Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
A/N: Sorry it's taken so long to update. Life is still busy busy, but I haven't forgotten about you guys or this story. Thanks as always for the comments, favs, reviews, and reading this story. It's a long update, I hope like it :)
Byakuya's headache had lessen, but thinking about the "situation" made things worse. He still needed to find a way to deal with Yoruichi. Why was I relieved to know she would be back tonight? Why should I even care? Byakuya found a quiet place among the blossoming cherry trees to sit and mediate on the situation. The setting was serene and relaxed until a strong breeze came disturbing Byakuya. He slowly opened his eyes and saw a samurai dressed in full body armor and purple clothing on the hill. Byakuya sat calmly as the masked samurai approached quickly. The wind became more turbulent with each step the samurai took toward Byakuya, but Byakuya did not move.
The samurai knelt before Byakuya. "Master what troubles you, the turbulent winds have returned". Byakuya did not respond. "Master is it because she is back?" Byakuya's eyes grew large for moment and then he closed them. "Master the winds have changed. When you were troubled over your decision regarding your sister, Rukia. The winds were just as strong, but they all came from the east. Then for one moment during the ordeal they stopped. It was when she wrapped me in that cloth everything stopped, and a gentle breeze came from the west. It was so familiar. The breeze didn't last long, it was soon devoured by the raging winds from the east. Master-"
"Senbonzakura, you talk too much" Byakuya stood up and started to walk away from Senbonzakura.
"Master, that same calming breeze from the west has been coming more often," Senbonzakura paused "and I still hear it, her name in that breeze, Shihoin Yoruichi".
Byakuya stopped as her name escaped Senbonzakura masked mouth. Even here I can't get away from you, Yoruichi. He started walking again this time he moved faster moving swiftly away from Senbonzakura and out of his inner world.
Byakuya stepped out of one world and Yoruichi stepped into the human world she and Soi Fon landed less than a block from Urahara's shop. The streets of Karakura Town were crowed as she and Soi Fon landed during the busy lunch hour for most of the city's residence. Yoruichi laughed as a rail thin man in a very bad toupee hit on and got turned down by every woman that crossed his path. Some women tried their best to avoid the man in the tight red, orange, and yellow polyester jumpsuit but they failed, as he was quite persistent.
"It's a good thing he can't see us." Yoruichi looked down at a solemn looking Soi Fon. "What's wrong Soi Fon?"
"Nothing", Soi Fon quietly replied. "Yoruichi-sama, I-", Soi Fon stopped as she heard the all to familiar sound of clicking of wooden sandals, "Kisuke" she mumbled. Kisuke came running holding his green and white-stripped hat. He met the two women just as they were about to enter the store.
Kisuke greeted Soi Fon and Yoruichi at the door with a big goofy grin, "Soi Fon, Yoruichi-san, please come in. " Soi Fon cut her eyes at Kisuke and walked passed him without a word.
"Kisuke so you two still haven't kissed and made up."
"Wha, kiss" an embarrassed Kisuke covered his face with his white fan.
"I am just kidding but it does look like you're still in the doghouse."
"Yoruichi-dono it is wonderful to see you as always." The mighty kido master greeted Yoruichi as he crossed his arms across his massive chest.
"Tessai it's good to see you as well." Yoruichi walked into the meeting room and her two old friends followed. "It's time to get started." Yoruichi sat down next to Soi Fon. "Tessai it's time to put Kisuke in the barrier."
"WHAT?" the two men yelled in unison.
"Kisuke it's only for 30 days."
"But Yoruichi-san."
A huge smile cracked Soi Fon' s hard face and Yoruichi noticed. "See it'll make Soi Fon happy and you do want to make Soi Fon happy don't you Kisuke."
Kisuke was taken aback by the question his eyes shifted from Yoruichi to Soi Fon who avoided his glance. He took too long to respond.
"I'll take that as a yes. Kisuke I am sure you can find some way to make Soi Fon happy in 30 days it'll give you two plenty of time to hash out your differences."
Soi Fon lunged forward her smile was replace by a look of shock. "What? Yoruichi-sama. Why?"
"C'mon Soi Fon I can read between the lines you wanting to be trapped behind a barrier with Kisuke for 30 days." Yoruichi winked at Soi Fon.
"No, no, no, that's not it" There was no cute little blush from Soi Fon this time she had no reason to after Kisuke and Soi Fon's training session her doubts in him had been confirmed.
"Then what is it?"
Kisuke noticed sadness in Soi Fon's eyes as she looked away from Yoruichi. He quickly interrupted. "I am sure Soi Fon was just joking. Soi Fon is a captain and I am sure she would not disregard her duties to spend 30 days away from work even with me. Despite that I am more than just a humble shopkeeper, I am"
"Sneaky", Tessai mumbled before Kisuke could finish.
"What?"
"Don't worry Kisuke, I think Tessai meant to say pervy."
"Hey" Kisuke held up his closed fan and smiled, "I was going to say sexy." Both Tessai and Yoruichi started laughing and started joking about the sneaky pervy sexy shopkeeper dressed in green. Kisuke noticed that Soi Fon did not find any of it amusing. He assumed she found truth in their jokes.
Once the laughter died down. The meeting to continued, Kisuke saw that Soi Fon returned to her old serious self as the discussion change to work. She even got on him about slacking off and to make sure he didn't do anything to reflect badly on Yoruichi-sama.
Kisuke took off his floppy hat and placed it over his heart and raised his hand and said "I promise to do my best", he placed his hat back on his head and raised his index finger, and "as a matter of fact I've already started with my duties both women looked at him with a surprised look. "Don't look so surprised; I am more than just a humble shopkeeper. I've already begun work on my latest project. Follow me and I'll even give you two a peek".
The women followed Kisuke into the next room. The room was a small storage room. Kisuke turned and looked at Soi Fon and Yoruichi and neither one looked impressed. He moved an ugly orange and plum colored rug to the side revealing a trap door to an underground tunnel.
"So how long has this been here?"
"Not too long, Yoruichi-san", Kisuke mumbled under his breath as he turned a way "less than 25 years." He jumped down. Soi Fon was next and then it was Yoruichi's turn. Both Kisuke and Soi Fon anxiously waited at the bottom for Yoruichi.
Yoruichi looked down at them and yelled, "I have to help Tessai with something. Soi Fon, I know I can count on a very scrupulous report from you. Kisuke I'll check everything out later". She was gone before either Kisuke or Soi Fon could say anything.
"It looks like it's just you and me, Soi Fon." Kisuke's comment ended with an anxious laughter.
Soi Fon snapped turned away from Kisuke headed for the light at the end of the tunnel. Kisuke started walking too just a little behind Soi Fon at her right shoulder. The tunnel was a little darker than became almost completely dark. Soi Fon would've preferred total darkness. She didn't look at him but she knew he was watching her. The same way he always did when they would go out on night patrol before he took over the Maggots Nest. She still couldn't believe the slacker, Kisuke, took over the detention unit. Just as she couldn't believe he became a captain and she became.
Kisuke did not expect to be alone with Soi Fon. He tried to avoid being alone with her but thanks to his big mouth and Yoruichi's slyness he was walking the green mile alone in the dark with Soi Fon. They were close enough to the light for Kisuke to notice the tension in Soi Fon's posture. He knew she was pissed; he wanted to say something but didn't know what to say. He adjusted his hat and let out an annoying sigh, which prompted Soi Fon to cut her eyes at him. Kisuke had never been so happy to see the door of his lab. He quickly opened the door.
"Welcome to my lab" Kisuke stood proudly holding the door open.
Soi Fon walked in looked at the machinery, gadgets and boxes. The room was cluttered like his old lab. "It's small is this all?" She questioned him in the most condescending tone.
"It's a start". Kisuke move closer to Soi Fon and jokingly added, "I like to think of it as cozy."
Soi Fon humph and moved away looking around, "So what is it you've been working on I need to report back to Yoruichi-sama."
"Ah yes," Kisuke moved some boxes out of the way then sat down and started booting up the systems. "It'll be just a few minutes".
Soi Fon noticed another door when she walked in lab and Kisuke's indirect answer made her suspicious. She knew deep in her gut he was hiding something she knew not to trust him so she investigated as Kisuke worked. Soi Fon opened the door slightly and entered the small room unbeknownst to Kisuke. The room was full boxes and what looked like broken machines, probably failed experiments she thought. Then she noticed a futon propped up like a couch. That futon was exactly the same futon she sat on a hundred years ago. It was the same beige color and it had a huge ugly green throw on it as well. The two futons were so similar Soi Fon started to reminisce.
"You really admire Yoruichi-san"
"Yes Yoruichi-sama is brave, smart, and perfect. It is my duty and wish to protect her."
"I wouldn't say perfect", Kisuke rubbed the most recent lump on his head Yoruichi had given him "more like-. Maybe I should be jealous since you don't admire anything about me." Kisuke smiled at Soi Fon over his shoulder and got up to get a drink for he and Soi Fon. His wooden sandals clicked loudly as he walked to a small cabinet the other side of the room. Kisuke could feel Soi Fon's eyes on him. He liked that feeling he smiled to himself and strutted like a peacock.
Kisuke was wrong Soi Fon did admire something about him, and it had nothing to do with intellect which most of the Gotei members respected. After hearing about his scientific achievements Soi Fon had to admit he was smart maybe even a little smarter than Yoruichi-sama, but he lacked a good work ethic that bothered her but alone in his room on that futon none of that matter. She bit her bottom lip and stared at shaggy blond man admiring his form. She quickly broke her stare as Kisuke turned around and started walking back towards her. Her eyes shyly darted off to some gadget he had leaning on the wall next to the futon.
Kisuke sat close to Soi Fon and handed her a cup of sake. She swallowed the drink quickly. Kisuke smiled, "would you like more?" Soi Fon stared doe-eyed at him as the blush colored her cheeks. "I was talking about the sake." He winked at her. She shook her head-indicating "no" and he smiled and took her cup. As he turned to place the cup on the small wooden table next to the futon he said, "Its OK to look at me."
Soi Fon could feel the rush of embarrassment rise up. "Kisuke, its-" Soi Fon stopped as he captured her lips with his. She lay back and relaxed against the pillow and Kisuke continued the kiss as he moved on top of her.
He stopped and stared at her for a moment. "I like looking at you too." He kissed her again. She moved her hands down his back then grabbed his bare bum. "Oh so you do want more." Soi Fon's embarrassment returned until Kisuke raised his right eyebrow and corner of his mouth in failed attempt to look sexy. She smiled and rolled her eyes.
That was the first night Kisuke and Soi Fon spent together and the last thing she wanted to think about. Not now, not ever again. He had tossed her aside. The time they spent together meant nothing to him and she hated him for it. So why was she about to cry? She whispered "No" as she clenched her fist tightly. He didn't deserve her tears. She wanted to punch him.
"Soi Fon" Kisuke reached his hand out to take hers. His fingers barely touched her hand, but it was enough to bring back more memories from that night the way his touch felt and how it made her feel. He fingers wrapped tightly around her wrist just his arms had held her so long ago. "Soi Fon" he said her name as he tried to pull her closer to him, his actions pulled her out of the memories.
"I said NO!" she snatched her wrist away from Kisuke and was out of the door before he could stop her. The door slammed closed and Soi Fon fled lab and the shop before the first tear fell. "I hate him." Soi Fon moved further away from Kisuke and shop. This time she could not wait for Yoruichi, she didn't want face Yoruichi, and she left quickly for the gate so she could return from the Soul Society.
Tessai and Yoruichi felt Soi Fon's spiritual pressure rapidly move away. "I guess that didn't go so well, Tessai." Yoruichi looked over to Tessai who had a concerned look on his face. He quickly changed his look as soon as he realized Yoruichi was looking him but it was too late Tessai's square rimmed glasses did not conceal the look from Yoruichi. Tessai's look prompted Yoruichi to head down to Kisuke's lab. She opened the door and yelled, "Kisuke what-", she stopped as she saw Kisuke crumpled over sitting on the edge of the futon in the corner her voice soften, "what happen Kisuke?" She asked from the doorway of the side room.
Kisuke held his head down and slumped over more "Yoruichi-san", he sighed and held his head up slightly, "Yoruichi-san, I messed up".
Soi Fon made it back quickly to the Soul Society. "Yoruichi-sama would never have been so weak over a man". Soi Fon gritted her teeth, "She would've never fallen for his lies. Yoruichi-sama is better than that. She was always trying to find ways to improve herself or training with Kuchiki Byakuya not allowing herself to be caught."
Kuchiki Byakuya was training alone in his old training hideaway. It had been years since he had trained under very same tree that used to be a favorite napping spot for a certain demon cat, that same demon cat had been on his mind all day. He looked out at he serene surrounding the lush green grass, the newly flowering cherry trees, and the clear blue sky. It was so peaceful he tried to convince himself that was what drew him to the place. He removed his haori and started to train.
Byakuya trained for almost an hour. The sun started to disappear in the horizon but Byakuya continued. The focus on his training made him forget about everything. He paused for a minute as a gentle breeze came bringing with it a familiar presence. Yoruichi, but why is she here. Byakuya continued trying to ignore the demon cat watching him, but it was futile, "Yoruichi, why are you here?" He asked the question without looking at her.
"I thought it would be a nice place to take a nap, but someone was already here."
Oh she came just to annoy me in that case she can just leave. Byakuya turned hurriedly "Yoruichi," Byakuya stopped he saw Yoruichi sitting at the base of the huge tree holding his haori delicately in her lap. She had worry in her eyes as she stared up at him. He couldn't send her away not looking her the way she did she looked like a brave little girl who'd lost her favorite doll. There was a mixture of hope and grief her look. Her golden eyes were dull. He never liked seeing her that way, but in the past she'd shoo him away and go off on her own. Today she came to him.
"Don't stop on my account." Her words broke through the silence. She smiled at him halfheartedly.
He couldn't look away. Her eyes drew him in and he soon found himself walking to her. His face still like stone but his eyes reached out to her. "I am finished for today."
"Oh I see," she reached up and handed him his haori. He took the haori and then her hand helping her to her feet. It was a nice surprise, but he quickly let her hand go and put his haori back on.
Yoruichi watched in silence. Why did you come Yoruichi? You knew I was here before you arrived. Why is that look in your eye? Yoruichi's stomach let out a soft growl interrupting Byakuya's thoughts. Almost as if were a reflex he asked, "Would you like to get something to eat?" No
"Yes" she replied with a genuine smile. "I know the perfect place and it's not too far from here. I'll show you if you can keep up." Her smile changed to a challenge and she was gone. Byakuya immediately went after her. A few seconds later they arrived at Yasu's, "Not bad Byakuya I barely had to slow down so you could keep."
Byakuya frowned but before he could respond the hostess interrupted greeting them. Feke ran over and jumped into the conversation cutting the hostess off verbally and physically. "Yoruichi-sama it so nice to see you again. Please right this way". Feke had a huge smile on his round face the size of Kansas, but that all changed as he noticed Byakuya behind them. "Captain Kuchiki-sama you're here too. Wow, two nights in a row I am truly honored". Feke bowed and Byakuya notice Feke had combed his hair over the bald spot in the top of his head. Feke quickly turned his attention back to Yoruichi. He leaned in and smiled, "What may I get for you?"
Yoruichi smiled coyly at the short man, "Feke you know what I want."
Feke started to visibly sweat, "Right, right, right away."
"Byakuya, have you decided what you want?" Yoruichi asked stopping Feke from leaving without Byakuya's order. Feke turned nervously back at Byakuya.
"I will have the Fugu-chiri." Byakuya said with a cold stare making the already nervous Feke sweat more.
"Yes, sir, right away sir," Feke bowed and left without delay.
"Good thing Feke isn't the chief, you make him so nervous it might be too dangerous to eat your Fugu-chiri".
"My effect on him is nothing compared to yours", with your flirting.
"I don't know what you mean, Byakuya." Yoruichi smiled back innocently at Byakuya. Byakuya turned his attention to the waitress as she brought a pitcher of water and two glasses to the table. Yoruichi slowly dragged her slender index finger in a circle around the rim of the cold glass of ice water. Byakuya couldn't help but watch. "You know some time I push too hard," she spoke without taking her eyes off the glass. Byakuya didn't respond. Yoruichi sighed, "I'll take from your silence you agree."
"I cannot agree if I do not fully understand what you are talking about."
"Always, so blunt Byakuya, I guess that is what I need to hear tonight. I guess that's why I chose you." She looked at him. Her golden eyes had regained some of their shine.
You chose me; you did came to find me on purpose tonight. Why did you seek me? Byakuya raised an eyebrow at Yoruichi.
Yoruichi sat back and relaxed against the back of the chair. "Tonight I tried to push Soi Fon and Urahara and I went too far. I've always thought they would make a good couple."
The words stopped Byakuya in mid drink. He quickly placed the glass back down. "Did you say couple?"
"Yes, I thought they'd be good for each other Soi Fon needs too loosen up and Kisuke needs some of Soi Fon's work ethic to rub off on him, plus I thought Soi Fon had the hots for Kisuke".
"I see," responded Byakuya. She's staring at me she wants me to say something else. I should say that's great that means they we won't bother us if they're bothering each other. No, the there is no "us". He looked over quickly at Yoruichi and her gaze locked with his. Byakuya closed his eyes to break free of her stare. Yoruichi Shihoin is a beautiful demon cat. "No", Byakuya mumbled under his breath. Yoruichi slanted her brow.
Luckily for Byakuya the food arrived. Feke served Byakuya first. "You will be impressed Captain Kuchiki-sama Mizu is the best chef and is very skilled". Feke quickly turned from Byakuya to Yoruichi and placed her food in front of her. "For Yoruichi-sama a Feke chopped meat sandwich and fried potato wedges, along with a peach milkshake. I watched over the preparation for the shake myself and made sure chef used the finest peaches." He smiled at Yoruichi; his smile was now as big as Zimbabwe. "If there is anything else you need just ask."
"Thank you Feke," Yoruichi said with a smile.
Feke turned to Byakuya who did not smile or say anything. "I'll leave you to your meal".
Yoruichi noticed Byakuya staring at her plate. "You should try it Byakuya. It's as close as I can get to a hamburger and fries in the Soul Society. You might like it better than your expensive blowfish". She pointed a potato wedge at Byakuya's plate.
"How can I there is no such dish on the menu?"
"Oh" she placed her left index finger on her cheek, "Oh, you don't say". She smiled and he frowned.
"You know very well this is a traditional Japanese restaurant that is supposed to only serve traditional Japanese dishes". Byakuya voice wasn't as monotone usual and Yoruichi quickly picked up on it.
"Byakuya you almost sound jealous."
"What reason would I have be jealous of Feke, fawning over you for a smile, ridiculous."
"Interesting." Yoruichi took a sip of her milkshake staring at Byakuya the entire time. His slanted his eyes because he knew that wasn't the end and he was right. "Very interesting indeed, here I was thinking you were jealous of me because I was getting special treatment, but I guess I was wrong" she smiled at Byakuya.
Yoruichi's smile radiated attracting Feke back to the table. "Is your smile telling me you like the shake?" Feke placed his hands together in a prayer position as if he was praying for a yes.
"Its delicious Feke, you've outdone yourself." Yoruichi smiled and Byakuya looked back down at his food.
"Next time you come, I want you to try a new flavor. I think you'll like it." Feke finally stopped sweating he leaned in just a little closer and waited for Yoruichi's response.
"A new flavor for me, oh Feke you shouldn't have."
Oh Feke you really shouldn't have. "Feke there's no mention of milkshakes on the menu" Byakuya cut into the conversation with his cold voice cutting Feke. Byakuya continued eating not looking at poor Feke.
Poor Feke started to sweat again, "MMMMMillkssshake, it, it, it, is that we hm, try our best to give the captains and nobles what they want", Feke wiped his brow with a hanky, "even if we have to go out of our way. I only use what is already here, no, no special purchases."
Byakuya finally looked up from his meal and noticed a frown on Yoruichi's face. What's her problem?
"Feke and we appreciate it," Yoruichi turned to Feke the frown was gone, "that is why so many of us frequent here and will continue to do so," she smiled at Feke it seemed to calm his nerves.
Feke turned to Byakuya whose attention went back to his meal. "Is there anything else?"
"No" Byakuya responded without bothering to look at Feke.
Yoruichi placed her hand on Feke's forearm pulling his attention away from Byakuya. "We're good thank you, Feke." Feke left and Byakuya and Yoruichi ate in silence. Byakuya looked from his finished meal and noticed Yoruichi finished her shake but barely touched her food.
Feke noticed too when he came to check on the table "Was the food not to your liking?"
"No, I am just not as hungry as I thought. I'll take it home."
"In that case I'll take it box it up for you". He smiled at Yoruichi then turned to Byakuya, in a very serious tone he asked, "We'll there be anything else?"
"No."
Yoruichi placed her hand on the back of her neck. "Maybe I should go see Soi Fon after we leave. I just don't want to make things worse. Maybe I should I just let it go, hmm, I certainly don't want to break it anymore sometimes what is broken can't be fixed." Do you believe that Byakuya? That things broken and can never be fixed- She looked at him with her golden I questioning looking for an answer.
Is that why you're back Yoruichi trying to fix what is broken? Are you asking me if its possible or are you telling me its not? His eyes answered back with confusion.
"I just won't push," she said softly.
"Your food." Feke handed Yoruichi the bag. "As ways it was an honor to serve the both of you"
Byakuya and Yoruichi left the restaurant. It was already dark. The sky was clear and the air was cool. Yoruichi stop for a moment just about 15 yards from the restaurant. She placed her arms behind her back and looked up at the half moon shining brightly. "It's a nice night."
"Yes."
"Byakuya." Byakuya frowned as he heard Ukitake call out his name. "Yoruichi" the gentle white haired captain yelled as he and Shunsui approached.
"Ukitake, Shunsui, long time no see." Yoruichi greeted the older captains.
"Are you guys going to have dinner at Yasu's?"
"No", Byakuya quickly responded.
Shunsui turned to Yoruichi and added, "You two should come have a drink with us."
"I can't" Byakuya lets end our night here before one of us pushes "but Byakuya can." Byakuya frowned at Yoruichi but before he could say anything Yoruichi added, "don't worry about me have some fun with Ukitake and Shunsui, one drink wouldn't hurt."
"Yoruichi is right Byakuya one drink wouldn't hurt." Ukitake hit Byakuya hard on the shoulder and laugh.
Byakuya turned his head to Ukitake, that very same moment Yoruichi said, "Good Night" Byakuya quickly turned back around but Yoruichi was gone.
Velveteen: Alright Byakuya and Yoruichi went out on a date.
Peace in Chaos: I know Byakuya did ask her out didn't he, Byakuya is making moves without knowing it, LOL
Velveteen: And he was jealous of Feke, c'mon Byakuya Feke
Peace in Chaos: Who knows maybe Yoruichi is into balding men that sweat when they get nervous. Byakuya says he was not jealous though he didn't like all that fawning and Yoruichi was kinda flirting for food.
Velveteen: Maybe it was because Byakuya's new mantra
Peace in Chaos: "Yoruichi Shihoin is a beautiful demon cat", Byakuya must get a t-shirt that says that.
Velveteen: Senbonzakura even made an appearance.
Peace in Chaos: We have so decided in the Byakuya x Yoruichi FC on BA that Sen is a ByaYoru shipper. I guess Miko isn't here so I'll-
Miko: I am here my eyes are just hurting.
Peace in Chaos: Sorry to hear that.
Miko: Sorry it's your fault. I now have the visual of Urahara and Soi Fon sexing on a futon. Thank you for that.
Peace in Chaos: Wha who said they were sexing. I said the spent the night together
Miko: You said she grabbed his naked butt
Peace in Chaos: You've been kinda down since there's no candy in Fantasy now and there hasn't been any candy in the Uptight Prince and the Free-Spirited Cat
Miko: What, I wanted ByaYoru candy not SoiUra laffy taffy
Peace in Chaos: Yeah you probably want that ByaYoru hard candy, but that's for another discussion. Maybe next time I'll have SoiOmeada on a futon
Miko: You're evil
Peace in Chaos: I was just joking and it's time for me to go.
Thanks for reading this chapter; as always please leave a comment or review. Until next time … peace