Editing this chapter was hell. Every time I'd make corrections and save it my internet would time out erasing all my hard work T_T. Just to answer a few questions from reviews. NO, there will not be any Yoruhara babies running around. I'm a lot like Sui; I can't stand that man. He's funny, but the way his mind works irks me. Too damn smart for his own good. It will be a challenge for me to write him but I love challenges. Surprise guest in this chapter let's see if you can guess who it is. Review!

Disclaimer: I gain nothing from writing this. All Bleach characters belong to Tite Kubo (genius man). Besides if you try to sue you'll get poo. I has no money.

Only Ever Yours 6

Soul Society was bustling with activity the day of the festival. Final preparations were being made and vendors fought for the best spots to set up their booths. There was an excitement like never before in the air and it only served to make Yoruichi more nervous about tonight. She was fine the fact that she was going as a reinstated captain of the Gotei 13. There was no problem knowing that she was going as The 22nd Shihouin Head. To many it was a big deal that the Shihouin Princess was back in Sereitei where she belonged. It would mean that their future was secure in their guarding of the Treasure and War Tools and the blood of their family. Many thought that with Yoruichi's exile they would be the next clan since the Shiba's to practically crawl into extinction. Now, with their hope renewed they were able once again secure their future. This festival, while they were celebrating their victory over Aizen, was also a huge celebration for the exoneration of the 22nd clan head. In a nutshell Yoruichi was going to have her hands full.

Out of all these things that she would have to deal with she was only concerned about one thing; Her date with Sui-Feng. She was going crazy because she didn't know what to wear. It didn't help that Kukaku had decided to show up unannounced to pester her.

"The hell are you so worked up about?! Chill out dammit!" Kukaku yelled at her childhood friend as the woman was clearly freaking out.

"You don't understand tonight has to be perfect!" Yoruichi yelled back just as loud. "Who let you in anyway?"

"Your cute little friend Sui-Feng. You know that girl has looks. I might have to see if she's a curved arrow if ya' know what I mean." Kukaku grinned wide as Yoruichi glared at her. "Ya like her don't ya, 'Ichi?" Kukaku only grinned wider when Yoruichi gave an uncharacteristic blush.

"Shut up." Yoruichi murmured as she went back to her closet and looked through it again for the 8th time. Kukaku burst out laughing. This caused Yoruichi to grab one her shoes and throw it at the woman's head. Her aim was dead on.

"Ow ya bitch! The hell was that for?" Kukaku rubbed the smarting spot in between her eyes.

"Your starting to piss me off. I don't have time for this Kukaku."Yoruichi growled and began pacing.

"Dammit, is Aunt Flow on her way or is she already here because you never act like this." Kukaku looked at her friend wide eyed. "What the hell is so special about tonight?"

"Nothing." Yoruichi shook her head. She wanted to talk to someone, especially since it was stressful to keep her thoughts bottled inside about this.

"Don't be a pansy just tell me if it's who I think it is." Kukaku looked dead at Yoruichi. When she saw Yoruichi nod yes she exhaled slowly and closed her eyes. This caused Yoruichi to panic.

"Kukaku you can't tell anybody! It has ta-urk" Yoruichi was cut off as Kukaku swooped her into her arms.

"Yes! Hahaha! He's mine, all mine!" Kukaku cackled. Yoruichi just blinked and looked at her crazy friend.

"Um who?" She said as she was set back down.

"That blonde dummy of yours. Now that I know he's not your type I'm going to do what I've wanting to do for a long time." Yoruichi's eye twitch in mock horror as Kukaku began to rub her hands together like a madwoman and cackle.

"Um I'm afraid to ask what the might be so I'm gonna tell you right now I don't wanna know." Yoruichi shot off quickly. "That's good though, it should soften the blow when I tell Kisuke. I'm not sure if he still likes me. I know he used to when we were kids but always told him I couldn't see him that way. I'm not sure if he's changed his mind."

"Oh he will" Kukaku continued to grin evilly until Yoruichi punched her in the arm. "Ow."

"Are you gonna help me or are you going daydream about breaking Kisuke all day?" Yoruichi looked at her with an eyebrow raised.

"Yeah I'll help. Why don't you ask your dresser to pretty you all up?" Kukaku asked as they began making their way to the door.

"Politics. My family is losing their minds now that I'm back and have turned this into a damn extravaganza. I know I'll have to stand up and say a couple words at the opening but after that I'm out of there."

"Oh no you're not young lady." Yoruichi and Kukaku jumped sky high as the voice behind started talking to close for comfort. Yoruichi resembled a startled cat and Kukaku let a string of curse words. They turned to see Satoshi grinning brightly before he turned to Kukaku and frown. "Young lady if you were any younger I'd tan your tail red."

"How do you know I still won't let you?" Kukaku grinned back as she caught the older man off guard.

"Kukaku, that's my dad." Yoruichi looked at her incredulously.

"What he's still hot for an old man." Kukaku shot back.

"Ahem um, thank you?" Satoshi answered. " Anyway, Yoruichi I know you want to disappear when this begins but you have to at least meet some of the suitors. You can't leave until then."

"I thought you said I had a year?" Yoruichi responded quickly.

"I said you have a year and some time before you have to be married and begin to produce children." Satoshi sighed. "I'm not any more thrilled about this than you. I'm stalling as much as I can but the only I can do that is if you meet me halfway with this."

"I know." Yoruichi frowned. "It's just gong to make tonight that much harder."

"But it'll make it easier to hide certain things." Satoshi answered back with a smirk. Leaning forward he kissed her forehead. "Just make sure you try and show some interest or you'll have to stay longer."

"Fine." She answered before heading to the door. "We're going to the market. I'll be back later."

"Where's Sui-Feng?" Satoshi asked frowning.

"Remember you gave her today off. Her 'babysitters' will be around. Bye Daddy!" And with that she and Kukaku were out the door.

"I can't believe you said that to my dad!" Yoruichi hissed at Kukaku who just waived her off.

"Then you definitely don't want to be around when I go after Kisuke." They both laughed as they continued to the market to find Yoruichi something to wear.

Sui-Feng smirked proudly as she looked at the growing compound. There was more life then there ever was. People were building new buildings for training and housing. Families were able to grow and craftsmen were able to set up allowing the compound to bring in more money so they could continue to thrive. This enabled her family to begin to move up the totem pole. As far as the lesser nobles were concerned the Feng family had been at the very bottom while Omaeda's were at the top. She guessed that in about a year with all all the funding Satoshi had given them and the possible incoming revenue, they would be on equal footing. The other families would never see it coming. Unlike other families the Feng were humble and only boasted in their fighting ability to protect the Shihouin in service.

Sui-Feng being the 9th Head of the Feng made her quite popular with the people inside the compound. They waved and cheered greetings as she walked through the streets toward her grandmother's. She nodded respectfully at each person that greeted her.

When she arrived at her grandmother's she walked in without knocking and looked around. Everything had changed. There had been a definite upgrade in the structure of the house. The kitchen was bigger and had a small island in the middle of it. The living room had more space and was well furnished.

"Jou mou!" Sui-Feng called out to the seemingly empty house.

"Shaolin is that you ?" A voice answered and Sui-Feng directed her attention on the stairs as her grandmother descended them.

The old woman looked good for 90 years old. She still walked with a grace that never seemed to waiver. Sui-Feng only hoped she was as well as her grandmother when she reached that age.

"It is you my busy bee!" Her grandmother cackled. "You look more and more like your father everyday. " She hugged her granddaughter when she reached her.

"You look well Jou mou. How do you feel?" Sui-Feng asked as she followed her grandmother into the kitchen and took a seat at the table.

"Like an old woman." Her grandmother laughed. "I'm fine. I'm more interested in what's going on with you. Imagine my surprise when Shihouin Satoshi arrives at my door announcing that he's renovating and adding on to our humble compound."

"Yes, there has been a lot happening." Sui-Feng began as she looked at the shiny table surface in front of her. The old table was banged up and scratched. Sui-Feng well remembered the gouges in the table from throwing knives and the like adorning its surface. "Shihouin Yoruichi has returned."

"Oh?" Her grandmother replied as she set the table for tea. "Your old mentor? How do you feel about that?"

"I haven't really thought about it." Sui-Feng paused. "I guess I'm happy with it since I've forgiven her. It's still a lot of change to get used to though."

"I'm guessing the relationship has changed as well." The old woman smirked.

"You could say that." Sui-Feng mumbled and looked out the kitchen window taking in the scenery.

"Good. Both of you had too much confusion between the two of you when she left. Now all that can be aired out. Have you told her how you feel?" She finished pouring their tea she took her seat next to Sui-Feng.

"J-Jou mou!" Sui-Feng looked at her grandmother wide eyed.

"Ha!" The old woman scoffed. "Anyone that was around you when she left can tell you were heart broken. I don't care who you love. Besides your duty to bring heirs to the line is still a ways off. If you can't do it then your cousins can."

"I know. I just didn't expect you to say...-well that." Sui-Feng blew on her tea cooling it before taking a cautious sip. "I haven't said anything but I'm not sure I should. She's supposed to marry next year."

"Well don't you have the little romantic story going?" Sui-Feng hated when her grandmother teased her. "Well when are you going to do something? You can't wait till her wedding day! Imagine the looks on everyone's face!" Her grandmother cackled loudly at her own joke.

"It's not funny Jou mou." Sui-Feng frowned disapprovingly. "Besides we have a date tonight."

That stopped the old woman fast. She looked at her granddaughter in surprise before laughing all over again.

"For a moment I actually thought that you had asked her but I know you didn't! She must have, right?" This brought another bout of laughter. Sui-Feng's silent glowering only reinforced the old ladies belief.

"Anyway I was wondering if you had something I could wear with my captains haori." Sui-Feng asked before taking another sip of her tea.

"Hmmm...actually, I have just the thing. Since the renovations I had to move a lot of things and I happened to run across your grandfather's old robes. You should be able to fit them. Good thing you're flat chested too, ha!" The old woman laughed her way upstairs to go retrieve the robes.

Sui-Feng glowered at her grandmother's jokes. The woman was hardly ever wrong about anything and she read people better than anyone she knew. She knew her grandmother meant well so she tolerated her behavior. If anyone else had said anything about her chest they're bodies would be disintegrating from Suzumebachi's poison. Her thought's changed as she thought about tonight. What would they do? What would they talk about? What if Sui-Feng said something stupid? Her thoughts were interrupted as her grandmother came back downstairs holding a box.

"This was your grandfather's favorite robe. He'd have fought in it if he could because it was so comfortable. I wouldn't let him of course." Her grandmother smiled at the thought of her late husband. She removed the cover of the box to reveal a black silk hankimono with gold and yellow trim on the sleeves. The sleeves had been tailored with hexagons encircling pointed starts. The hakama were black and had a gold stripe leading up both sides. The sash was a lot like hers except t was longer and made of silk.

"Wow. This is amazing." Sui-Feng murmured in awe.

"Yes he looked very handsome in it too. He always wore his hair down when he wore it." Her grandmother brushed her hand across the sleeve with a sigh. "Well enough of that. It will be sundown soon, are you going to dress here or at home?"

"I guess here since I've never worn something like this before. The hankimono looks complicated." Sui-Feng commented looking at said object.

"Well let's get started. Take your hair out of those braids and take a bath. I'm going to make sure this has a chance to air out. Go on, shoo!" Her grandmother waved her off as the took the box to the backyard to hand the clothes on the line. Sui-Feng proceeded to do as she was told trying no to think about tonight.

"Why is this happening?" Yoruichi wailed as she and Kukaku came back home empty handed.

"Because you're being fuckin' picky and its pissin' me off!" Kukaku growled. This was really getting ridiculous. Yoruichi wouldn't pick anything at the market. She claimed she wanted to stop Sui-Feng in her tracks when she sees her tonight. Apparently no one had a dress that she could do just that.

"You could always go naked. That would stop everyone in their tracks." Kukaku chuckled as they walked into Yoruichi's room.

"Fuck you." Yoruichi grumbled.

"Oh, thank the heaven's you're here!" An exuberant cry rang out. The family dresser had been waiting for her. "I've been looking all over for you. Your father suggested this for you to wear tonight."

The woman held out A gold furisode with purple and white trim, much like the one she wore for her title ceremony when she was younger. It's primary color was gold and purple flowers dance across the fabric. Unlike the furisode before this one, this was a lot less bulky and would flow when she walked. Yoruichi smiled and silently thanked her father.

"This will do just fine." she told the dresser who bowed smiling.

"I'll prepare everything right away Shihouin-dono." With that she was Yoruichi turned around she saw Kukaku was looking at her slack jawed.

"What?" Yoruichi asked.

"You dragged me all over town looking for a dress and the one that satisfies you was her the whole time!" Kukaku yelled. "That's it I'm out of here before you do anything else that'll piss me off. I'll see you tonight."

Yoruichi rolled her eyes as the door slammed and went to take a bath. She just hoped tonight went perfectly.

The sun had begun to set over Soul Society and while the day was coming to an end, the festivities were about to begin. People bustled around getting ready for what was sure to be a night filled with fun. Sui-Feng had just finished tying her sash around her waist. Her grandmother fussed over the fine points of how things were supposed to lay. When she was done she turned to look at herself n the mirror. She almost didn't recognize herself. The black tone of her outfit gave her skin and ethereal appearance making it glow. The gold and yellow accents stood out along her sleeves accenting the patterns so they stood out. Her sash hung down around her middle almost touching her shins. Her grandmother had given her boots to go with it. The boots boots gave her an extra 4 inches in height. Surprisingly, you couldn't tell since the boots had no heel and just made her look taller. Hair hair had been let loose from its usual braids so her black hair cascaded down her back. She allowed some of her hair to drape over her shoulders and frame her face.

"You look just like your grandfather when I met him." Her grandmother said with teary eyes. Sui-Feng gave her a comforting hug.

"Thank you Jou mou." Straightening up she looked out the window. Seeing that it was time for her to go she headed for the door.

"Wait a moment. You might want these." She gave Sui-Feng the hoops she usually wore in her hair. Sui-Feng looked at her grandmother in confusion.

"Put them on your wrist." She said. Sui-Feng nodded and did just that. Her grandmother placed her captain's cloak over her shoulders. "Now you can go. Good luck my granddaughter." She watched her granddaughter shunpo away.

Sui-Feng's palms were sweating as she waited under the pagoda in the gardens. She hoped Yoruichi would be impressed with her appearance. Normally she wouldn't care about something so trivial but because it was a date it mattered. She just hoped she didn't do or say anything stupid. She was pulled from her thoughts as she saw movement out of the corner of her eye. She was awestruck. Yoruichi was wearing the same kimono when Sui-Feng first laid eyes on her as a child. Her hair cascaded down her back and had sakura blossoms and diamond encrusted beads woven in. The kimono shined in the light of the setting sun making her glow. The obi tied around her waist complimented her curves making Sui-Feng want to wrap her arms around the woman.

Yoruichi walked with unrivaled grace toward her protege. She couldn't believe how handsome Sui-Feng looked. She hadn't see her without her braids and loved the way the girls hair fell. Her outfit suited her so well that someone could easily mistake her for noble. Her head was held high as she locked eyes with her crush. When she reached Sui-Feng the younger of the two was speechless so she settled for a deep bow. Yoruichi sucked her teeth in annoyance but was surprised when she felt and arm wrap around her waist and pull her so that her body was flush against Sui-Feng's.

"I know you hate it when I bow but let me tell you why I did." She leaned in to Yoruichi's ear. "You look like a goddess who has just descended from the heavens to grace me with her presence. What I mean to say is, you look beautiful." Sui-Feng whispered into Yoruichi's ear. She was quite pleased that she had at least an inch over Yoruichi thanks to the boots.

Yoruichi's eyes fluttered shut at the feeling of Sui-Feng's warm breath caressing her ear. She felt herself blush at her words. When they pulled back Sui-Feng was pleased to note reaction and smirked.

"You look handsome as well little bee. Did you grow in a day?" Yoruichi purred as she regained her composure.

"Its the boots." Sui-Feng commented as she presented her arm to Yoruichi. Yoruichi set her hand on Sui-Feng's as they proceeded to the gates.

When they arrived they noticed Satoshi waiting for them. "Ah, Yoruichi I was beginning to wonder. Who is-...Shaolin?" He said in wonder.

Sui-Feng nodded and gave a small smile. Satoshi blinked as if there was something wrong with his eyes.

"You look like one of the nobles. I thought you might have been a suitor for a second." He chuckled. Both women blushed at his comment.

"Well," He began, "We should get going. We have to be on time so you both can stand among the captains and Yoruichi I hope you have figured out what you are going to say."

"I have an idea." She answered as she was helped into the carriage that would take them to the festival.

"Sui-Feng, can I have a word." Satoshi said stopping her from climbing in behind the princess. She walked to Satoshi and offered an ear.

"Yoruichi has to meet some of the suitors tonight so if you could make sure none of them over step their bounds I would appreciate it. Also...try not to let any personal feelings cloud your judgment." He looked at her knowingly hoping she understood.

Sui-Feng nodded and put on her stoic mask. "I live to serve Shihouin-dono." She then climbed in with Yoruichi, Satoshi right behind her.

Shunsui peeked through the large double doors as he looked at the crowd in the courtyard as he took another swig from his sake bottle. He was stopped by a thunk in the head by his lieutenant.

"Ow! Nanao-chan!" He whined as she plucked the bottle from his finger tips.

"I don't want to hear it. It doesn't look good for the Captain Commander to address all of Soul Society inebriated." She commented as she poured the contents of the bottle out. "Besides you'll have more where that came from after your address I'm sure."

"Yare, yare. You're so mean." He sniffed. "Well I guess it's about that time." he commented grabbing his usual hat and walked through the doors to go outside. At his appearance all the captains of the Gotei 13 appeared in order on either side of them. Each of them dressed differently besides Zaraki. He noticed that quite a few people gawking at the person next to them. Turning to look himself he understood why. Sui-Feng looked nothing like she usually did. He liked the new look.

Turning back to the crowd he raised his arms for their silence. "Thank you all for attending today. I would first like to thank all of the families of our shinigami and their patience through the years. Our previous war was not an easy one but have come away victorious." He stopped as the crowd cheered at his words. Raising his arms again the quieted back down. "This celebration is to remember those who have fallen in battle so I ask now for a moment of silence to remember them." All was silent in the courtyard as some prayers were said silently while others remember friends who were no longer with them.

"I have but a few things to say." Shunsui began again, "Continue to support your leaders and trust their guidance. We do what we do for your safety and to continue to protect the cycle of souls. Also we have been graced to receive the 22nd Head of the Shihouin clan back into our circle." Another cheer came. "She will say a few words now."

Yoruichi stepped forward and looked over the crowd. In a commanding voice she began. "My earlier actions though condemned by some, were for all of Soul Society. I will continue to serve and honor my family as I always have. This is not the time to dwell on the past but to plan for the future generation. I hope I have all of your support." With that being said Yoruichi stepped back in line with the rest of the captains. The crowd cheered and clapped their hands as a show of support for the woman.

"Now without anymore delay. Let the festivities begin." Shunsui clapped his hands out in front of him and a group of firework went off and began to light the sky. The crowd cheered and began to socialize. Children ran to game booths squealing with glee while the adult went around tasting food from various booths or drinking.

Sui-Feng stood watching the crowd when she felt Yoruichi step beside her.

"That was a great speech. Short and to the point." She looked at Yoruichi to see a smirk on her face. She only spared a short glance before returning her attention to the teeming crowd of the festival. There were too many people here to allow herself to be distracted by Yoruichi. When they were somewhere less populated she could relax. A Feng is always ready for confrontation and knows where the danger is before it strikes.

"You know I'm not the type to drone on forever. Come on lets go somewhere quieter." She grabbed Sui-Feng's arm to lead her where she wanted but was pulled back. She looked at Sui-Feng questioningly until Sui-Feng tipped her head to the left. Satoshi looked at Yoruichi disapprovingly. Sighing, Yoruichi walked over to her father.

"Okay fine. I'll talk to some of them but if they step out of line know that I'm gonna maim them." She growled.

"That's what I'm here for." Sui-Feng commented as she took her place behind the two. Satoshi and Yoruichi matched each other in step as they went over to where the nobles were participating. The first few suitors were annoying and Yoruichi was glad to get away from them. The next few weren't bad in the looks department or in manners but they weren't Sui-Feng so Yoruichi didn't show much interest. All of them prattled on about why Yoruichi should pick them. They boasted about their wealth and titles as if she was supposed to be impressed by it. She wasn't, it actually made her hate them more. She knew all they wanted from her was her virtue, title, and wealth. If they were serious they'd be trying for her heart. Unfortunately for them they had already lost that battle as well.

As another suitor made his way over Satoshi whispered in Yoruichi's ear. "I know this isn't what you want to do but remember neither of us have much of a choice her so please act like you're interested in this one. The elders are becoming restless." He directed her attention across the room at the Shihouin elders giving them tiresome rolled her eyes but nodded in agreement.

The next suitor was actually quite handsome. He had long flowing white hair and gold eyes much like her own. What was most odd about him was the fur that draped over his right shoulder (guess whoo~ :P)He bowed respectfully before approaching them.

"Inutaisho Yuu. So nice of you to come. How is your father?" Satoshi said in a warm greeting.

"Shihouin-dono. Thank you for inviting me. Sadly, father passed a while ago in a battle with a rival clan. I am now the clan head." Yuu answered respectfully.

"I was not aware. I am sorry for your loss but I know your father gave them hell." Satoshi gave a nod. "This is my daughter Yoruichi. We are currently judging suitors."

Yuu bowed deeply to Yoruichi. "I have heard many things about you Yoruichi-sama. Some of them good, some bad. However, I always feel it best to get to know a person before judging them by what others say."

"That's a wise decision. Yuu-san." Yoruichi said eyeing him. " So why do you wish to seek my hand?"

"Actually I didn't." Yuu-san smiled.

"You didn't?" Yoruichi blinked in disbelief and Satoshi balked.

"No, I came to get to know you. You see I feel that courting has become too chauvinistic making it miserable for the woman. We are both nobles and know that each of us is known for wealth and title but I have no desire for a mate that is interested in that. From what can tell neither do you. No one wants a reluctant mate. I feel that if we get to know one another you can make that decision for yourself. If we find that we are not compatible I will leave you alone. Though I must say I'd like to continue some type of friendship since our families are allied." Yuu looked at her with a small smile.

"That's the smartest thing I've heard all night. Alright Yuu-san we'll see." Yoruichi answered smirking. She felt Sui-Feng tense at her words but discretely reached out and grasped her hand in reassurance.

"Thank you Yoruichi-sama. I hope to see you soon." Bowing once again Yuu left without a backward glance.

"Well that went well. He's probably the only I truly approve of." Satoshi commented looking at his daughter. He had noticed Sui-Feng was beginning to sour in mood and decided it was probably time to let them go. "Alright, I think that should be enough for tonight. You two have fun."

"Finally." Yoruichi sighed in relief. "I wasn't sure if I could take anymore. Lets go I want to see a few people before we leave."

Standing Yoruichi placed her arm in Sui-Feng's as the went to the main area. They weren't walking long before the ran into Kisuke and Kukaku.

"Yoruichi-san I must say after all that bitchin', you look bitchin'." Kukaku commented before looking at Sui-Feng. "Whoa, is that you kid?"

A tick of annoyance showed in Sui-Feng's face at the 'kid' remark but she let it go. Kukaku had been a great help when Yoruichi left. She had been the one to get Sui-Feng's ass in gear instead of letting her mope around. Sui-Feng could almsot say that Kukaku was a friend. She wouldn't ever tell anyone.

"Kukaku, I knew you'd be here after seeing that fireworks display. I hope that wasn't supposed to be the best you have." Sui-Feng in a mocking voice knowing it would rile the Shiba woman up.

"Like hell it was, that was just to wet their appetite. There's more where that came from, a lot more. Anyway, I like the look. If I didn't have my eye on someone else I'd have to change the way I approach you." Kukaku grinned as she saw Yoruichi's glare on her.

"Oh, Sui-chan! So nice to see you." Kisuke waved childishly.

"Urahara," Sui-Feng replied curtly. She was still unsure how to act around the man. She couldn't remain rude seeing as she might need an ally later on. Though she wasn't sure if she had burned this bridge, it seemed that was a good a time as any to try and understand what wen on in that moronic mind of his.

"How's the 2nd Division going?" he asked politely.

"Same as usual. How are things with the investigations?"

"Well enough. The situation has been contained and I'm looking into the things your requested. Right now I'd say we're making progress." He replied twirling hat on his finger.

"Good. When you have the time I'd like you to discuss your progress in three days time. Will you be available?" She inquired. This caused Kisuke to raise an eyebrow.

"Sure I look forward to entertaining you in my humble abode Sui-chan." He set his hat back on his head with a pat and gave a mock bow. This made Sui-Feng glare at his childishness. She hated that damn hat of his. If she ever got the chance she was going to incinerate it right in front of him.

"What are you two up to?" Yoruichi eyed them suspiciously. "You've never been able to work together unless I was around to make sure you didn't murder Kisuke. Now you're having meetings with him?"

"Things are a-changing Yoruichi-san~" Kisuke sing-songed. "I think it's nice that Sui-chan is showing a change in mood."

"Don't push it." Sui-Feng clipped. She had been as civil as she could and now she wanted to get away from the man. Making him her ally would be a process. She could only put up with his antics for so long.

"Uh-oh. There she is!" Kisuke laughed behind his fan.

"Cut it out Kisuke, you're only going to make her want to maim you." Yoruichi gave him a disapproving look.

"Gomen, gomen." Kisuke sighed.

"Well I don't know about you but we have plans." Kukaku said grabbing Kisuke's arm to lead him away. "See you two later."

"Um- well that was interesting." Yoruichi waved her goodbye and began to lead Sui-Feng away from the festival.

They didn't walk for long and ended up back in the cherry blossom grove they had been the night before Yoruichi was exiled. Letting go of Sui-Feng's arm, Yoruichi sat against a tree to rest her feet. She removed her shoes and flexed her toes sighing in relief. Sui-Feng watched her off to the side noting the thoughtful expression. The silence was a comfortable one as they listened to the voices coming from the festival mixing with the sounds of nature.

"Come here Sui-Feng." Came Yoruichi's soft voice through the stillness. Sui-Feng didn't move right away. She wasn't sure if Yoruichi was up to something. Pushing her back off of the tree she had been leaning on she took a few steps toward Yoruichi. She stopped when she was near the woman's bare feet.

"Closer. I won't bite little bee." Yoruichi beckoned her with a toothy grin. Sui-Feng blushed at the remark and moved within reaching distance of Yoruichi. The older woman grabbed the sleeve of her haori tugging Sui-Feng down to sit next to her. When the younger girls position satisfied her, Yoruichi leaned into her and laid her head on her shoulder.

"That's more like it." She sighed. "Tonight was interesting, ne?"

"Depends on what part of tonight you're referring to." Sui-Feng quietly answered, cursing her inner voice for making her so uncomfortable. She could still feel the tell tale signs of a blush creeping up her face.

"Well for starters I'm glad to be rid of all those suitors. Father was almost cruel for making me sit through all that." Yoruichi wrinkled her nose at the thought. She had thought the torture would never end. After all, she was only interested in spending time with Sui-Feng the entire night.

"It seemed to to me like you were rather enjoying yourself." Sui-Feng answered with a small smirk. Yoruichi did a double take.

"What?" It took her about ten seconds to figure out that Sui-Feng was messing with her "Since when do my little bee and sarcasm go together?"

Sui-Feng shrugged, "Maybe you don't know me as well as you think you do."

Yoruichi frowned at this. It was true, she only had memories of what Sui-Feng used to be like. Of course she was still shy and a bit of a prude but what was she really like now? "Well, that's the first thing I want to change." she stated turning her gold gaze back to silver eyes.

"I don't think you do Yoruichi-sama." Sui-Feng answered. She was stopped by the feel of familiar lips on hers. She'd never get used to kissing they separated Yoruichi leaned her forehead against Sui-Feng's.

"Don't you think it's time you shared your burden Sui?" The sincere request left Sui-Feng unable to say no.

"Where would you like me to start?" Sui-Feng asked. There was a pause before Yoruichi answered.

"What happened when I left?"

Dun!Dun!Dun! Cliffy! I know you hate me. :P Remember though if you review I might throw 2 chapters out this week. Your feedback if the fuel for this story! Until next time!

Melodious Reprieve