Comfort

Standard Disclaimer: I do not own any BLEACH characters mentioned.

Author's note: A short drabble. First time writing a Bleach fanfiction. Constructive critism welcomed and much appreciated.


She flexed her claws, feeling the soft soil beneath her paws. Body arched up in a pre-battle stance. A joyous rumble vibrated across her body. Her black tail sliced the air, testing, taunting and intimidating. Sharp white fangs peeked through the little gaps in between her lips as she gave herself a pleased low growl, like a predator that has found its prey. She was feral, eager and ready to pounce.

Blind to all premonitions to its near future, the tabby cat in front of her mirrored her actions. It flexed its claws. Cried out low in its throat and positioned itself for the impending battle. A slight evident shiver coursed through its ribs, and she smirked.

Shihouin Yoruichi, renowned Goddess of Flash lives up to her name. Even in her cat form, her movements were swift. A hard swipe across the face caused the big tabby to swagger in his steps as he yowled out in agony. Not giving it a chance to attack, she struck again. Her strong hind legs kicked off from the floor. She smirked, energized, as she waited for the moment to end this battle.

The moment never came.

She gasped, disappointed. Hands at her chest and the back of her hind legs stopped her attack. She growled in frustration. The tabby was right in front of her. Before she could leapt out from the hands that were holding her, she felt her body rise.

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He cradled her softly against his chest. Bending down, he reached across to the still bristling tabby, gave it a soft pat on the head and with another firm but gentle push, ushered the shaken tabby away. His hands tightened around her curled up body. Without a word, he turned and made his way into the shop.

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"Kisuke…" she protested dispassionately.

He kept on walking, ignoring her. She couldn't see his face. The shadow of his hat shielded it completely from her sight. He held his head up high, away from her. She gave him a quizzical look, but otherwise said nothing.

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When he made it to his room, he leaned himself heavily against the wall and slowly, wearily slid towards the floor. In the crooks of his arms she laid, waiting.

He hugged her to his chest, his fingers now stroking her fur with long, nimble fingers as he worked the occasional tangles off in slow leisure. His head still held away from her.

After a long stretch of silence, she spoke, softly, "Kisuke…"

"…."

"Do you want me to change forms…?"

He pulled her tighter to him. She purred and rubbed herself comfortably against his hard chest. She felt a low chuckle reverberate in the depths of his chest. Her half-lidded eyes gazed up at him and found him looking at her in mild amusement.

"No, Yoruichi-san, it's alright." His voice was unusually deep, and he spoke naught with the cheery lilt in his voice.

He gazed away again, and she felt his hold on her strengthen.

She closed her eyes and sighed, snuggling deeper into his arms as she contented herself with the comfort that only she could provide him with.

Fin.