I'd like to give special thanks to Shoma, Adonna2424, darkmachines, taity, Kain101, and "RG-Guest" for their continued reviews and feedback.
RG-Guest brought up some interesting points in their review: including the other Noble Families, Kukaku Shiba, and what's going on with Ichigo... among other things. Well, this and the chapter following it will directly address one of the issues they've brought up.
Also, congrats to "Guest" for successfully spotting the H.P. Lovecraft reference in the previous post.
(11/02/15) Edit: Fixed all the misspellings of Yumachika's last name.
TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW
Chapter XXI:
"Synchronicity of Beauty, Part 1"
Soul Society...
Division Eleven, Officers' Quarters...
Yumichika Ayasegawa, the Fourth Seat of the Eleventh, was sitting at his desk within his private quarters, clad in an decorative sleeping yukata. He had a cup of hot coffee in one hand, as he silently looked over the spread of black-and-white photos before him. All of the images were of the Lieutenant of the Fourth Division, Isane Kotetsu, taken by him about a month back...
The violet-haired Officer had captured the images the very same afternoon that he had also attempted, but failed, to paint her body with gorgeous calligraphic imagery. The imperative word being attempted, because events had taken an unexpected, though very much welcome twist. After all, he could hardly consider the ruination of his planned masterpiece a wasted effort. Not when the end result proved far more enjoyable and memorable than simple body painting!
He smiled to himself, taking a sip from his mug as he recalled their tryst- memories of the two of them on the floor of the small studio, with her sitting astride his waist, their hair mussed and multiple shades of paint smeared across numerous areas of their flushed bodies, how she cried out so wonderfully as he teased her a fevered climax... Oh yes, that had truly been a day he'd remember for a long time! After all, one didn't experience such affirming love-making like that every day.
Yumichika was a connoisseur of the finer things, and so he knew true beauty when he saw it. And the more he looked at the images of his majestic silver-haired goddess, the more compelling the pictures of her quickly became to the gorgeous man. And in the process, gone was any previous covetous feeling he might have once felt- giving way to a growing sense of pride in the woman he so adored.
He was overcome with the desire to show off the beauty of the elder Kotetsu Sister, and to let everyone within Soul Society to know that it was he- the so-called preening peacock of the Eleventh Division- who regularly shared a bed with this magnificent creature! That he- the perfumed pretty boy- so often written off as one who favored his own gender, did in fact enjoy the company of the fairer sex!
Suddenly, his mind was awash with inspiration, as Yumichika began working out a means by which to make this a reality. And as he thought more about it in that moment, he was struck with an even greater sense of inspiration to create something amazing...
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Central Chamber, Gotei Council Assembly...
"Then it is agreed," Byakuya began evenly. "As of now, Lieutenant Chojiro Sasakibe will serve as the interim leader of the First Division." The Captain went on. "Until such time that a permanent solution can be decided upon." He paused briefly. "Moving on to other matters..."
"Captain Mugurama," Byakuya continued. "As the Commanding Officer of the Division tasked with maintaining the internal security of Soul Society, what is the status of the Ninth?"
The Captain, with his short white hair and piercings nodded. "Aside from the casualties we suffered in the conflict, the Ninth remains fully capable of carrying out its duties." Kensei replied from his seat at the large circular table. "It's just a matter of getting the new recruits properly trained."
"It's the same with the Third," Rose interjected. "Upon resumption of my former post, I saw to it that the Division would be up and running in time for review." The tall blonde Byronic Vizard explained.
Byakuya nodded. "Good, and what of the Fifth?"
Shinji Haraku gave a Cheshire Cat grin. "The Fifth Division's fine," he began. "An' little Hinamori-san is turning out to be an extremely competent Lieutenant." The smiling Vizard revealed. "With the War over and Aizen locked away, I've refocused the Fifth back to intelligence gathering."
"Well then," Shunsui began casually. "The only issue left on today's agenda is the matter of appointing Hachigan Ushoda as the new Commander of the Kido Corp."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Division Four HQ...
It was a commonly accepted fact that the members of the Eleventh Divisions regarded the Fourth with a certain degree of contempt. Being a Division comprised of fanatical 'violence-enthusiasts', they were seemingly unable to appreciate the existence of an entire Division devoted to a skill that often kept its members away from the front line and "out of the fight", as it were.
Captain Unohana herself often wondered if a less 'apt' person were in command of the Fourth, would those hooligans from the 11th assume cart-blanche to begin harassing and pushing around the Medical Corp and its members. She also suspected that she was the reason that Kenpachi wasn't causing trouble for them on a regular basis, as it would have taken only a single order from that walking mountain of a man, and the next minute his minions would be raising hell in his name.
Not that she didn't have her ways of dealing with difficult people over the years...
So, when a very polite and well-written message arrived on the Medic and Captain's desk, sent by one of the Eleventh's Officers, Unohana had been a bit surprised... Granted, she had to consider that the one who had penned the letter was hardly representative of that barbaric Division.
Yumichika Ayasegawa, Fourth Seat Officer of the Eleventh Division...
She knew of Ayasegawa, quite well in fact, not that he was difficult to notice. When considering the sort of ilk the Eleventh attracted, a man like him stood out- like a single rose, blooming amidst the carnage of a battlefield. Generally speaking, the kind of people that idolized and so zealously served a Captain like Zaraki Kenpachi could be best summed up in one word: "brutish".
And 'brutes', as best she knew, didn't generally have such perfect skin and manicured nails, nor did they decorate their silky treated hair with feathers and wear makeup!
Plus, there was the elephant in the room to consider. In this case, it was the fact that it was a commonly known 'secret' that her own Lieutenant was seeing him. The failure to keep the relationship hidden was less a failure on their part to be discreet, and likely more to do with the fact that the Elite Court Guard's tallest female Officer was seeing its prettiest male Officer... Though, they did make a cute couple.
But getting back to the issue of the letter... Now genuinely curious, Unohana had wasted no time as she unfolded the message and set about reading the contents.
And so, this was how she had come to now find herself facing the violet-haired Officer. Looking at his uncannily pretty smiling face, she couldn't deny the strange appeal of the man. Were she a far younger woman, and not involved, she might have felt more at the sight of him.
"Ayasegawa-san," Unohana began politely. "I must confess that I was rather surprised to receive a letter from a member of the Eleventh Division, requesting an audience with me," the brunette-haired woman explained with a soft smile. "Given your Captain's well known views of my Division." She paused, to linger on the point. "Never the less, with that said, you were most cordial in your request. And, I must admit to being curious as to what exactly you wished to discuss with me."
Yumichika nodded, still smiling. "Thank you, Captain Unohana," he began politely. "I realize that as a Captain, your time is important." Came his preamble. "So I am grateful that you would take time out of your no doubt busy schedule to see me... So I'll try not to take up too much of your time..." The Fourth Seat Officer continued. "As you may know, I've been seeing your charming Lieutenant, and please rest assured that I do my utmost to cherish Kotetsu-san, as she deserves."
The Captain wasn't sure where he was getting at, but she couldn't help but be endeared by how far he was going to express his deference toward Isane. "Kotetsu-san... Isane, if I may, is a woman of striking beauty and elegance, who lacks only the confidence in herself to realize her potential." He paused, to remove a file from the small satchel he'd arrived with. "One of my interests happens to be photography, and it may surprise you, but I've taken some incredibly beautiful pictures of her."
He then set the folder down on her desk, seemingly presenting it to her. After a moment, curiosity once again got the better of Unohana, and so she retrieved the folder and opened it...
The Captain realized, as she looked at the black-and-white images, that this was going to be a day of surprises if things continued like this. As Unohana processed the images of her usually shy Lieutenant, she found herself at a loss as to at how to react to them... She didn't even fully register the fact that the normally reserved woman who'd served her for just over a century now was topless. Rather, what had immediately grabbed her was the intimacy of them all.
Never, could she have envisioned before this, that Isane was capable of such expressions. The ways she looked at the camera- demurely, inviting, even playful! Part of her warned that she shouldn't be looking at them, that they weren't meant for her eyes. And yet, another part of her felt compelled by the images, as if she could see some aspect of herself reflected in those expressions...
And then, it came to her, why they struck a cord deep in her. Those were the eyes of a lover, and she knew them because she'd seen that same look in Jushiro's brown eyes when he looked at her- when they were in bed together, after they'd made love- and she wondered if her eyes had held the same intimacy in them when she looked at him... Unohana felt her heart flutter slightly.
"These pictures... Ayasegawa-san," she managed to say. "Why are you showing me them? Surely, this is something for just Isane and yourself?" Unohana asked.
"But don't you see?" He replied intently. "You can see it, it's not just Isane's beauty, it's the intimacy in the way she looks at you." Yumichika continued. "It's something profoundly beautiful, something in the way we look into the eyes of a lover." The attractive man continued. "And it's something that should be shared, because it's universal to us all." He implored, determinedly.
"Shared?" Unohana repeated. "Wait... You can't be serious... you want to..."
"Yes." Yumichika replied enthusiastically. "And it should involve as many people as possible, because part of the beauty is how it varies between every person, and yet always strikes at the same cord inside of each and every one of us..." The Fourth Seat continued. "Imagine... how amazing it would be if we could show others how we see the people we love." He reasoned. "I've thought about this, and Im not afraid of showing off Isane's beauty, now of showing off the way I feel about her."
"Showing off...?" Unohana murmured. "Showing others how I see..." She paused. "You're saying that we shouldn't be ashamed to showing others how we see the ones we love?"
"Exactly." The violet-haired man replied, his voice becoming steady. "I'm not ashamed to be a member of the Eleventh Division, nor have I ever been ashamed of who I am or how I chose to look. But I think it's time a member of the Eleventh contributed something of substance, something that hopefully might move others to explore new ways of thinking and seeing the people and the world around them."
Yumichika paused, collecting his thoughts. "I was thinking of calling it 'Behind Closed Doors'."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
A number of locations had been set up throughout the poorer outer wards, as place where members of the Fourth could perform check ups and administer basic medical treatment to the people. This was all happening at the same time that members of the Twelfth were helping oversee the implementation of the farming equipment to be used in the new Tuntian program.
Shinzo Abe was looking over a young boy. Like so many of these people, he showed some signs of undernourishment, though he wasn't sick otherwise. The Medic produced a pre-loaded syringe with the intention of giving the boy an injection of a broad-spectrum antibiotic. However, the boy was resistant to the idea of having a needle stuck in him. But before this could turn into a stand-off between Abe and the boy, a voice called out, drawing the attention of the both of them.
"Well now, Officer Abe, what do we have here?" Szayel began, hands tucked into his coat pockets all smiles as he took in the sight before him. "Since my division helped with production of the medicine you have with you, I decided to check in on how they're being put to use."
The boy, an unruly wavy mop of sandy hair, looked up at the newcomer. "You're a Hollow?" He asked, pale blue eyes wide as he looked up at the man before him.
"Not just any Hollow, I'm a very kind of Hollow." Szayel replied as he knelt down in order to address the youth before him. "I also happen to a scientist, and nice children like you have nothing to fear from scientists." He explained with a smile. "Isn't that right, Doctor Abe?" He asked, not waiting for the man to respond as he continued. "Now, my name is Szayel Alporro Grantz... What's your name?"
"Shino." He replied dutifully. "But if you're a Hollow, then why shouldn't I be afraid of you?"
"Oh, lot's of reasons, my boy." Szayel replied. "Including..." The Arrancar continued as he reached inside his coat, in search of something. "These!" He declared, producing a colorful lollipop from the depths of his labcoat. "Oh, and look at that- you didn't even notice as Abe gave a shot!" He declared, placing the candy in Shino's hand, before rising back up.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
The Ukitake Estate...
Lillynette frowned mildly as she looked down at her own reflection in the waters of the koi pond. Wordlessly, she reached up to touch what little she could of her yellow-green hair, before moving her fingers to the right side of her face, touching the area directly around her visible eyes.
The young female Arrancar wasn't sure why, but she'd recently begun feeling frustrated by the fact that her Hollow Mask covered up so much of her head. With the 'helmet' effectively stuck to her, seemingly insignificant things- like simply running a hand through her hair- were impossible for her. Lillynette couldn't help but thinking just how unfair it was, that she was stuck with such a bulky mask fragment, while other female Arrancar, like Halibell's three Fraccions, had far more aesthetically pleasing ones that actually complemented their facial features and the way their hair fell.
They got to have proper hair, and more importantly could see both of their eyes. Lillynette wondered if the eye obscured by her mask was the same color her unobstructed one. However, that line of thought led her to a disturbing possibility... Did she even have a left eye? She could see fine, but what if it was just something the mask did, and there really wasn't anything there!
"Gagh!" She exclaimed, struck by the horrific image of her face with an empty socket. "Dammit, this sucks!" The young Arrancar swore as she turned on her heal- away from the koi pond- only to end up running directly into Ukitake, giving a slight yelp as she made contact with the man.
"Lilly-chan," he began gently, concern audible in his voice. "What's wrong, are you all right?" The white-haired Captain asked her, his hands moving to rest atop her narrow shoulders reassuringly while his thoughtful brown eyes gazed downward, into her single rose-colored orb.
"I hate it!" She began. "This- this thing!" The smaller, more vocal half of the Primera Espada declared, gesturing toward her Hollow Mask. "It's a big ugly part of me that I can't get rid of!"
"Lilly-chan..." Jushiro began, his tone radiating warmth and affection. It was the same affectionate tone he remembered hearing in his youth, from his parents and the family servants who had looked after him during his bouts of sickness. "What's brought this on?" He asked gently. "This doesn't sound like you, not at all like the strong-willed young lady I went up against in battle."
"I-it's just-" The young Arrancar hesitated. "Before I came here- to Soul Society, I mean- and met you and Unohana, all I ever had to worry about was just fighting..." Lillynette explained. "Well, that and making sure that Stark didn't spend all his time sleeping." She amended wryly.
His hands moved to rest on her upper arms reassuringly. "But that's changed- you're not just a soldier in someone's army any more." Ukitake reminded. "You're free to be your own person now... That's a lot to cope with, that sort of freedom all of a sudden..." He paused. "Still, I've gotten to know you since you and Stark moved in after the war, and there's something I can say for certain."
He rubbed her shoulders in gesture of reassurance. "That you're a marvelous young lady, and there's not a single part of you that could be ever be called ugly." Ukitake finished with a smile.
"Y-you mean it, Shiro-san?" She asked uncertainly.
"Of course, Lilly-chan." The Captain replied with a smile. "Come now, you know me, I'm 'Shiro-san'." He continued. "Would I ever lie to you?" He asked with a cheerful tone.
Lillynette blushed faintly and smiled, then leaned close to throw her arms around him, her eye-line not quite level with the white-haired man's chest as they embraced. "Of course not, Shiro-san." The female half of the Primera exclaimed with a smile. "And thanks."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Kukaku Shiba relaxed, a cub of sake in the hand of her flesh-and-blood arm, while she tapped on a list with the hand of her mechanical prosthetic limb. "I gotta say," she paused, to down the contents of the cup in a single, well-practiced gulp. "I was surprised when I got this request from you, Yuroichi."
The dark-skinned woman gave a toothy smile in response, her yellow feline-like eyes glinting before she reached down to pour herself a cup. "Well, I figure that I could just as easily have gone to the 12th , or asked Kisuke about it." She paused, to drink from the small cup. "But I'd prefer to do business with a local vendor." Yuroichi replied coolly. "We've been friends for a long time, and I know that the Shiba are the best when it comes to this sort of thing." She added as she finished off the cup.
The buxom woman grinned wildly at this. "Well, if it's high quality explosions you want, then you've come to right place." Kukaku replied as she refilled their cups. "Still, it's been a while since I received a request for something other then incendiaries." She remarked, taking a sip. "It'll be a nice change of pace for me, since I haven't had a reason to make fireworks in a while."
Yuroichi grinned. "You see, that's the kind of positive thinking I like to hear from you." The Shihoin woman declared, taking a sip from her cup. "It's a chance to make art, instead of explosions."
"Hey, explosions are art!" Kukaku fired back. "...If you know how to do them properly."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Unohana folded her arms, nodding thoughtfully. "Well, I must say, the more I think about it, the more compelling the whole idea seems." She in her usual serene, even tone. "And, seeing as you mentioned that you'd like to get as many people as possible involved..." The Captain paused. "Well, I can think of a few people who would make for good subjects, it's just a matter of convincing them to take part."
Yumichika smiled and nodded. "Yes, exactly Captain. I mean, it would be best if we could get as wide and varied a range of subjects as possible." The violet-haired man replied. "After all, one of the thing I wanted to do with this collection is to express the intimate aspects of the lives of different peoples, that we all share." He explained. "And based on your other comment, I take it that you already have some potential participants in mind for the collection?"
The female Captain nodded. "Oh yes." Unohana began. "Though," she continued. "I can't image you easily being able to convince Lieutenant Isane to participate in the project."
Yumichika's smile broadened at the woman's comment. "Oh, please, I wouldn't worry to much about that, Captain Unohana." He replied coolly. "You see, I just happen to have something of a trump card, something that I've been... holding onto for a while now," he paused. "something that I'm confident that Isane-san won't turn down when offered to her."
Unohana nodded at this. "In that case, then I'll leave that matter to you, Ayasegawa-san." The dark-haired woman replied with a smile. "Now, as to the other possible subjects..." She resumed. "I expect that you already have some people in mind, as I do?"
"Yes, a few." The violet-haired man replied coolly. "There's a number of people that would prove ideal as photographic subjects." Yumichika remarked. "Alas I fear that some of these people will be less than enthused by the very idea," he paused. "Still, I remain ever confident, as I can be quite persuasive when necessary, and- I would imagine- so can you, Unohana-san."
The serene brunet-haired woman smirked at this. "Indeed," she answered. "and, I must say, looking at these astonishing photos of yours," Unohana went on. "I can definitely think of a number of people that would make excellent subjects, especially in black-and-white." She commented thoughtfully.
"Oh yes," Yumichika began with a nod. "black-and-white photography is all about capturing the perfect balance between light and shadows- getting the contrast just right- to ensure dynamic composition." He explained enthusiastically. "It has its own unique mood."
Unohana smiled thoughtfully at this. "I think..." she began, almost dreamily. "That Captain Ukitake's white hair would be perfect for this." She reasoned. "Don't you think?"
"Oh yes." The Fourth Seat replied. "It really brings out lights and darks very well- it can make subtle shadowing around the lines and curves of the body look like black ink on paper." Yumichika paused at this, brushing a hand through his hair. "In fact, the mention of 'ink' is giving me ideas."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Division Four, Officers' Wing...
Hanataro Yamada, the Third Seat Officer of the Fourth Division, was seated at his desk in his quarters, proofreading documents for any mistakes...
In the immediate aftermath of the Winter War, there's been the numerous wounded to look after, and all the ensuing casualties to account for. But after that, when finally the dust began to settle and the reality of the situation started to set it, there was suddenly a more sobering matter to deal with.
And as grim as might have seemed, the Divisions needed to have a clearly defined chain of command in order to function. And so, a number of Shinigami suddenly found themselves being promoted under less than ideal circumstances. True, everyone aspired to rise up through the ranks of Soul Society, but anyone with any measure of conscience would have preferred it under different circumstances- rather than because their superiors were dead and they were being promoted out of necessity.
Before Aizen attacked Soul Society, Hanataro had been one of the lower ranked Seated Officers serving in his Division. And given his awkwardness and glum demeanor, he might very likely have remained as he was, stagnating in his middle rank position. However, it turned out that fate had something different in mind for him, as he found himself thrust into a position of authority...
The scene was like some awful nightmare. And as he struggled to process it all, Hanataro never felt more out of his depth than he did in that moment...
"And you, Yamada-san, will oversee triage." Unahana spoke.
"M-me?" He'd balked at the suggestion. "Are you certain, Captain Unohana? I-"
She held up her hand, silencing him. "Yes," she replied. "Many of the Fourth's Seated Officers are uncounted for- likely killed in the initial attack." Unohana countered. "As an Officer and Medic, this responsibility now falls to you." She calmly instructed.
"But I-" He tried again, only to be silenced.
"Yamada-san... As of this moment, you are now the 3rd Seat Officer of the Fourth Division." Unahana informed him, her tone gentle but commanding. "I am sorry to thrust this upon you, but I have faith in your ability, and I am confident that you will rise to the occasion."
The declaration was enough to help him steel his nerves. He composed himself and offered the woman a polite bow. "I... I understand. Captain Unohana, thank you."
He sighed, idly twirling his pen in his hand. Hanataro would have been the first to admit that he never would have gone looking for authority. And yet, when it was thrust upon him, it seemed that he did in fact possess the instincts of a medic- he'd taken charge of triage, without even thinking about it. But then, he supposed when lives were on the line, there wasn't time for doubt or second-guessing.
Hanataro had treated countless people- with injuries ranging from simple broken bones, to those who were suffering from severe reiki depletion. The closest physiological analogue to the condition that he could think to give, would be to compare it to that of a someone experiencing a dangerously low heart rate as a result of massive blood loss. Even the most powerful of Shinigami didn't possess unlimited spiritual energy, and so even they would feel the effects once it dropped low enough.
He supposed it was partly to do with the urgency of the situation: that if he didn't get his act together and take charge, people would likely have died. The young Shinigami also suspected that his success in running the triage center could also be linked to the fact that it had been largely instinctual on his part, the fact that he didn't have the luxury of wasting time doubting himself.
Though he'd only begun to truly feel confident in himself once the smaller female half of the Primera Espada, Lillynette Gingerback, had entered the picture. And to be honest, Hanataro wasn't totally sure of what to make of that. Was he simply just a confused youth, desperate to impress the brash Arrancar girl who'd traipsed into his life like a storm? Or, was there something about her blunt manor and her unfiltered views of the world that resonated within him?
Perhaps, it was both...
If it was indeed both, then this would surely go at least some way to explaining the various recent changes in himself that he'd undergone, both physically and emotionally, as Hanataro slowly grew more confident in himself and in his ability as a Senior Officer of the Fourth.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Division Eleven, Officers' Wing...
They'd quickly lost track of time, sitting there, as they discussed the project. Various names were tossed back and forth between them, discussed and debated- some of them written off as unlikely, while others were set aside as likely potential subjects. All in all, Yumichika considered it a very productive start.
Rather than spoil the entire venture by carelessly revealing it ahead of time, it was decided that they would discreetly approach hopeful participants. Ideally, if they agreed to take part, then they might also be amenable to suggesting additional candidates- and possibly even helping to secure them. They each knew it was going to be a test of both persuasion and diplomacy, but then that was a given.
The whole project was grounded largely in modern views- as recent as the 20th century- while many of the people they planned to approached had grown up in an largely outdated society, with cultural views more befitting to a feudal era way of thinking. Yumichika had been dazzled upon arrival by the glaring social and technological advances that denoted in the Living Realm. However, he wasn't naïve, and he realized that what he saw as welcome progress, others might see as a terrifying gulf.
While he'd been undercover in Karakura, posing as a student, it hadn't taken much effort on his part to uncover a startling number of "revelations". He'd just had to pick up one the high school's 'textbooks' in order to see this... Perhaps most troubling was when he'd read about the transitional period between the end of the so-called "Old Japan" and the beginning of "Modern Japan".
The old warrior-caste, arguably the basis of the Shinigami, had dominated Japan- both culturally and economically, to varying degrees- since the 3rd century of the "modern age". The period stretching from the late 8th century to the late 12th (the "Heian Eiga") stuck out to him. This was likely the time the late Supreme Commander would have been alive during- meaning that Yamamoto had established and run the current incarnation of Soul Society for a thousand years, give or take a century or two!
And that was a staggering though to consider, as Yumichika finished off the contents of the cup in his hand before refilling it with more sake, taking another sip from the cup. He was going to need to steel his courage for what lay ahead of him later that night...
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Division Four, Officers' Wing...
"Y-you can't be serious?!" Isane balked.
The tall silver-haired woman regarded the smiling man now standing before her with a look of dread normally reserved for people who'd just encountered a monster in horror movie. The bizarre disconnect of logic taking place was rendered almost comical by the fact that Isane- who stood at an impressive 74 inches tall- was backing away from a man four inches shorter than her!
It was in that moment, that her fretful hazel eyes met his keen amethyst eyes. Yumichika simple smiled and nodded an affirmative. "For such an uncommonly beautiful woman, it's tragic to see just how little confidence you have in yourself." The violet-haired man lamented.
"It's not an issue of how I feel about myself!" Isane fired back at him. "It was one thing to take those pictures when they were just for you..." She reasoned frantically. "B-but now, you're telling me that you want to take pictures of me... pictures of me that you want to include in a publication?!"
The entire idea mortified Isane. It was difficult enough for the tall woman be able to feel comfortable enough with another person, to the extent that she felt she could be open and uninhibited around them. The concept that a gorgeous man like Yumichika actually could find her- with her awkward, unwieldy body- attractive would have seemed totally mad to her.
The Fourth Seat was undeterred. "Isane," he resumed. "Every day, I think to myself 'what a beautiful woman you are' and how lucky I am to have you in my life." Yumichika explained. "And how much I want to show you off, so that others can know how amazing you are." He implored.
"Don't you understand, Yumichika?" She implored. "I thought you of all people would know what it's like for me..." Isane paused. "You're always talking about how 'pretty' I'm supposed to be, but the truth is that I've never felt pretty, just awkward and plain." she continued. "...Except when I'm with you, it's almost like I'm a different person- when you touch me, when we kiss."
Yumichika nodded, his expression becoming sympathetic. "Isane, you are that person, and you always have been, it's just a matter of finding the confidence." He explained. "You have so much potential, and it would be terrible to allow it go unnoticed..." The violet-haired man paused. "Look at yourself, you're a Lieutenant, and you don't become a Lieutenant by being plain or unremarkable..."
He advanced towards her, extending a hand to caress her reddened cheek. "What makes you worthy of being a Lieutenant, is the same reason why Kiyone admires you as her Isane nē-san." Yumichika added with a gentle smile. "Because, you're more than just good or even remarkable... You are superb."
Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes, and she was about to say something, before he put his other hand on her shoulder and drew her close enough to silence her with a kiss. "Remember, Isane, superb." Yumichika repeated as he drew back. "Still, I didn't come to this discussion unprepared... I'm willing to give you something in return for you taking part in the photo-project."
Confusion suddenly overtook Isane's features as he continued. "It's something that I happen to know you've wanted for a while now." Yumichika smiled deviously as he went on. "There's times when you look at me, and you start getting... ideas." He elaborated. "And I know what it is that your holding in, because I know better than anyone how I look, and sort of feelings I engender."
"I... I don't know what you're talking about..." The silver-haired Lieutenant countered.
"Maintaining these looks of mine is an art in and of itself, it's the same as learning how to properly wield a sword or mastering Zanjutsu." Yumichika gave her a knowing look. "You look at me, thinking to yourself 'that a man shouldn't look like this', and you can't help but think how pretty I am." His voice becoming lower and silkier as he moved in closer.
Finally, he was before her. "There's no need to feel embarrassed... Honestly, I'd be more surprised if you hadn't entertained the thought at some point since we've been together." Yumichika spoke directly into her ear as he continued. "You know that I'm a man. Yet you cant help but wonder... How I'd look as a woman, isn't that right?" He revealed in a whisper. "Think of it, Isane, finally being able to see what you've been imagining all this time... now a reality."
Isane looked into his eyes, and was silent for a moment. "You'd seriously let me do that? You'd let me dress you up like a woman...?" She asked him, her thoughts suddenly awash with lurid and provocative thoughts and images. "...J-just like that?" She asked, blushed for a totally different reason now.
Yumichika smiled coyly at her. "Of course," he answered, placing his hands on hips as he cocked one to the side, striking a dynamic pose. "You're not the first person who's wanted to gussy me up... Though you're certainly the loveliest," he continued teasingly. "And the only one I'd do it for."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
The Ukitake Estate...
Jushiro Ukitake exhaled softly as his fellow Captain Retsu Unohana finished checking him over with her medical kido, the green energy around her hand vanishing.
The dark-haired woman smiled sweetly. "It would seem that a general lack of stress in your life seems to have mitigated the strain on your lungs, leading to the tissue becoming frayed, hence the presence of blood inside your respiratory system." Unohana remarked calmly.
"Jushiro," she began, as he fixed the front of his robes. "There is something that I'd like to discuss with you, if you have some time..." Unohana added, her tone somewhat cautious.
"Of course, Retsu." He replied with a smile as he smoothed the black fabric of his kimono and cinched up the heko sash around his waist with a knot.
"Ayasegawa-san, Yumichika Ayasegawa, the Fourth Seat of the Eleventh," she began, then further clarified, causing the white-haired man to arch a brow at this. "He me sent a formal request the other day, asking if he could speak with me." Unohana continued. "He's planning on putting together a photo collection of his own for this year's upcoming annual publications."
"Yes, well, that's hardly surprising." Ukitake replied. "I mean, the yearly photo collections the Tenth Division releases have always proven rather lucrative in past years, especially given the popularity of its captain, young Toshiro-kun." He remarked with a smile. "Which reminds me... I've got some candy I've been meaning to give to him..." The Captain murmured to himself.
Unohana resisted the urge to shake her head, and went on. "Actually, it's not based on his Division, or solely on himself either." The women revealed. "Because of the theme of the collection, Ayasegawa-san is going to need others to participate in it- as subjects."
"What sort of theme exactly is he intending?" Jushiro asked, more curious now.
"A very interesting one." Unohana replied, smiling. "To begin with, he was first inspired to create this collection while looking over pictures he'd taken of the elder Kotetsu sister, Isane- pictures that he was kind enough to share with me..." She paused. "I was surprised at first, to see my Lieutenant like that, but the more I thought about them, the more moving they became."
He was tempted to speak up, when she placed a hand on his arm. "The artistic intent of the collection is to capture images of people- of lovers- in candid moments, both alone and together, to share with others how they see each other... as lovers." Unohana explained intently. "Jushiro... I really think it would be a good experience- for us- if we took part in the project."
(- End of Chapter XXI -)
I debated on whether or not I could actually pull this whole concept off... But in the end, it's wound up working out quite well, and provided a lot of material to work with, including the characters playing off of each other in various ways. As much as I enjoyed writing this, part two was even more fun for me, with a lot of good character moments and humor. So look forward to it.
Now, getting to what I touched upon in my opening comments... RG-Guest brought up a lot of points in their review. I can't really go into any future details, but a number of the things that they mentioned will come up in future chapters- some of them quite soon... But for now, this chapter marks the debut of one of my personal favorite characters in this series: none other than the hard-drinking, bad-assed, slovenly vixen and explosives enthusiast, Kukaku Shiba!