Today. I can do today.
I stood alone outside Captain Shinji Hirako's office, having thanked and dismissed the Soul Reapers that helped guide me here. His official title cramped on my tongue.
Raising my hand, I swallowed one more time as I knocked. I can do this. I believe in myself.
"Come in!" Captain Hirako raised his voice.
Opening the solid and heavy door, I gripped my flowery, ruby body scarf as I walked in.
"Oh, hi! Didn't expect to see ya around here." Captain Hirako was at his desk, handwritten reports strewn across the surface. He held a pen in his left hand and tapped his head with it absentmindedly. "What's the occasion?"
"I came to get to know you better," I answered truthfully. The Shinji I remember doesn't exist yet. I need to at least give this new Shinji—Captain Hirako—a chance. He doesn't deserve how I've been thinking of him.
"So I thought I might see if you're free." Letting my eyes obviously drift towards his reports, his followed mine down, tracing over my complimentary white kimono before settling on the paperwork.
"This paperwork is boring. Why don't we go on a walk instead?" Looking back up, he gave me his patented smile while he waved his hand tiredly.
For a second, I was transported back in time. I was a young 20-year-old girl, windswept short hair flying around in the balmy night breeze. Before me stood a man, blond hair shorter than mine, precariously balancing a white mask on his head. We floated in the air serenely, the city lights performing a classical ballet against the soles of our feet.
"You're one of us," he had warned me quietly.
"A walk would be lovely." The corners of my mouth slipped up at the suggestion as I pulled myself back into the present.
Happily distracted from his duties, he stood, pushing back his rickety wooden chair and stretching dramatically.
"I'll have Sosuke take care of the rest of this," he told me, fingers fanning out over the paperwork and faux waving it away.
"I see," I answered. My geta clicked as I left the office with Captain Hirako behind me.
X
"The blossoms are quite lovely this year," I admired.
We had found ourselves, or perhaps Captain Hirako had guided us, to a smaller, quieter garden in his barracks.
He hummed thoughtfully, looking down at the blooming flowers that only ever smiled back up. "They look the same as they do every other year," he decided, hunching slightly as he continued on the path despite my pause.
Walking with Captain Hirako was interesting. His characteristic…unprofessionalism and flippancy that I was used to were still there, but he held himself in a way that I deemed to be more relaxed. His eyes no longer carried the tiredness that I'd once seen.
I trailed behind him, my eyes greedily taking in his long hair. That had taken some getting used to. I knew that it had been long via the other Vizards, but I hadn't realized how utterly gorgeous it was. It was like someone had bottled gold and then commanded it to sway every time the breeze passed by.
"Your hair is perfect, Shinji."
"Huh?" Turning around, hands stuffed into his pockets, he looked at me incredulously.
I slapped a hand over my mouth. "I am so sorry." I was completely horrified. I didn't realize I had said that out loud.
Seeing my deep red cheeks, he laughed. "Hirako is fine," he told me as I stepped up to walk side by side with him.
"I'm sorry, Hirako," I told him, still slightly reeling that I had slipped up. I had been doing so good.
"It's all right," he told me bluntly. The path curved here, and our arms brushed as we followed it.
The path had led us to a rather large tree, a stone bench at its base in the comfort of the shade. Hirako sat unprompted, stretching out and taking up most of the bench.
Joining him, I perched on the corner. The garden was small, and while the path was winding, I wanted to draw this out.
"I thought I had scared you off," he admitted, humor in his voice as we made our peace with the bench. Hirako left his legs out and his ankles crossed.
Feeling comfortable next to him, I slipped off my geta and enjoyed the cool stones beneath my feet.
"You had," I admitted as he leaned back and stared up into the trees. I noticed his bored expression. Shinji—Hirako always had a knack for downplaying how he really felt. "But I decided to give you a second chance," I finished lightly.
"Lucky me." He smiled lightly, fixated on the gently stirring leaves above.
An enjoyable silence grew between us.
This man…is a different Shinji than the one I knew. Gripping my wrap, I tightened it before I put my hand on the bench. He's not the one that abandoned me and his own feelings, if he still felt them at all. Cautiously, my hand slipped over his own.
My heart beat in my chest, singing like a cardinal on summer's first day. I feel just like I used to, I thought as I remembered fondly. I still remember the first time we held hands.
My grip became more sure as I recalled how Shinji had grabbed mine sporadically when we were watching one of those silly TV shows with the others.
Lost in the moment and stuck in my own world, I failed to notice as Hirako looked at me curiously. He took in my pinkened cheeks, the small curve of my lips, the overly fond look in my eyes. He looked down at our joined hands.
"Lady Keisei," he started, drawing me out and into the moment. I looked over at him, the motion throwing my hair back over my shoulder somewhat. "You're my first love," he told me, face deadpan.
I reflexively laughed, covering my mouth as it came out somewhat aggressively. "You'll have to prove that to me, Hirako," I told him with an airy lightness.
"Whaaa?" he started, turning humorous. "Why won't you just believe me!" he complained dramatically.
"Hmm." I thoughtfully tapped my chin as I looked away. I looked back. "Perhaps because you say that to every pretty girl?" I asked, humor laced in the words.
"But it's true!" He fought me.
"Well, then you have a severe case of amnesia." I laughed at him more openly now, not hiding my smile any longer. This is it, I realized quietly to myself. What I've missed.
"Maybe, maybe," he said almost thoughtfully with a yawn.
"Tired already? I didn't realize I was so boring., I asked him, crossing my legs and resting my elbows on my knees. I held my head in my hand as I looked over.
"No, it's the weather. And the paperwork." His hand slipped easily from under mine then, making my heart clench. Leaning back again, he crossed his arms behind his head as he seemed relaxed. I bet he doesn't get to relax a lot.
Reaching down, I enjoyed the quiet with him as I picked a few of the longer dandelions. I began to twist and tie the stems together as a warm breeze kissed us both luxuriously.
"Ukitake has never brought someone back before. Especially from Rukongai," Hirako started. Inspecting him closer, I now saw the telltale creases that pulled at his lips and eyes, betraying that he was still tense. He really doesn't ever relax when he's around others, does he? That might have been a reason that we hadn't worked out before.
"I'm a special case," I told him. Shunsui and JuushiroJushiro had at first asked questions about my unique power, but those had slowly tapered off as they began to trust me more. I wasn't sure if they were still curious anymore. Well, Shunsui might be, I corrected myself.
"What makes you so special?" Hirako asked blankly, untrusting.
I let the air hang in between us briefly as I tried to form an answer.
"I suppose my powers attracted Shunsui and JuushiroJushiro at first. Then I was able to seduce them," I teased the end, putting emphasis in.
Hirako smirked at this. "It's not hard to seduce Kyoraku, that's for sure," he agreed, and I held in a giggle at that. It had been quite challenging for me.
Maybe that's because we threatened them first? Shiro pondered.
"But Ukitake seems reserved in the romantic area," he pointed out purposefully.
"Don't you trust me, Hirako?" I asked pleasantly, already suspecting the answer.
"Hard to trust someone you just met." He evaded the answer.
He looks just like him, I thought wistfully, losing myself. Reaching, the soft pads of my fingers ever so slightly brushed against his lower lip. "I want to get to know you better, Hirako," I told him, my eyes wide with tempestuous desire, longing for what could have been. He tensed, his previously closed eyes opening quickly.
Taking my hand, he guided it away from his face and back into my own lap. With a sigh he leaned forward, rubbing his thumb over my hand as he looked me in the eyes.
"Lady Keisei," he started, and my heart clenched at the oncoming rejection. Again. He's doing it again, I thought with a heavy heart.
"I need to be going to the captain's meeting." I couldn't stop my frown at this, but I nodded.
"I understand." I tried to keep the disappointment out of my voice.
He smirked at this. "If you are lonely, why not come to my room tonight?" he asked suggestively.
I laughed. "Don't offer what you don't mean," I told him, waving the idea away. "Let's walk this garden again soon, Hirako." Standing up, I stretched before slipping my geta back on. I offered him a hand up.
Ignoring me, he stood on his own, his long legs making it look effortless. He looked down at me, shoving his hands back into his pockets. "I ain't making no promises," he told me as if giving a disclaimer.
"I'm well aware," I shot back, my eyes drifting to his arm as I wondered if he was going to offer it this time.
"Tsk." He walked past me, ignoring the look I gave him. "I'll walk you to the main entrance, then I'll go," he told me.
X
"Thank you for your time, Hirako." I dipped my head politely as the Fifth's gate guards stared at us with overbearing curiosity.
"Anytime," he said. Quickly turning around, he started a casual walk toward the First Division.
Watching him go, I let my eyes rake in his fool's-gold hair before I turned around and departed the other way.
Perhaps I'm a fool for feeling this way?
X
Pale hands cradled a telltime flower crown underneath the shade of a tree, unseen powers probing at the almost nonexistent reiatsu that had been left behind.
A pen sat ready and poised to take in the beauty and immortalize it.
X
A captain's meeting, huh? Sounds like boredom to me. I had wandered to the edges of the Eighth Division, starting the slow process of learning the layout of the Seireitei. My feet retraced where they had first landed so long ago.
It feels like a lifetime ago, I thought as I looked at the stark border between us and Rukongai. I wonder if I'll be allowed to leave the Seireitei again? I was sure I'd be allowed to if I asked, but I wasn't sure they'd let me back in.
I continued on.
This is where it all began.
I hadn't known then that I was involving myself in a century-long feud, that war was coming to strike us all down.
In a way, I was thankful for all that time I spent alone, even though I did struggle to make ends meet. It had given me the clarity to look back fully.
Pivoting, I looked down one of the long paths before me. That's where the first Soul Reapers appeared and started chasing us.
I pressed on to where I had once run frantically.
Ah, I'm getting all nostalgic now. The click-clack of my geta haunted the empty air. Had I known the truth, would I still have come here? Click-clack. If I had known what would be taken from me, could I still have saved her? Click-clack. I suppose I had to, since the world was going to end. Click-clack.
I sighed, looking up into the cloudless sky. They trained me to kill Aizen. It was a thought that had long been on my mind. It weighed heavily, but I knew deep down that it was true. If I fulfill my purpose, what will happen to me?
The uncertainty battered at my heart. I felt as if I was a fisher on a small rowboat, cast from the harbor by a violent storm and into the sea.
I wish JuushiroJushiro was here.
X
I had retraced my steps all the way to just outside the Second Division, passing staring Soul Reapers that occasionally bowed, when something caught my curiosity like a mouse in a trap.
I had entered the plaza just inside the Second's territory when I saw a familiar face walking towards me.
Kisuke Urahara.
The midday sun bounced off his flaxen hair, throwing a familiar shadow on his eyes. He looked odd in a shihakusho, dressed like some ordinary Soul Reaper. He looked younger too. His eyes didn't seem as tired, the bags not as dark, and he had a quiet relaxation to how he held himself that hadn't been there before. Still wearing geta, though, I thought, realizing our shoes matched.
Stopping myself from hurrying towards him, I continued evenly from where I had paused. I really wish I could hide my face right now, I thought, suddenly shy.
His eyes remained steadfast on the ground as I approached. I angled myself so that I could intersect his path.
Stopping in front of him, he looked up at me with genuine curiosity, taking in my fine cloth and wrap. "Hello," I started, trying to hold myself higher. He had always been annoyingly taller than me.
"Hello," he answered back, overly polite. I eyed him, a slightly awkward silence coming about. "May I help you with something?" he asked, his voice unsure as he looked over my notable outfit once again.
"You may," I decided. He blinked in surprise at this. "I am Lady Keisei. I wish to go to Rukongai today and retrieve my belongings. Will you escort me, K—Soul Reaper?" I fumbled slightly, remembering that he hadn't given me his name yet.
"O-Oh, of course, my lady." He bowed deeply before me to my surprise. "It would be an honor to serve a high courtesan." My heart picked up a beat at this. How could he already know about me? It hasn't even been a week yet!
I nodded. "You may lead the way," I told him, turning around. "I'm not familiar enough with the Seireitei yet," I admitted, quieter.
"Yes, my lady." Raising his head up, he began to walk in front of me as I followed along with a sedated pace.
Kisuke led me away from the Second Division, through the Third Division, and to the outer edges of the Thirteenth, the edge of the Seireitei becoming clearer the closer we got.
Thoughtlessly reaching out to grab his arm and stop him, I quickly covered my mouth to clear my throat as I aborted the motion. "Soul Reaper." Kisuke stopped and turned around, his back slightly hunched to make himself appear smaller. Is he afraid of me?
"Yes?" he asked, looking slightly cowed.
Feeling slightly bad, I chose to try and make my voice seem not as cold. "I don't have a badge to return. If you wait for me at that tea shop"—I gestured to the new Chipped Apple that had just opened—"will they allow me back inside if you escort me?" I should have asked this way back there instead of assuming.
Holding a hand on his chin, Kisuke seemed to think it over. "Yes, my lady," he decided.
I nodded at this. Stepping closer to him, I passed by gracefully. "You may walk with me if you wish, but I will be fine from this point on," I instructed him.
"Yes, my lady," he responded dutifully, following with a respectful distance between us.
My breath caught in my throat slightly as I stepped onto the barrier line. Pausing slightly, I waited for something to happen.
Kisuke remained silent behind me, but I sensed that he had paused as well. It was interesting, how low he kept his reiatsu at. I bet normal Soul Reapers can't even sense him. He probably does it out of habit from his position, being a third seat in the Second Division after all, I gathered.
Continuing on, I began a relaxed pace towards my precious home.
Kisuke followed me silently for a time as I made my way forward. It was when we reached one of the districts that was not immediately close to the Seireitei that I felt him start to falter behind me.
Taking a few more paces, I felt something mischievous inside me start to bloom. Looking back over my shoulder, I eyed him as he looked into the window of a sweets shop.
"Some things never change, do they?" I asked myself, unable to stop the warm half smile on my face.
Perking his head up slightly, Kisuke looked at me curiously. "Lady Keisei?"
With an almost pained, wistful look, I flash stepped away. I pressed myself, conscious of my clothes and how they restricted me, as I tried to go as fast as possible.
Easily jumping over the next few streets, I made sure Kisuke's reiatsu was farther away before I let myself relax.
The wind raced through my hair, throwing it back dramatically. Laughter bubbled up in my throat, and I let it out easily. I'm free. The thought warmed me. One of the few good things to come from this accident was that there was no one to tell me what to do, to force me to comply. When I had been in the future, it had seemed like I was always needed somewhere and always in a rush. Here, I could be myself.
I leapt over houses, shops, and under a rather extravagant bridge, my feet dancing to an unheard tune, before I found myself at the edge of the valley.
Stopping at the gorge, I surveyed the trees, wildflowers, and river that gathered in the deepest area.
I took a deep breath.
Unspooling inside me, delicate cobwebs began to reach out as I slowly relaxed the almost painful hold of my powers.
The threads reached this way and that, trailing over rocks and bushes as they searched for other signs of life.
There's no one here but the wildlife, I decided, feeling the hooves of the deer I had startled running away.
Walking down the gorge heavily, my geta sinking into the lush grass, I looked down and tried to sense the Soul Reapers that JuushiroJushiro had sent to collect my belongings.
There they were. I could see footprints here and there in the muddier areas as I approached the river. And there. I saw the ground in front of my shack.
Curious, I brushed past the hanging mat in the doorway and entered.
The building still felt like me. I could see where I had once curled up on the ground, where my cooking pots and pans had left permanent, light-colored sections on the wooden walls. I could see where I had stood getting ready, the mat still lying on the ground having been thoroughly abused and trampled.
My heart felt settled, coming home after so long. "I think I missed you…" Leaning into a wall, I whispered it as if it was someone dear to me. In a way, it was. I had lived here for a number of years, broken physically and mentally, as I tried to come to terms with my reality.
I rubbed the wall, feeling the carvings of my rudimentary kido still in place on the offside of the bamboo and undisturbed.
I stayed like that, soaking it in, for a time.
I had built this shack myself. It really wasn't much, but I was proud of it. It had evolved from a basic leaf shelter to a tunnel to a free-standing building. I had been able to thieve the things I needed thanks to my deteriorating morals at the time. It's a wonder what people will do when they're hungry and desperate.
Shiro hummed in agreement.
I looked over, wanting to sit where my old bed had been. I resisted, knowing that I'd never get the dirt out if this outfit that Shunsui had gifted me.
Shunsui…
I recalled the first time I had sold myself. I hadn't had any money, but I had wanted something to eat, something other than bread and old cheese and dirty river water. Things like that were only found closer to the Seireitei, where there were more Soul Reapers and it was more likely I'd attract attention. I hadn't been able to hide my reiatsu that well at the time.
So I had traveled to the nearby village and looked for work. I had labored as a fish catcher, store hand, seamstress, and many other things. It had been a few months before I received my first offer.
The first time had been unpleasant, but only due to my lack of knowledge and inexperience. But the money that I had made didn't compare with what I had gotten from my simpler jobs. That's what had really convinced me in the end, money.
Lifting up the wood boards under where my previous bed had been, I revealed a dark and dank hole. The smell of wet pages reached my nose, and I cursed.
"Shit. I didn't know the river came up this far." I hadn't meant to leave it wet. Handling it gingerly, I produced The Soul Reaper Academy: Kido Edition I.
I had been able to trade for this secondhand book with my services from a student that I had been acquainted with.
Flipping open the book delicately, I observed the damage. Thankfully, the text was only a little strung out from the water.
Sighing with relief, I brought the book outside and laid it open on a nearby boulder that had sunken mostly into the ground. Grabbing two smaller rocks off the ground, I used them to hold down the pages as the sun beat the water out.
Looking around, I resolved myself to waiting for the book to dry before going back to the Seireitei.
Kisuke wouldn't forget about me…right?
X
Thankfully, he didn't. I found him enjoying a nice cup of tea with a few other Soul Reapers when I finally made my way back to The Chipped Apple. The sun had just started to set, orange streaks lighting up my hair, and lanterns started to billow around in the breeze.
"Soul Reaper," I stated, interrupting their conversation and making him jump a little. I balanced my bag on my shoulder, my book safely tucked away with some light shopping.
"Ah, L-Lady Keisei," he started, standing up. "I didn't feel you there," he told me, bowing slightly. The two male Soul Reapers behind him seemed confused. Turning back to them, he continued, "I escorted Lady Keisei today. I will see her back now."
They nodded at him, both looking me up and down before hunching back together and continuing their insalient conversation.
Turning back to me, he held out his hand in a gesture for me to go first. Ignoring that, I took his hand in mine and wrapped our arms together. He made a surprised noise at this, and I knew that his face was going positively pink.
"I would like this kind of an escort," I told him, muddling my words slightly out of my own embarrassment. I'm worried they'll stop me and those walls will come down again if I don't do this.
Shiro snickered at me, seeing through my actions.
"A-Ah," he started, not able to finish it or even come up with words.
We walked silently back to the Seireitei. "Soul Reaper," I started as we approached the line, trying to distract myself.
"Yes?" he asked, seemingly still cowed by me.
"What is your name?" I asked, my eyes stuck on the approaching border. Here it comes, I thought nervously.
"I'm Kisuke Urahara," he introduced himself.
We were only a few feet from the partition now. "It's a pleasure to meet you," I responded automatically. I held my breath as I stepped over it.
Stormy eyes looked down, noticing my sudden tenseness, but didn't say anything.
"Shall I escort you back to the Thirteenth, ma'am?" he asked, not pausing as we continued forward.
"How much do you know about me?" It bubbled out of me.
"O-Oh, just what I've heard from Yoruichi," he answered, seeming to catch himself.
"I'm sure I'm the talk of the Seireitei right now," I laughed back. Even though I've kept clear of anyone else I didn't already know, I knew I couldn't stop flapping lips.
Kisuke laughed awkwardly.
"You don't have to be so tense," I told him.
"R-Right…"
Silence. Gosh, he's so much more awkward now! At this point, I couldn't wave it away. Kisuke Urahara apparently used to be somewhat socially inept. Not that I'm any better. I giggled aloud accidentally.
"Lady Keisei?" he asked.
"Tomorrow," I started and gave a pause. Not hearing anything from him and not wanting to crane my neck up, I continued. "You will arrive at my quarters at dawn and escort me to Captain Shihoin. I wish to meet with her. We have something to discuss." I decided.
"The captain may be busy tomorrow," he told me.
"Then you will inform me of that when you arrive," I pressed him. I think I like giving orders now, I realized how easily my bossiness came. But I doubt other people like it when I act like that. "Unless you're busy as well, of course."
Pausing as if he was thinking for a moment, he finally responded, "I don't think I am." He seemed unconfident. Well, I don't want to press him more. I'll let him come to me rather than vice versa.
"Thank you for walking me home, Kisuke." Roses blossomed in his cheeks as I looked into his eyes. He looked away seemingly out of habit and embarrassment.
We stood across from each other outside the Thirteenth Division's entry point.
"Yes," he answered, and I couldn't help but smirk at this. We both hung there awkwardly before I felt the need to move on.
"Goodnight," I bid him, turning away and walking into the division, ignoring the guards that tried to pretend we weren't there.
I listened to the doors of the division close behind me, Kisuke not saying any discernable words.
X
JuushiroJushiro's hands were always gentle. They ran over my thighs, warming them in an exploratory manner. One of his arms wrapped around my shoulders, holding me against him. The other rubbed circles on my legs, larger and closer to my core before he would avert away.
I sighed happily, his hair catching on my face as I relaxed into him.
He chuckled and bent down, kissing along the side of my face until I relinquished and reached up so that our lips could meet properly.
He smiled against me, his soft breath making my cheeks redden. Running my hand through his hair, I attempted to refocus the attention onto him.
Letting go of me, he watched patiently as I resettled so that I was on his lap and facing him. I rotated my hips, our eyes connecting as he looked at me with adoration.
His breaths started to come out in small gasps as I worked him harder, my hands tightening in his collar.
Gently as to not control me, he took ahold of my hips and appreciated their curve as he ran his hands up and down.
I sighed at this, tilting my head back as I got more worked up.
Taking the opening, JuushiroJushiro's mouth found my throat as he lightly kissed me. I shivered at his gentleness, and he wrapped his arms around me to draw me in close again.
"Cold?" He smirked handsomely, noticing the small shake in my shoulders.
I smiled against him sweetly. "Just the sensations," I promised.
He hummed, kissing my shoulder as I shuddered. One of his hands explored down, cupping me gently as I grinded into him, the other sneaking under my clothes to my breast. I jolted slightly as he flicked me.
Soothing the sensation over as he palmed me, he appreciated my breasts as his other hand fiddled with the bottom of my kimono.
Helping him out, I raised myself up somewhat to move the fabric out of the way. He sighed appreciatively as I pulled on his pants, freeing him.
I went to grasp him before he was redirecting my hands to my own chest. Knowing what he wanted, I leaned back and played with myself as JuushiroJushiro stared admiringly. Small, wet noises built up where he was touching himself between us.
I touched myself with a fervor, enjoying how his body tensed below me as he followed my rhythm. I watched him confidently, my lips wet at the perfect view of his reddened head.
Seeing that I was starting to bite my lip out of excitement, JuushiroJushiro gently brought my face forward to kiss me deeply as he prompted me to lift myself up.
Settling on my knees eagerly, I gripped his shoulders as I moved closer. Feeling the gentle prodding of him below, I sighed into his ear as he gripped my hips with one hand and himself with the other, gently guiding me down and onto him.
The stretch felt fantastic around his head, opening me wide as my welcoming heat enveloped him. Taking a small breath, I relaxed as he slid in deeper, the small dry tug as both of our wet not reaching feeling delicious.
JuushiroJushiro moaned as I settled against his base, gripping and squeezing in tune against him as I tried to acclimate to his size.
"Are you okay?" JuushiroJushiro asked as I leaned back somewhat.
"Perfectly fine," I assured him, smiling as the new angle let him brush against that deeply satisfying spot inside me.
He chuckled at my antics, his hands starting to guide my hips up and down as he watched me with half-lidded eyes.
Smirking at him, I followed his assurances as I started to play with my breasts. This captured his eyes, and he gave small gasps as he watched me pinch and pull at myself.
His thumbs tightened on me, and I could feel him twitch inside as I took him. Feeling cruel, I batted his hands aside. Giving me a confused look, he gasped when I used his shoulders as leverage to increase our place to bruising.
Leaning onto him once more, I reached down to pet and massage my previous bundle of nerves as he huffed desperately against me.
Gripping his shoulders under my arms, JuushiroJushiro played the role of the victim well and willingly as my reiatsu swirled around us dangerously.
His breathing started to come faster, his submission making the emotions run high between us.
"K-Keisei—" he stuttered out, his hands trying to stop me somewhat.
Ignoring him, I rode him harder.
JuushiroJushiro's breath hissed through his teeth next to my ear as I felt him swell slightly inside before spilling in me.
Chuckling darkly into his shoulder, I felt myself pulsate and pull against him as I continued to ride him, spilling myself on him.
He gasped, overwhelmed from the sensations, as I forced him beyond his limit.
X
Enjoying the feeling of a brush running through my hair, I relaxed in JuushiroJushiro's lap. I toyed with my hair stick absentmindedly. A poignant candle lit the room, delicately fluttering our shadows onto the walls to dance.
"Why don't you like lieutenants?"
My eyes slowly opened, the question surprising me. "What makes you say that?" I asked softly.
"You said that you didn't," he answered, his voice hushed as Shunsui slept on my futon in the other room.
"That's right." I remembered now. "I suppose it's just Hirako's lieutenant that I don't like." I broached the subject cautiously.
I knew JuushiroJushiro could feel my body silently tensing.
"Why is that?" he asked gently, and I noticed he had stopped brushing.
Dipping my head down, I chewed my bottom lip, knowing that he couldn't see my face. I was crumpling like notebook paper in front of him.
"I can't really say." I decided on a half-truth. I was able to keep my feelings in and hidden.
I knew he was giving that light frown that he does when he knows something is wrong.
He didn't press.
X
Mauve fabric hugged my body, running its seamless hands over my hips and gripping my chest. It fell from my shoulder, leaving it bare.
Reaching for the small, black parasol I had purchased yesterday, I heard a polite knock on the door.
Reaching out, I felt the slightly smokey reiatsu that gave Kisuke away. Looking in the mirror one last time, I fluffed my free-flowing hair.
"Now, now, leaving me already?" Shunsui called from the futon, sounding hungover. I eyed him in the mirror before turning around.
"I'm going to see Captain Shihoin today. Will you be all right without me?" Seeing him lazily trying to grab the water I brought earlier, I guided his hand to help him.
He hummed appreciatively. "Ah, always the go-getter. You're so pretty," he told me, looking at me as if I glowed. "I'll be just fine," he told me, slowly getting his arms under him as he got up for the day.
"No more handsome than you," I said with warm eyes.
Walking barefoot, I opened the door. Kisuke was politely bowing on the other side. I waited for him to speak, still feeling slightly groggy after last night.
"Good morning, Lady Keisei," he started, and I watched as he kept his head down as Shunsui let out a pathetic, hungover cough. "My captain had time to meet with you this morning," he told me.
"I understand. Let's go now." Stepping out, I began to lead the way out of the Thirteenth as I opened my parasol.
"Yes, ma'am."