Rangiku felt so guilty slipping the information that the more expensive private rooms allow one companion. Yoruichi mistook it as a hint and insisted to watch over in the hospital despite Soi Fon's protests. "Really, I'll be okay. I can just call the nurse"
"That nurse keeps batting her eyelashes at you every time she comes in. Don't you think I didn't notice that." Yoruichi complained. "I'm not gonna allow her to touch you. I mean, you'd need to go to the bathroom and such. No way."
Soi Fon slumped in defeat. "There's nothing wrong with indulging yourself in some nurse-centric fantasy", she mumbled.
Yoruichi gasped then narrowed her eyes. "What's that you're saying? I can't hear you. Speak up"
"I said, fine you'll be my nurse. That's always been my fantasy", Soi Fon retorted with a forced grin.
"I am so ready to go. Bye you two", Rangiku interjected, as she hurriedly packed her bags and walked towards the door.
Yoruichi pulled a chair next to Soi Fon's bed and fell heavily on it. "Hmpf"
Soi Fon gazed at Yoruichi. "God you're beautiful..."
"That's suppose to make me feel better?" Yoruichi said, shifting for her back to face Soi Fon, failing to see Soi Fon's sad smile as she reached out and stroked her hair.
"No...That's suppose to make me feel better". She grinned the moment Yoruichi turned around and scooted her chair close to Soi Fon's bed. Yoruichi planted a light kiss on Soi Fon's cheek. "Always the one with answers" she said, before standing up.
Soi Fon held Yoruichi's arm. "Where are you going?"
She smiled. "I'm just going to change into my jogging clothes. More comfortable"
"Okay...but come back right away"
"You're awfully clingy for someone who was willing to exchange me for a size D-cup nurse", teased Yoruichi as undressed inside the bathroom.
"I just missed your jealousy. It's been awhile"
"I'm always jealous. I've just been learning to curb it", Yoruichi said, returning from the bathroom. "I'm jealous of everything and everyone that takes your time away from me. So I'm sorry to disappoint your nurse fantasies, but I'm taking this time alone with you, even if this isn't the most ideal situation". She smiled and kissed the top of Soi Fon's head, allowing Soi Fon to give out a sigh of contentment. She stroked it for a few seconds before speaking again. "Are you really serious about...moving in...I mean near..."
"You don't want me to?", Soi Fon asked with a frown.
"Of course I do" Yoruichi replied. "Uhm, are you talking about moving..."
Soi Fon smiled and held Yoruichi's hand, lacing their fingers together. "It's time to play house"
Yoruichi smiled and bit her lip. "Yeah...that would be nice"
"What about your father?"
"I will have tell him---"
"That you need some form of independence" Soi Fon finished. "You don't have to tell..."
"I should"
"Believe me, Yoruichi...I'd like us to be honest to your father...it's just..."
"you think I'm not ready", Yoruichi smiled appreciatively. "But Soi, I am. I'm ready to tell him. I'm ready to move in with you" She cocked her eyebrow and asked, "Maybe it's you who's not ready?"
That made Soi Fon smile a little. "I'm probably not ready for a lot of things...but i'll take every opportunity to spend my days with you"
"Hey. Don't say it like you're dying...", Yoruichi frowned and rested her chin on Soi Fon's arm. "You scare me when you're being cryptic like that"
"I didn't mean to...", she said with an apologetic tone. "Come on here". She motioned Yoruichi to lie down next to her and cuddled up immediately. "We better start looking for a place as soon as I get out of here"
"You won't be graduating soon enough, you still have a couple or so months to go"
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean I can't move in with you already. I'll just move out of the dorms. That's permitted as long as I can show proof of residence in another place"
"Soi?", Yoruichi asked. "Are you sure you're going to be fine?"
"Without my father's money?" Soi remained silent for a minute, contemplating on the question. "I've lived most of my life in dorms. That's kind of spartan, isn't it? I've never been extravagant in my lifestyle"
"Okay...I'm just worried that you'd have to adjust"
Soi Fon laughed and hugged Yoruichi tight. "I'm not going bankrupt, Yoruichi. What I said earlier is true. I do have some savings and a little bit of investments. What I won't have is steady income, which is still fine. I can live off through interest while I figure out what I wanna do with my life"
"You make it sound so easy"
---
Weeks have past when Yoruichi finally realized the stark contrast between the rich and poor. When Soi Fon said she had 'some savings', Yoruichi didn't realize it was more than enough to buy a modest apartment--in cash. Soi Fon assured Yoruichi by convincing her that when steady income is not present, it is always wiser to buy in full than through credit.
"So, Ms. Fon, do we have a deal?" The building manager said with a pleased smile on his face, clasping his hands together near his chest.
"Am I going to get the two parking spaces like I asked you?"
"Of course. That will be arranged immediately. Would there be other requests that I can arrange?"
Soi Fon nodded. " None so far. We'll meet up at the bank and sign the manager's check tomorrow"
The agent bowed exaggeratedly and thanked Soi Fon. "I'll leave you two here so you can already have a feel of your new home", he added before leaving.
Yoruichi gazed at Soi Fon with concern. "I'd like to help out with the everyday expenses...or maybe utility bills"
Soi Fon shook her head. "Nuh-uh. There are obligations left for you. I don't want your father to think that just because you're leaving his house, you'll also abandon your responsibilities"
Yoruichi smiled bemusedly. "When did you start thinking maturely?"
"Being knocked unconscious apparently has its benefits", Soi Fon said, massaging the top of her head.
---
Yoruichi wished her father was also unconscious as of the moment. Confessing one's feelings is always easier when the other party is in deep slumber. "Dad..."
"Hold on, hold on, hoooold on. GOAAAAAL!!!!" His father pumped his fist and chugged down his beer. Yoruichi sighed. "Dad...", she said while blocking the television with her body.
"Alright, alright", her father said. "What is it?"
"We need to talk"
"That's not good"
Yoruichi smiled and sat next to her father on the sofa. She took a deep breath and held her father's hand. "I've got something...something really important to tell you..."
Her father frowned. "Be still my heart"
"I..." She closed her eyes and thought of Soi Fon's face. "I'm in a...Soi Fon and I...we're a couple"
Her father stared at her blankly.
Yoruichi opened one eye and peered at her father. "This is the part where you're suppose to disown me and wallow in grief because you won't have grandchildren"
"I can't disown you, that's only for rich people. And I've already wallowed in grief way back New Year's party"
Yoruichi's eyes are now both open; wide open. She felt her whole body shiver. "You...you..."
Yoruichi's father sighed. "I can be a daft prick, Yoruichi. But I'm not that stupid"
"But we didn't..."
Her father smiled sadly. "You're my daughter. I know your body language. I've never...seen you look nor smile at anyone the same way you did with her"
Yoruichi's head fell, her eyes focused firmly on the ground.
"When we saw her and that blond kid embracing each other...I saw how much hurt you were. That kind of concluded things for me. And now you come home after days of spending it in the hospital taking care of her."
"Dad..."
"Is that all?"
After saying what was the most important thing that ate Yoruichi up in guilt, everything else came easy. "I'm moving in with her"
Her father sighed heavily. Yoruichi interrupted her father who was about to say something. "But I won't renege on this house's payment...it's our house"
"I want to stop you...I want to tell you how stupid this is...but...". His father smiled and placed his hand on Yoruichi's head. "the fact that you have told me already, means your mind's made up. I can't do anything about it, except to wish that you'll just be fine and you won't get hurt"
Yoruichi began to tear up, she whispered, "I'm sorry, Dad"
"I just...have one favor..."
"Anything..." Yoruichi blurted out, desperate to appease her father.
"Please don't ever bring her back here. I don't think I can..." He looked away. "I'm sorry...it's just..."
Yoruichi fell silent and simply nodded. "I understand". She kissed her father's cheek and stood up. "I'll...start packing", she said quietly.
---
Soi Fon had several people she needed to meet up. First order of the day was Shuhei, waiting for her on an electronics shop. He waved at Soi Fon. "I've seen some stuff you might like"
"Shuhei, I don't need these things", Soi Fon said, eyeing all the electronic gadgets in front of her.
Shuhei chuckled. "You still haven't learned your lesson, have you?"
"What lesson?"
"When will you stop using 'I'? You're moving in with Yoruichi now"
Soi Fon smirked. "Right, we don't need these things"
"Better. Now come on. Let's go get us some nice plasma TV"
"Us?"
"What? You think we won't be bothering you guys there?"
"So much for wishful thinking", Soi Fon sniggered.
While walking through the aisles, Soi Fon had a much somber face than earlier. "What's on your mind?", Shuhei asked.
"Yoruichi's...probably done talking to her father by now", she said nervously. "I don't know what he'll say"
Shuhei sighed. He stared at the different television models in front of him and pointed the newest model to the salesman. "I'll get that...together with that blu-ray...and yeah...the sound system too"
Soi Fon grimaced at the imaginary price tag swimming in her head.
"Card", Shuhei uttered, when the salesman asked the mode of payment, handing his credit card. Soi Fon looked at him confusedly. "Wait, Shuhei!"
Shuhei grinned and gazed beyond Soi Fon. "About time. You done?"
It was Kira and Rukia. "Yep", he said. "They're gonna deliver it to Soi Fon's apartment.
Soi Fon groaned. "Deliver what?"
"We won't be watching on that kick-ass television on the floor, you know", Rukia teased.
"Genuine leather, baby", Kira said, giving Shuhei a high five.
Soi Fon looked at them sadly. "You know the situation...I might not...get to use that for a long time".
Rukia placed her hand on Soi Fon's shoulder. "Then the more you should enjoy your time with her--"
"Watching movies", Shuhei said.
"On a nice leather sofa", Kira interjected.
Soi Fon chuckled. Rukia squeezed her tight. "But I think you're being too pessimistic", she said a reassuring smile. "Maybe you're underestimating her"
"Regardless...I need to be prepared" Soi Fon said. "But thank you...for these...for being--"
"Ah goddamn it, Soi", Kira exclaimed. "let's save the tears later when a real tragedy occurs, not for your imaginary ones"
---
"What kept you?" Rangiku inquired with a hint of annoyance.
"Sorry, your boyfriend derailed me with the help of Kira and Rukia" Soi Fon explained apologetically. "Here". She handed Rangiku a brown manila envelope.
"All in?" Rangiku asked, opening the envelope and scanning the papers inside.
"Yeah"
Rangiku nodded. "I'll take care of it"
"I know you will", Soi Fon smiled. "I'll see you soon" she said as they parted ways. She sat on her car and gripped the steering wheel, sighing. Next stop...
---
"To be honest, when you called up, I wasn't quite sure I heard you correctly", the man said, receiving the check, in front of the bank manager.
Soi Fon thanked the manager and walked out of the bank together with that man. She finally spoke as they were about to part ways. "It's been a pleasure doing business with you".
Soi Fon picked up her cellphone.
"Omaeda"
"Yes, Ms. Fon?"
"How's my cash flow?"
"Still pretty good if you don't intend to buy the whole town"
"Alright, that's all I needed to kno--Omaeda, that's a joke. You actually made a joke"
"It amuses me how you've manage to get hold of the situation...again"
"Temporarily"Soi Fon said, before ending the call. "I'm glad you haven't abandoned me, Omaeda" she mumbled to herself. "I'll repay you somehow, someday". She sighed as she started the car. One more thing left to do, then, she thought with a smile.
---
Soi Fon glanced at her watch and waited nervously outside Yoruichi's home. She leaned the car seat and lit up a cigarette. You'll be the death of me, she thought, gazing at the smoke coming out of the stick. Hearing the door open, she scrambled to get up and saw Yoruichi carrying two gym bags. Soi Fon scurried to help Yoruichi haul the bags inside the trunk, both silent and averting their eyes from the house. The silence continued to grow on their way back to their new apartment, the distance allowing them to let everything sink in.
"I take it things didn't do so well" Soi Fon said, breaking the silence.
Yoruichi smiled. "It was better than what I have expected though"
"Oh? That should make me feel less guilty, right?"
"Yes", laughed Yoruichi. "Are you...? Feeling less guilty?" Yoruichi reached for Soi Fon's ear and massaged it gently.
Soi Fon thought about it for a few seconds. "Mmm...I don't know...what I do know is, I want to break the sound barrier and get to the apartment as soon as possible."
Yoruichi groaned. "And you are very much capable of doing that. Take it easy. You just got out of the hospital"
After a few more minutes of driving, and consequently Yoruichi's nagging on Soi Fon's driving skills, they have finally reached the basement parking of their apartment.
"Are we expecting anyone tonight?", Yoruichi asked with a tinge of disappointment.
"No, why?"
Yoruichi pointed to a numbered slot with a car parked in it. "There's a car parked in your other slot"
Soi Fon glanced. "Hmm...so it is. I'll call the building manager later", she muttered while carefully positioning her car. After turning off the engine, she gazed at Yoruichi and smiled. "This is it", she said, referring to the fact that all their plans for moving in together has now materialized.
Yoruichi grinned. All the worries and hurt caused by her father's reaction seemed to have melted away by those three words accompanied with a reassuring smile from Soi Fon. "Yeah...I love the feeling already"
Soi Fon leaned for a kiss. Yoruichi met and pulled her closer, caressing the back of Soi Fon's head. Soi Fon's hand fell from Yoruichi's face to her shoulders, her fingers then traced the outline of her girlfriend's arms. She played with Yoruichi's fingers and carefully slipped something on one. Yoruichi paused, it certainly didn't feel like a ring--the engagement kind. She felt keys resting in her palm.
She lifted her hand and asked, "Soi? What's this? I already have the spare key to the apart...ment". Yoruichi sighed and shook her head upon her realization. "It's for that car, isn't it?"
Soi Fon sheepishly grinned. "Soi..." Yoruichi protested.
"It's not an expensive car, Yoruichi", she explained defensively. "You're no longer at walking distance to your work. I absolutely refuse to have you commuting late at night"
"You're amazing", Yoruichi said, astonished at her lover's foresight and planning. On weekdays, her working hours end before midnight, and on weekends, around 2 a.m. She had been worrying about that commute, but has never spoken about it.
"It's either you drive yourself at home or I'll pick you up every night...your choice", Soi Fon grinned. "Either way is fine with me...but commuting alone is not an option"
Yoruichi glanced at the car and felt herself blush. "You're spoiling me", she muttered with a slight smile.
"Thinking about your safety is hardly--"
They kissed passionately and fought for dominance. Soi Fon broke it up, panting, and gazing at Yoruichi. After a while she smirked, "There's more room for us upstairs"
Yoruichi laughed. "I like how you think"
---
"What's on your mind?" Yoruichi brushed the hair off Soi Fon's face who was gazing at her.
Soi Fon rested her head on her hand, supported by her elbow. "There's this philosopher..." she began talking, absent-mindedly stroking Yoruichi's thigh, "...who said something like, our reasons have limits...so when you get to encounter the sublime...your reason and imagination goes off into a complex process...because that sublime shatters all your notions of beauty, of what is good...it goes against everything experiential...including your beliefs and morality that were created by your reasoning".
Soi Fon continued to speak, gazing at her deeply, "I believe him".
Yoruichi held on to those words, carefully processing them, and what it meant for her and Soi Fon.
Without saying a word, she kissed Soi Fon hungrily, pushing her body to her as close as possible; even then, Yoruichi felt that closeness was not enough. Soi Fon sense Yoruichi's desire and pushed herself down on her, their skin melding together by passion. Caused by their insatiable appetite for one another, they went from rough to gentle and back for hours, until Soi Fon gave up. "No more...", she gasped while laughing. "One more round, Yoruichi and I'll collapse in exhaustion", she warned when Yoruichi ignored her first plea. She yelped when Yoruichi reached down on Soi Fon's sensitive area, turning her on once more. "Ah shit" Soi Fon exclaimed, tossing and pinning Yoruichi. "You're gonna pay for this", she devilishly smirked.
---
The first few weeks were difficult, adjustments were inevitable. While Soi Fon was used to having a room mate in the form of Rangiku, it was more of peaceful coexistence. Rangiku was definitely a lot more tolerable when it comes to Soi Fon's mess. "It's ordered chaos, Yoruichi", Soi Fon retorts whenever her girlfriend gripes about the board of health possibly condemning their apartment.
Yoruichi however, stopped herself from nagging incessantly, upon realizing that whatever Soi Fon lacked, she had tried to make up to her in other ways. Because Soi Fon wakes up a lot earlier for school, she had learned to fix breakfast for the both of them, leaving Yoruichi's part always with a little note that says "you're the bright point of my day, see you later". It was something, Yoruichi decided, she would never get tired of reading.
On their second month, Soi Fon spent less and less time in school. It took Rangiku to swear that the last month for graduating students meant more spare time as their classes have technically ended, before Yoruichi could believe Soi Fon. "I'm just making sure you aren't...I mean bad enough you're not going to college. I don't want you to be a high school drop out at the tail-end of your academic year"
"It's no longer me that is possessed by your mother", Rangiku chuckled, then turned pale at the realization of her insensitivity.
Soi Fon however merely rolled her eyes. "Rest assured that it's your reaction that will give me away, Rangiku"
"Sorry", Rangiku smirked. "That was my intention"
"Shut it. She's coming back", Soi Fon remarked, as Yoruichi came back from the kitchen.
Rangiku stood up. "We're gonna have to go. Graduation practices", she groaned. "I swear, this exercise of futility is more for our parents, than for the students... In Soi's case, for your sake", she giggled.
"It's unavoidable", Yoruichi smiled, excited at the thought of seeing Soi Fon march. "Take care you two...and oh, Soi!"
"yeah?"
"I really, really, can't stand how disorganized your closet is. Can I--"
Soi Fon sighed exaggeratedly "Fine, do whatever you want to do with it, if that will make you happy", she said, kissing Yoruichi before she headed outside the apartment.
"My...how domestic your issues are", Rangiku teased, much to Soi Fon's annoyance.
---
"This is worse than I thought", she muttered to herself, staring at Soi Fon's closet space for a good solid minute. "This looks like it's been pillaged by barbarians"
She began bringing out everything first before deciding how to arrange them. She groaned as she took one pile of clothes out of the closet causing a few folders tuck beneath them to fall on the floor. Yoruichi froze after picking them up. There was a small label plastered on the folder's ear. It read: Shihoin vs. Fon.
---
"Shit!" Soi Fon exclaimed, disrupting the instructions being announced by the professor on how to go about with the graduation march. "Sorry...", she said, as she moved away from the line. Rangiku caught up with her. "Where the heck do you think you're going?". She stopped, shocked at Soi Fon's pale expression. "What's going on, Soi?'
"My files...they're in my closet"
Rangiku needed no further explanation. She nodded and said "I'll make up an excuse if they start looking for you".
"Thanks", Soi Fon waved while running off as fast as she could.
---
Soi Fon immediately saw Yoruichi, slumped on the couch, her face expressionless, clutching the files on her hand. She looked up and stared at Soi Fon, who said nothing but gave a knowing nod. Soi Fon promised to herself she will not bother with defending herself in the face of her inevitable confrontation with Yoruichi. She felt she had no right to defend herself, and had prepared for the worst. The death of Yoruichi's mother was not her fault, but the decision to keep the information for a time was hers and hers alone, and she knew she would have to face the consequences, She however had planned to be the one to say it. Not like this, she thought, definitely not like this.
"How long?" Yoruichi asked, her voice unsteady. "How long did you know about this?"
Soi Fon breathed in and stared at Yoruichi's eyes. "Since my birthday"
Yoruichi stood up and walked slowly towards Soi Fon. "You...made love to me...you moved in with me...and made me feel that we are in an honest relationship...all the while...you kept this away from me"
Soi Fon said nothing, refusing to look away.
"Your father...you chose to protect him...over me"
Soi Fon stirred, but still remained silent. No, that wasn't my intention.
"Your father...killed my mother. What did you plan Soi Fon?"
It's Soi...just Soi
"Tell me about this after sex? So that i'd be defenseless in your arms? Or you'd buy me something expensive first?"
No...Nothing I could do will make you---
"You think I'm simply going to accept... THIS?!?". Yoruichi threw the files on Soi Fon's face.
I know you won't. I never thought for once you will.
"And you...pretended not to know...you...fooled... ME!!! YOU'RE SO GODDAMN SELFISH!!! " Yoruichi stepped closer and slapped Soi Fon's face.
That's right...I deserve this.
Yoruichi laughed bitterly at Soi Fon's non-reaction. "Who am I kidding?" she spat. "You're so used to being hurt this way. It doesn't matter to you"
I'm not used to being hurt by you.
Soi Fon's eyes fell on the ground, bringing to her attention Yoruichi's bags near her, all packed up and ready to leave.
Yoruichi realized where Soi Fon's gaze were fixed. She hissed, "You're so used to people leaving you as well, aren't you?"
No...
Soi Fon valiantly fought away the tears that began to swell in her eyes. She had played this all in her head. Yoruichi would hate her, leave her, yes, even slap her. But the words that just came out of Yoruichi slashed her conviction into pieces.
Yoruichi moved near her bags and coldly remarked. "I'll be out of here when you come back later. Right now, I'm giving you that once chance to leave someone first before they do. I promise you, it feels good", she said sarcastically. She was mocking Soi Fon in the most painful way, and the fire to do so kept growing.
Soi Fon nodded. She turned around quietly and stopped while gripping the door knob.
I love you.
---
Rangiku stood up as soon as she saw Soi Fon's car move inside the gate. She waited patiently, and bit her lip as she saw Soi Fon's expression.
"You didn't get a new room mate, did you?" Soi Fon asked.
Rangiku shook her head. "I wouldn't dream of it", she whispered, hugging Soi Fon tight.
"It's over" Soi Fon remarked flatly.
They quietly walked towards their room. Soi Fon sat on their dresser and stared at herself, while Rangiku sadly looked on. She took out a pair of scissors and handed it over to Rangiku. "Do me a favor...cut them"
---
A/N: Right, I'm about to end this in a few chapters. I wanna hear how you imagine this to end. hehe :p