XXX
"So you're the one who stole my third seat yesterday!" Yoruichi sat relaxed in her chair, her long, toned, beautiful legs stretched out and her arms hanging over the sides.
A small tea set sat to her right with a small girl topping off the captain's cup. No way. Is that Soifon? Trying to keep my eyes from boggling, I closed them with a brief cough.
"My apologies, Captain Shihoin." I knew I didn't sound regretful, but it's the idea that counts, right?
She hummed thoughtfully. "And? What did you want to talk about?" Straight and to the point. While looking at her, it was easy to be taken in by her comfortable and fun nature. However, through my own experiences, I knew that she was quite sharp and fearsome.
We idolized her, Shiro muttered to me.
"Well, actually I was hoping that I might be able to borrow your third seat a little bit more." Her eyebrows jumped up at this. Although a row of the onmitsukido sat on either side of Captain Yoruichi Shihoin and me, and Kisuke off to the left behind me, no one but her and Soifon showed any emotion to the request.
"Oh? Why?"
She's genuinely curious now, Shiro narrated in my head.
Mentally shushing her quiet, I continued. "Through our time together yesterday, I was able to perceive his advanced kido abilities. I wish to become a kido master," I answered her. He is a kido master. So I have to be too.
Silently and graceful as a cat, I watched from where I had respectfully sat as she took a long drink of her tea. She sat silent for a moment, looking at me with what should have been a startling perceptive gaze had I not expected such of her.
"Kisuke said you have a pretty good flash step," she started suddenly, making me surprised.
"Thank you," I answered, unsure of what to say.
Picking up her tea again, Yoruichi stirred it thoughtfully as she stared at me. She blinks like a cat. I noticed her few-and-far-between blinks.
"Fine," she answered, visibly surprising me. I hadn't expected this to go so easily. "But you should know, I've recommended him for the open captain position. What he does when he leaves is up to him." Out of the corner of my eye, I watched Soifon's shock from the news.
I bowed my head, thankful. "Thank you, Captain Shihoin." I brought my head up. "Also, may I ask one more thing?"
"Sure," she said, all but throwing her stirrer back on the table as she downed the cup in one go.
"I'd like to keep this a secret, if possible." My shoulders couldn't help but tense at what she might say next.
Holding her cup upside down and looking into it, she hummed. "That's an odd request, but I'll grant it."
I dipped my head in thanks again.
"Dismissed," she stated, putting her cup down.
Standing and moving to leave, I saw Kisuke standing outside. He gestured for me to follow him to the left.
"All right. What's next on the schedule?" I heard Yoruichi ask as we departed.
Rounding the corner, I allowed Kisuke to take the lead. A sweet aromatic smell circled around us as we came out to a smaller pavilion that was sheltered by flowering trees.
"You want me to train you?" He sounded surprised.
I nodded firmly. "Yes," I said.
"Lady Keisei, I've not really taught anyone before…" he trailed off, once more looking nervous and uncertain. He's so different from the man I once knew. It made my heart scrape ever so slightly against my ribs.
"I have trust in you," I assured him. I watched as he nervously rubbed the back of his head. That's an odd habit, I noted.
"O-Oh…" he trailed off, his squall eyes rooted on the wooden floorboards as he visibly floundered.
"I would like to begin immediately," I pressed, seeing that he was getting nowhere.
"I think I know where we could train," he told me. His eyes subtly went to my kimono. "Lady Keisei, do you have anything…not as nice to wear?" He nervously laughed, ruffling the back of his head and making me blink.
"I suppose I didn't think of that…" I murmured quietly, my hand brushing down my kimono as the other tightened on my parasol. I should have thought of that. I tried to stamp down my frustration with myself.
"I'm sure we can find you some clothes to wear while we train." He suddenly seemed sure of himself, pivoting as he began to walk away. He suddenly stopped. "It's probably best that you stay close while you're here, Lady Keisei," he told me, suddenly looking me in the eye. Where is this sudden braveness coming from? I wondered.
"Right…" My voice fell off as I followed behind his now fast steps. He wasn't walking with the same leisurely pace that we had taken yesterday. Maybe he's more comfortable because he knows this division inside and out? And he's less comfortable around me? I speculated.
Following behind him, I was able to get a good look at the Second Division barracks, which I hadn't been able to see previously.
It seemed that everything was darker here, from the deeper mahogany wood to the dark ferns and large-leafed trees that reached to but never touched the walkways as we came back down closer to the ground.
This barrack seemed to have been built with the idea of enemy intrusion. Long, obtuse staircases and winding hallways that appeared to be dead-ends burrowed out of sight wherever I looked. Occasionally we would come across a window which seemed much too tall and thin to get much other than an arrow through.
This place is a maze. I couldn't stop myself from swallowing nervously as I kept pace with Kisuke. It's a wonder he knows where he's going, even if he's a genius.
Eventually emerging from the smokey, discombobulating hallways, Kisuke stopped in front of a room. "We keep our uniforms in here. I'm sure Yoruichi-san won't mind you borrowing one," he told me.
Just one? I wondered if this was going to be one of those wash-nightly deals. Opening the door, he bowed slightly. Assuming he wanted me to enter first when he didn't continue, I made an effort to quiet my geta as I stepped into the room.
The sunlight was made wispy by the rice paper doors, and the shadows cast by the larger trees outside toyed with the rows and rows of black uniforms that sat in various compartments in front of me.
"I don't know where to begin—" Turning around, I almost ran into Kisuke from where he had crept up to my right side.
"Oh, sorry," he told me awkwardly before laughing even more awkwardly under his breath, going to what appeared to me to be a random cubby. This guy is ripe for an anxiety attack, I decided. And why was he hiding his spiritual pressure! I tried to keep my annoyance out of my composure.
Glancing over me, he seemed to decide on something before he pulled out two pieces of black cloth.
"This will work for training today," he told me, holding out the now unfolded garments to me messily. Same old Kisuke, I thought wistfully. "Is something wrong?" he asked after a brief moment of holding them out.
Looking over, I felt my embarrassment bleed out slightly. "I don't understand how to put that on. It's all strappy, right?" I asked him, my lips pursing as I tried to avoid eye contact.
"Strappy?" he asked, looking down, befuddled.
"Like what that girl next to Yoruichi-san was wearing." I pushed the words out, explaining the foreign word.
"A-Ah, it's the same, actually," he told me, thoughtlessly rubbing his hair again. I frowned lightly at this, not sure what to do. It's not like I can just magically learn how to put it on! I huffed internally, trying to do my best not to be embarrassed by needing help.
Just make him dress you, Shiro started.
What! I yelled back, more alarmed than asking.
Yoruichi is letting you borrow him. Plus you know you have feelings for him. She teased me with a cackle. Do it! she pressed.
No! My cheeks darkened as I resisted. I felt her draw back from me, retreating at this with a shake of her head.
I sighed out loud at this, making Kisuke's gentle eyes look up at me with worry mixed in with his usual nervousness.
I had made a promise with Shiro. We had agreed that we'll work together as long as I do some of the things she wants. Yes, that occasionally led to trouble, but more often than not it was watching a certain TV show or hunting down a certain food. But, unlike those trivial things, this was a step further. I felt obligated to show her my trust.
"You may dress me." Looking off to the side, I refused to meet his gaze as my cheeks tipped to burgundy. Since you're so insistent, I hissed to her.
A quiet hiss in response echoed within me where she rested.
"H-Huh?"
My now-piercing eyes went to him as I felt the heat starting to grab at my forehead. The agitation was forcing the words out of my mouth. "Unless you don't know either," I bit out, my features going a tad rough.
"O-Oh, I-I think I can figure it out…" He teetered off then, looking down at the clothes. I resisted the urge to tap my foot as I felt my agitation with Shiro, myself, and him grow.
He didn't do anything, Shiro popped back in.
Mentally I frowned at her. Don't talk to me! I pouted, knowing it was true.
Placing the clothes on one of the nearby stacks, I watched as Kisuke fumbled slightly before turning back to me. "T-Then…" he stuttered, eyes downcast and cheeks pink, causing me to deflate somewhat.
Turning around, I allowed the silk to slip and fall away. First the obijime, then the obiage, the ohashori, and then the rest. Kisuke's hands were warm where they brushed me. He seemed to take care after the first two accidental touches, and I felt a small longing within me after I realized this. He said nothing, letting the silence drag on as I stood there somewhat stiffly.
Sighing as my sarashi was revealed, I felt the now-not-quite-warm-enough air prickle against my skin, raising goosebumps. My anger fell away at the new feelings.
My marks were exposed. Thumb bruises practically lined my waist, sweet yellowing bites running over my shoulders. Hand imprints dressed the backs of my legs, scratches decorating my lower back.
The onmitsukido uniform was rough as it slid on and over, and I felt it grabbing at everything it could as it went around my curves and imperfections alike.
Feeling a few gentle pulls as it was tied off in the back intricately, I looked down at myself.
"It's not as fine as the silk you wore, I'm afraid," he said as I turned around. He studiously didn't look me in the face, his features clashing strongly with the Kisuke I had known before.
"That's fine," I answered, watching him fold and stash away my previous outfit. "I am thankful to Captain Shihoin for doing this at all," I said, wanting to keep the conversation going.
"Yes, she can be surprising, can't she?" he asked almost rhetorically, walking to the doors. Stopping himself, he looked back at where I stood. "A-Ah, this way, Lady Keisei," he instructed.
Following along after him, I politely held my hands together in front of me. Again, we went deeper into the compound. Although it should have been bustling this time of day, there wasn't a soul in sight. I felt strange, a small twist in my stomach again.
I feel naked, I decided as we rounded another corner. My eyes pulled tight as we came into a deserted training area. Dummies lined one side, looking worse for wear. Footprints were clear in the sandy terrain. Kisuke led us to the middle of the training ground.
"Why is this place deserted?" The question popped out as we stopped.
He laughed nervously. "My squad is kind of shy, I'm afraid…" He rubbed the back of his head then, eyes darting around to see if there was anyone there.
I had to stop myself from reflexively reaching out with my reiatsu.
"So you want to learn kido?" he asked, letting his hand drop back to his side. He stands awkwardly too, I noted quietly to myself. Shiro chuckled.
Leave him alone like that, she told me.
I nodded, letting my hands drop from where they had been slightly clenched together.
"I have a friend that's really good at kido…" He trailed off, thinking hard. "I could introduce you, if you'd like," he told me.
I blanched slightly. "You're saying this after everything we just did? No, I want to learn from you." I huffed with annoyance. Same old Kisuke in some ways then, I realized.
"All right then." He seemed to decide something. "Why don't we practice with that dummy?" He gestured to the one behind him. Stepping up next to him, I couldn't help but notice his reiatsu tighten further the closer I got. He really does have excellent control of it.
"Okay," I said. "What should we do first?" I asked, looking up at him.
"Well, why don't we start with a few of the low level, easier spells and then make our way up?" he asked, his voice betraying that he wasn't sure if that was all right.
"Yes, let's," I answered, raising my hand up.
XXX
That night I allowed Shunsui to brush out my hair, my legs folded politely under me while he sat in the chair of his home desk.
I relaxed into the delicate strokes, the gentle teasing of knots from the freshly wet strands.
"So how are you? I haven't gotten a chance to see you that much," he started, voice somewhat gentle from the day tipping into night.
"I'm good," I answered, wincing slightly at a bad knot.
"Oh, that's a bad one…" He set to carefully work it apart.
"Hey, Shunsui," my face relaxed as it came free surprisingly fast. He hummed in question. "Thank you for inviting me here." I tried to show him with my voice how thankful I was, how happy and warm.
"Well, of course," he answered. "We couldn't leave you out in the cold in Rukongai, could we?" he asked me, letting my hair tips run flush through the wet comb. He started working his way up slowly.
"About that…" My heart thudded in my chest at that slightly. He was silent. He's always so shrewd with his silence. "I know you're wary of my powers," I confessed.
He didn't respond.
I let silence hang in the air, the final drops of the kettle that blackened the sky.
"Why did you invite me here for real?" I asked, my voice wavering as I showed my true nakedness.
For a long time, he didn't respond. He simply worked his way up my hair, brushing down slowly and working out the knots as he finished another section.
"Well," he started, making my tense shoulders dance with anxious goosebumps, "we just wanted to keep an eye on you at first. We've never met someone with powers like yours," he confessed to me. I longed to turn my head to the side, to look at him, but I resisted.
I wasn't sure if I could face him like this.
"At first?" I questioned. I couldn't deny that I felt strongly towards them. I couldn't deny that they caused me to feel something that I never had before.
Content, Shiro and I whispered together.
He sighed, reaching around to pull all of my hair back from my front and smooth it before he started on the last section. "We do enjoy your company," he told me. "Jushiro especially."
My ears perked at this. "He does?" I asked, confused by what he meant. I again regretted not getting close to him previously when I had had the chance. Hirako said he was reserved, I remembered. Shiro hummed a slightly nervous tune, not understanding either.
"He does," Shunsui answered simply, smoothing my hair with the brush one last time before he began to braid it. "He should tell you that himself, though." His voice quieted at this. "Don't tell him I said anything, okay?" he asked.
"I promise." Feeling him finish and tie off the braid, I turned around and looked up at him.
Gently reaching up and pulling on his hair, he allowed me to bring his head down. "Shunsui, I…" I trailed off, looking between his pale lips and deep, poignantly reserved eyes. He's not showing me any emotion in them, I saw helplessly.
He pressed our lips together. "Don't say anything," he told me.
I submitted to him easily, the angle making something primal in me purr in pleasure. Shunsui pressed into me, making me back up as he came down to the floor with me.
He tugged on my hair, and I obediently laid on the floor, my clothes slipping somewhat to expose my chest.
He smirked at this, looking at my breasts hungrily before he nuzzled my weak clothes to the side. Taking my nub in his mouth, Shunsui bit down, making me gasp loudly, before he licked and sucked apologetically.
He released me with a pop, his reiatsu rubbing against mine to soothe my obvious want for more.
He smirked at me devilishly as he brought a hand up to wrap around my throat.
"Is this what you want?" he questioned, knowing very well I'd struggle to get any words out.
Instead, I moaned a positive noise as my pulse started to dully thud.
Seeming satisfied, Shunsui moved on to my other breast to give it the same treatment. While he still suckled, his latch wasn't as good, and the wet noises made my insides throb as our previous conversation was all but forgotten.
I jumped when his inquisitive finger found me expertly, toying with my soft spot before tracing my lips.
"You're already so wet." He admired me, bringing his hand up to make a show of licking his finger.
I made a desperate noise, my legs shifting as I made a play at taking back control. His hand tightened around my throat, and I forced myself to relax.
"Good girl." He shifted up to kneel above me, his lips brushing my ear as he spoke. I shuddered in pleasure.
Noticing, he experimentally took the tip of my ear into his mouth and began to nip at me. My legs began to shake, the sensations too much to hold still as I made pitiful noises. He hummed thoughtfully as he let go to move down my body.
His mouth kissed under my jaw next to his hand, down the middle of my chest, over the curve of my stomach, and temptingly down my leg.
Letting go of my throat, Shunsui grasped my hips in a vice grip as he angled me up. Gentle, cold air was blown onto my red, hot core as he admired me.
My eyes fluttered as he inspected me, feeling complimented.
"You look wonderful." He smiled up at me somewhat dorkily before he leaned forward. A wet, warm tongue started to poke and nudge me, making me jolt from the strong sensations.
His hands tightened around me, and he made a negative sound in reprimand.
Shuddering, I tried to hold still as he explored the familiar territory like it was new, trying to see under every mountain, through every crevice like a blind man.
I pleaded quietly as his tongue started to slowly prod inside of me, desperate for the lewd contact.
A captain of the Soul Society…doing this to me…The very thought made me pulsate and release more slick hotly.
As if noticing, Shunsui chuckled before pressing in more. My legs longed to tighten around his head as the wet, warm appendage teased just inside me, tracing the delicious edge. I groaned as he pressed in farther, tasting me deeply as he began to thrust in and out.
The sensation and the wet noises had me squeezing down on him tightly, bearing down with all my might as the fire in my core was stoked heartily. My hips started to rut mindlessly onto him, still not moving an inch in his tight grasp.
Losing myself, I let the quiet pleas and desperate moans slide out of me welcomingly as I showed my appreciation.
Drawing back somewhat, Shunsui swiped at his soaked face while I looked down to whine at him. His reiatsu brushed my senses, bidding me to quiet myself in a show of domination, as he kissed my bud open mouth.
Latching his lips around my most sensitive area, I squeezed my mouth shut even while my air gasped out. I practically vibrated as he began to suck, losing my mind as the fire spread to my limbs.
I opened my mouth, looking to the side and drooling somewhat as my toes started to curl.
I-I'm—!
I shook, releasing, as he continued to toy with me. Planting my feet in the ground, I tried to pull away from his insistent tongue as he worked me through my orgasm.
Unrelentingly, Shunsui kept me pinned as he dominated me. Gasping, I flailed as I felt my world start to cascade down.
Finally relenting, I jerked as Shunsui popped off loudly.
"Are you okay?" Shunsui reached up to slowly rub my arm reassuringly.
I nodded dumbly, unable to feel my toes.
He chuckled before I heard his clothing shift. "On your knees," he commanded me, helping me turn over when my limbs turned to jelly. I held my behind straight up on my knees while I let my lower half press into the floor, my face to the side as I anxiously waited for what he would give me.
His head pressed against me, slipping in easily as the squelch of my cum made him at home. My eyes tightened from the angle, the new sensations batting at my previous flame.
Settling in me deeply, Shunsui groaned appreciatively as he rubbed my back. I sighed into the touch.
Taking this as a go ahead, Shunsui began to give small, tight thrusts into my form. Cushioned by my behind, my slick started to spill out the more he worked me.
He started to whisper things to me, barely able to be heard over the sound of our lovemaking.
"So wet…so tight…so submissive." He took my hair in his hand and pulled my head up. Wrapping an arm around my waist, he forced me to stay as he started to grow harsher.
"Is this what you want?" He tempted me, arm tightening around me as he started to lengthen his thrusts. I gasped loudly as one hit me particularly deep.
Hearing my weakness, he aimed for that spot as my cum-filled heat enveloped him.
"Yes…yes!" I begged him quietly, tearing up from the sensations as I was forced to my hands by his hair pulling. "Please…!" I begged him, feeling my previous embers begin to flame anew.
Grunting, Shunsui leaned into my back as he grinded into me. I carried his weight happily as he moaned into my ear, resting momentarily.
Biting down on my shoulder, Shunsui found his strength renewed by my desperate noises and tugged my hands out from under me.
I grunted as we fell, our legs wrapping together as he took me like an animal. A dominant.
He pounded into me, his reiatsu curling as his release hounded down. Following him, I slammed back into his thrusts as I panted loudly.
Squeezing my hips, Shunsui's hips and breathy moans stuttered as I clamped down on him, orgasming again.
XXX
I love you.
I let my fingertips barely trace over his chest.
XXX
Kisuke laughed nervously. He scratched at the back of his head. Maybe it's a tic? I wondered. "Actually, I'm going to take the captain's exam today," he told me, eyes shut because of his nerves.
"Oh…" I tried not to sound too disappointed. An awkwardness dropped between us, making the guards that protected the gateway into the Second Division look away. "Will you still train me after you're a captain?" I asked.
"After?" he asked, blinking in surprise at me while grabbing his chin and thumbing it thoughtfully. "I guess I didn't think about that," he finished after a few beats.
He must be really stressed from the exam.
"If I still have time, I could," he decided, dropping his hands. He seems to stop those anxious movements when he has something to think about. "But I don't really know what goes into being a captain so…" He laughed nervously again.
I directed a bland face for him, some of my slight humor showing. "Well, I suppose I'll have to drop by frequently then and see if you have some time," I decided hopefully.
He laughed again but didn't say anything.
How is this man so awkward?! I screamed internally, forcing myself not to squish my eyes shut as I did so.
"Well, I'll just be going then…" I made a swaying motion with my hands before I started to turn away.
"Ah, uh, Lady Keisei," he stopped me, making me glance back over my shoulder at him. "Have a nice day." His gale eyes remained steadfast on the ground while peonies started to bloom high into his cheeks.
I felt a light dusting solder itself onto my cheeks as well in surprise. I clutched at my heart unconsciously. "Thank you." I turned back to face him. "I hope you do as well. I know you'll pass today."
"T-Thank you."
My eyes warmed before I turned away once more.
Later, as the day wore on, I found myself resting on a long-forgotten rickety swing in the Seventh Division. The area was secluded, surrounded by trees, and the grass had grown to about hip height.
I swung my legs, the swing groaning as it shifted. The movements became mechanical as my eyebrows furrowed and my face became pensive.
Shunsui said that about Jushiro. What did he mean?
Shinji—Hirako seems…distant.
And Kisuke is socially anxious?
In the past—my past—these are things I would have laughed away as fairy tales. But here and now, the facts stared me in the face. Maybe my time alone has confused my memory? I thought simply, letting my legs hang as I swung.
The sweet-smelling grass tickled against my knees, and I automatically reached down and lifted my kimono to scratch.
I really hope Kisuke can keep training me…The sun hadn't yet set, but I assumed because of the late hour that he had finished his exam.
Shunsui probably knows about my training. I wonder if he approves? We hadn't had a chance to discuss it last night. What could he have possibly meant by saying that about Jushiro…I felt as though my wheels were spinning.
I shook my head.
I need to try and get the year-two kido book, I decided, kicking my legs and leaning back to stare up into the sun-dusted leaves above me.
Hearing loud and lazy flaps, I looked over to see a hell butterfly coming towards me. Oh, I've never used one of these before. I stared as it approached.
I think I just touch it? Poking my finger out, it landed with surprising weight.
"Join me for dinner?" My heart jumped with surprise as Hirako's voice came through as clear as a bell.
Hearing nothing more, I fumbled as the butterfly wagged its antennae at me. I don't know what to do, I thought helplessly.
Awkwardly, I tried to wipe the butterfly onto the ropes of the swing. It seemed to become agitated at this and flew off.
I blanched as it fluttered away. Wait. What if I just sent "I don't know what to do" as my message!
Jumping off my swing with surprising dexterity, I found myself shunpoing to the Fifth before it could get there.
XXX
The blue light of the sneak kido bounced off two forms.
A small, silver fox pup hummed, "Who's that, Lord Aizen?"
A small smile. "Someone interesting."
The small female form shunpoed through the trees, her speed easily matching some of the weaker captains.
Thoughtful eyes traced her, a fountain pen guiding the line art at his side.
XXX
"Could you direct me to your captain, please?"
The guard looked at me suspiciously. "Who are you?" he asked, drawing his shoulders back to look bigger.
I stared at him, nonplussed. Who does this guy think he is? I was slightly annoyed.
"It's all right. Let her in." Hirako's voice came from the other side as the doors were opened from the inside. Oh, weird, I realized, their doors open backwards to the other squads.
Brushing it off, I bowed politely. "Thank you, Hirako."
He waved his hand as I lifted my head. "Don't be so polite," he told me, his shoulders slouching farther as if to prove a point.
I allowed myself a small smile, following as he walked away.
"I didn't expect you to come so soon," he told me, walking ahead and not bothering to look back.
How in the unholy world am I supposed to explain this butterfly? I thought anxiously, twisting a blade of my hair that had been left wavy from last night's braid. Shiro cackled at me at the ridiculousness of it all.
"I, uh…don't know how to use the butterflies," I admitted, embarrassed.
Shinji didn't say anything besides hum with interest. "We'll be eating in here," he said, showing me to a medium-sized dining room. The table had been set, but the food had not yet arrived.
"I should be finishing my paperwork, but this seems more fun," he decided, going and sitting at the low table and leaving me hanging. At this point, I was used to being invited to sit, invited to enter, invited everywhere.
Shinji sprawled out luxuriously, ignoring me almost pointedly as he poured himself a cup of sake. His sandy reiatsu calmly shifted in the air, flowing peacefully at the end of his workday.
Closing the door behind me, I sat down properly with my legs folded underneath me.
"Tch! Relax some," he scoffed, eyes closing as he swallowed.
I let one of my legs come out before I decided to stretch my legs out and cross them. The American style of sitting always made me comfier. My back certainly appreciated it.
He's not the most talkative, is he? I shivered slightly from the proverbial iciness.
"Cold?" he asked, looking uninterested at the ornate pictures that hung around us. I didn't even notice his eyes on me. He's still perceptive then.
"No." My answer sounded rushed. His face seemed to become even more bored. Maybe he wanted me to be cold? I thought. No, he wants to get to know each other.
"Hirako, how was your day?" I asked, trying to start a conversation.
"Boring." His eyes changed to look at a portrait just over my shoulder.
He's a tough crowd tonight. Not that my Shinji hadn't been sometimes too. Think. Did he mention any old hobbies?
A lightbulb—lantern.
"Do you like things from the human world?"
My question prompted him to look at me, a slight curiosity curling inside. "I do."
"I like music from the human world," I told him.
Putting his cup down, he leaned back on his hands. "I like jazz," he answered, seeming far away for a second. "I have this new instrument from the World of the Living called a record player." It rolled off his tongue easily. I doubted it would be that easy for any other Soul Reaper besides myself. "It plays jazz music."
I found myself leaning forward at this. "It plays it? How?" I asked, feeling enjoyment as I played along.
"Yes, it plays it from a circular record that's been engraved," he told me.
A knock on the door interrupted us.
"I'll have to show you sometime soon." My heart fluttered. "One second," he told me. "Come in," he directed, voice louder, to the Soul Reaper on the other side.
A meek Soul Reaper entered, hands shaking as she set the table. "Relax, Mio," he told her as the main dish clattered slightly against the table. "We ain't gonna bite your head off," he told her with a surprisingly kind smile. Oh, he's looking at her so kindly.
Something deep fogged up my chest. Jealousy.
I liked Shinji too. But this isn't Shinji. Do we even have a plan here? Shiro patronized me.
Mio seemed to relax somewhat at this, laughing breezily as she finished, bowed, and quietly left.
The plan is to get closer to him. He's closest to Aizen, I reminded her.
Letting my manners go, I served myself immediately, making Hirako laugh. "What, not going to ask for permission?" He mocked me.
I huffed, my cheeks tinged. "Nope!"
Dinner was an interesting affair. As the hours wore on unbeknownst to us, the initial iciness melted away steadily, and I found my kimono slipping farther and farther off my shoulders and exposing more of my legs. My posture dissolved, and I became the young woman I once had been so many, many wistful years ago.
I was practically folded in half as I sat there, elbows on the table, laughing through bites of food. I waved my chopsticks, accidentally throwing things as my movements became more natural, less thought out, and more brazen.
Hirako followed suit, his posture relaxing even farther as he laid on his side, eating lazily with his head propped up on his hand while he laughed and exchanged stories with me about growing up in the Rukongai, visiting the human world, and life in the Seireitei. He wasn't laughing through food bites like me, but he did find himself choking with laughter around his sake a few times.
A quiet knock sounded on the door, and I turned my head lazily to look towards it.
"Captain?"
Oh. It was him.
I couldn't deny the tenseness sheltering in my shoulders, the obvious twist in my face, how I immediately went to correct my kimono.
I didn't care that Hirako saw this, his face turning to a light frown.
"Come in, Sosuke."
I looked down, busying myself with refilling my drink as the door smoothly opened.
Today. I decided I could do this today, I reminded myself.
"Captain…" he trailed off, baritone voice reverberating my bones with the softest breath. I shivered, drawing my kimono tighter around the middle from where it had slackened.
"Huh? What is it? You're ruining the mood!" Hirako asked in annoyance as Aizen trailed off.
"What mood?" Aizen paused. Is he…teasing Hirako?! "I didn't realize you had company. My apologies." I could imagine him politely bowing as I busied myself with dusting faux dirt off of myself.
"Never mind that, Sosuke! What do you want?" Hirako all but demanded, annoyance clearly growing. His frown lengthened the more the interaction dragged on.
"My apologies. Here is the itinerary for tomorrow." My sight drained up as I saw Aizen's back come into my view. I stared hard as he handed the paper to Hirako.
"All right, sheesh! That'll be all, Sosuke," Hirako drawled, taking it and immediately throwing it onto the table.
"Yes, Captain," Aizen responded. My eyes were lodged on his feet as he made to leave.
He stopped at the door.
"Have a pleasant night, Lady Keisei."
I turned my head the other way, and the door closed.
I hissed out the breath I'd been holding, shivers wracking my body as I retreated a little more.
Hirako sipped his final sake cup, looking at me over the rim. I kept my eyes steadfastly away from him. He tipped it up, finishing it suddenly and wiping his mouth on the back of his hand. Standing with a small waver from the alcohol, he walked around the long table and sat right next to me in the direction I had been staring, pressing up against me tightly.
He wrapped an arm around me. "He give you the creeps too?" he asked deceptively lightly.
I nodded, resisting the urge to pull my knees to my chest and cradle myself as Hirako started to rub my shoulder blades.
Unbidden, my body immediately sank into him. I rested my head in the crook of his shoulder, discreetly breathing him in. He smells so similar. My eyes started to blossom water at the familiar sandy scent, but I was quick to wipe it away.
Don't trust him, I wanted to whisper desperately, reflexively into him. Don't you dare trust him, Hirako!
Holding my chin, he guided my head up as he started to kiss the small of my neck. I shuddered, emotions battling in me. But should I trust Hirako?
Closing my eyes, I let myself enjoy the sensation. I can't deny this is what my body desires, I decided resolutely. I tried to turn around to tangle my hands in his enticing hair but found his hands firmly on my shoulders.
"No. Stay like this," he ordered, making me shiver. His voice had gone low, and a deep chord in me was struck.
"Lean forward," he ordered, a strong hand on my back. I obeyed, my reiatsu curling excitedly at his dominance. The sands of his reiatsu brushed up against mine, forcing my power to curl down as I laid on the table.
I moaned at the sensation, face going red as I let myself go.
Shinji chuckled as he undid his pants. "You like that?" he asked, a strong and confident hand running down my side.
I jumped as his other hand immediately went to my core, pressing in and demanding entrance from me. Roughly jerking me, I jolted when his thumb found my less used hole and nudged its way inside.
He chuckled darkly. "I heard ya were filthy…" I tightened down as he continued his rough movements, fanning my flames.
Feeling the slightest bit of wetness, his hand left me. Feeling the pressure of him starting to push in, I swallowed and closed my eyes.
The slide was somewhat grating, neither of us completely prepared. He hissed at the burn, his hand going to the back of my neck to push me down farther. The motion built the fire up in me despite his uncomfortable weight inside.
His reiatsu tickled against my skin, heady, as he bottomed out. His free hand gripped my bottom tightly, rubbing it appreciatively before giving it a light smack.
I gasped at the unexpected motion, and I could sense him smiling above me as I broke.
Smack! The second hit was harder, more punctual. I jerked away from the hit, the motion jolting me up.
He released my neck as I made a gasping sound, going to grab my hip instead. He started to move inside me, his breaths coming out shakier as I started to become more slick.
Shinji's pace was brutal and fast, the table under me creaking with every pull and thrust. The friction was delicious, an electric heat spreading into my bones as I was able to lose myself in it.
"Fuck!" I stressed a particularly harsh thrust.
He groaned above me, a hand running along my spine possessively as I let my noises free. "That's what I need to hear," he grunted out, his words slurring as he lost his pace.
I moaned, thankful, feeling the in-and-out press of his head in my very core. I started to shake as my orgasm built up in me, kerosene to my fire.
His hands began to minutely quake as we raced towards completion, trying to outbid the other. I gasped as my walls clenched around him for the final time, milking him for all his worth as he spurted into me.
XXX
The itinerary had been grunt work. It should have been delivered by one of the lower-ranking Soul Reapers, but Aizen had wanted to see that woman.
Her skin had been exposed, its luxurious paleness marred by bruises, bites, and batters.
The way she always turned away, studiously ignoring him with a schooled face…
"I have no interest in lieutenants."
She truly was beautiful and clearly desired by the captain.
XXX
I found myself soaking in the tub with Jushiro the following morning after I had dragged myself home in the wee hours. The water steamed around us, draping its wet fingers across our forehead and down our necks.
I took a deep drink of water, trying to catch up after last night.
"You spent last night with Captain Hirako?" he asked curiously, watching me.
I nodded, putting the water back somewhat clumsily before relaxing deeper into the tub with my arms on the sides. I closed my eyes as the water kneaded my fresh marks like delicate pastry bread.
"You know…" he started, trailing off slightly. I looked at him curiously.
"Is something wrong?" I asked openly, opening my eyes and adjusting myself into a more comfortable position to talk. Our feet brushed, and I decided to leave them touching, a source of comfort for him.
"No, it's nothing." He decided against it, shaking his head.
I hummed, looking at him lazily as I balanced my head in my hand and my arm on the side of the tub.
"Jushiro," I waited until the cloudy thoughts had parted from his mind and his peaceful lagoon eyes were on me. "Do you…have feelings for me?" My question was honest. His eyes widened as he began to blush, his chin dipping somewhat as he looked at me. "I-I know that you brought me here to the Seireitei, and I know you've never done anything like this before. I just…was wondering?" I was out of words, floundering slightly from the mature topic.
His blush deepened, and his eyes turned away respectfully as he seemed to chew something over mentally.
A droplet of water gathered on the wall behind him. It slowly slid down the wall, going slower and slower despite gaining mass.
The world had slowed down, keeping its breath in as my thoughts raced.
I couldn't deny my own feelings for Jushiro. I couldn't deny that I felt safe and comfortable around him. I couldn't deny how beautiful this man was.
"He should tell you that himself, though. Don't tell him I said anything, okay?"
Perhaps Shunsui had meant something else? I worried.
"I suppose…yes, I do." My record skipped a line, and fuzz began to play in my ears. Jushiro kept his eyes averted, always the shy one, as he spoke. His voice was soft yet betrayed that he had contemplated this for a time. "We've spent a few years together now. Suffice it to say, I think we've gotten to know each other very well," he confessed, laughing quietly to himself.
My people-pleasing side laughed a little out loud as well despite my crystallizing eyes.
"Lady Keisei," he looked at me now, searchingly. He swallowed nervously and put a hand over mine. "Shunsui and I brought you here so we could keep a closer eye on you. Your powers are unique to us. But then I…" He looked down, his words following suit and running away with the feeling in my fingers.
Silence.
A small drop into the bath from my perspiring forehead.
The world seemed to start spinning again.
I swallowed my nerves visibly. "Jushiro…" I didn't know where to begin. I think I understood what was happening here.
He looked up at me, eyebrows drawing in a small wince at my tone.
I've had clients confess to me before. It's not uncommon in this profession. It's uncommon when your old comrades do, Shiro pointed out. And it's uncommon to feel strongly back.
I didn't know what to do. There was a path before me, and I could see that it easily branched off here and there.
"I…" Couldn't get my nerves under me enough to actually speak.
He patted my hand closest to him, seeming to affirm himself of something before he looked at me warmly. "It's okay. If you want, you can take some time and think about it," he told me. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
I nodded, my numbness retreating somewhat at the opening.
"I will. I'll think about it."
XXX
Purple eyes examined the sky. Whisps of an odd, dark reiatsu had been curling across the Seireitei recently, going unnoticed by most.
"Captain Unohana?" Hisane asked, concern marking her brows.