honour-bound to help my fellow shinigami and all those less powerful than myself. She'd fall into both of those categories.

I should train her. And if it happens to dovetail with my desire to explore her intentions and rationale, then so be it.

"Have you made contact with your zanpakuto?" Jyuushiro nodded to himself as she replied in the affirmative. "Very well. You have its name?"

Nemu nodded, a strange feeling of anticipation starting to coil within her. The fact that he was asking her questions was a promising sign, surely. She decided to volunteer further information.

"My element is apparently rock, or earth. I can manipulate it, though there are certain limitations in distances and types. I've yet to really explore the variations."

Jyuushiro frowned. "That's not really my element."

"I know", Nemu replied, her eyes troubled. "But it doesn't appear to be anyone else's, either. At least you handle a weapon with some similarities to my own, rather than none."

"True." Jyuushiro's frown vanished, as he smiled broadly. "In that case, Kurotsuchi-san, I gladly accept. I'd be happy to train you, if only to keep me from going stir crazy in the office."

Nemu nodded slowly, before looking up at him. The almost-smile was back. "Thank you. If you don't mind, could we discuss a schedule now? With the current situation, I'd rather not waste time."

"Of course. As a captain I have a fair amount of freedom in my day, so when would suit you best?"

As they discussed the details, one thought resolutely went round and round in Jyuushiro's head.

Shunsui is going to be unbearable.

xXx

I know – bad wait. I have had a crazy six weeks, that finally culminated in me getting accepted to the university of my choice and killing my sea-monkeys (Suitably bittersweet, I felt).

And yes, I am a grown woman with sea-monkeys. At least, I was.

Anyway, this interaction has been messing with my head for a while. I suspect Nemu is a little OOC, but after everything that has happened and with her father out of her life, she'd have to have deviated somewhat from how she is in canon. She's still a little quiet, a little odd and still lacking most social graces, but she's a little more secure in putting herself forward, too. It certainly is going to make for some interesting conversations…

R and R, y'all!