Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 633
AN: These CC are another example of characterization that stands out to me. Really fun individuals that I'm always happy to see when they pop up in the manga. They'll come again!
A Kiss for Shelter
Honest
The captain watched as the woman before him bowed slowly, an arm cradling her plump middle. His lips pulled downward slightly.
"Zaraki-Taichou, isn't it?" She lifted her head, dark eyes friendly.
His bare brow bone lifted in question as he looked down at her, "I know you, Lady?" His voice was the deepest rumble.
She gave a soft huff of laughter and shook her head, "I apologize- I only know you from hearsay. The Rukon has its legends… And of course, your Fifth Seat speaks highly of you."
His lone green eye glittered, "That so? And who're you?"
A voice cut down the path, startling the woman before she could answer, "Tai-chou!"
The approaching Shinigami halted a foot away from the two with a gasp, "Xo-chan?"
"Yumichika-san?"
Tossing the braid of hair at the side of his head with a flourish, the man smiled, "In the flesh."
Yumichika Ayasegawa was another prime example of the Gotei Thirteen's exceptional specimens.
"You've gained weight." The lovely man commented dryly.
She gave him a look as she informed him, "That does happen when one is pregnant."
The forgotten captain, towering behind the young woman chose that moment to remind them of his presence.
"Got a bun in the oven, huh? Wanna tell me just who managed that?" Zaraki loomed close over Xochitl's shoulder now with a leer.
"Taichou!" Yumichika gasped, scandalized.
Color appeared on her cheeks as she turned toward the giant of a man, "You… already know, don't you?"
The captain's mirth started as a low chuckle and bubbled into full-throated laughter.
The Fifth Seat sidled closer to the young woman, about to apologize for his captain when he froze. A slow, sly smile spread on his face, and his plum-colored eyes sparkled knowingly.
"Why, Xo-chan… However did you charm the most eligible bachelor in the Seireitei, hmm? He's notoriously glacial." Yumichika folded his arms over his chest, his hip cocked to one side as he scrutinized her.
Xochitl suddenly found herself awkwardly wedged between these two men and while she wasn't easily intimidated she somehow felt she had said too much.
She felt sure of this when she heard a familiar baritone, "Xochitl…"
…
"Can't believe Kuchiki got himself all tied up with an oiran." Kenpachi flashed his devilish smirk.
Yumichika frowned at this and corrected, "Taichou, nobody uses those terms anymore!" He put a slim finger to his chin a thoughtful look crossing his face, "Besides… Xo-chan is more like a Geisha if we're using terms… But then again perhaps Tayuu is a better description… She was blooded and then-,"
"Blooded?" Kenpachi practically growled through his teeth, curiosity and interest sparking in his eyes.
Mouth agape for a moment Yumichika could only blink, before he waved his hands at the man, "Nevermind, Taichou! Nevermind!" He looked aside with a wry expression as he mumbled, "It's certainly not what you're thinking in any case."
Meanwhile Kenpachi was snickering to himself, sidetracked by his own imaginings. "Heh… She seems bold enough- had no qualms about chattin' with me. Kuchiki sure seemed to get his panties in a bunch though… Wonder what her swordplay's like…"
At that point Yumichika slapped a hand to his forehead, "Taichou…"
"Maybe after she pops out that kid, I'll challenge her…"
Hands to his hips the Fifth Seat scolded sternly, "Honestly Taichou! Xo-chan doesn't know how to spar! And even if she did she naturally couldn't match you!"
The captain only snorted at this, "Course not! But it would be fun to see the look on Kuchiki's face when I approached her!" His booming laughter resounded in the street.
Yumichika watched as people jumped and cringed at his captain's wild amusement.
He shook his head with a sigh, spreading his hands with a smile, "Well at least Taichou's enjoying himself!"
AN: The difference between an Oiran and a Geisha: Culturally the women would be educated in the same degrees by learning specific etiquette and skills- but an Oiran would provide a man with sexual favors if the price was right and after several meetings with that particular client.
Tayuu is a term for a courtesan at the highest rung of ladder. Sought after, this woman could choose her clientele and had the right to refuse service. There is a ranking system in the Oiran world- the tiers are interesting to research.
I didn't specifically use any terminology because I wanted the distinction between Soul Reaper culture and that of the history of the Living World to be apparent. I also wanted the freedom to put my own spin on things as needed. But the system of SS's small force of courtesans is to a degree based off of the World of the Living during the Edo period.
Last note: If you've read Fulfillment you'll be aware that I tend to characterize Yumi as always being "in the know" about the Rukon. Also… tell me you can't see him being a Tayuu once-upon-a-time, right?