Ukitake Juushiro finished the last of his paper works and leaned against his chair. Sighing, he looked down at the little furball curled up near his feet.
I wonder what kittens eat? Ukitake wondered. Maybe I should ask someone. I think little Shiro would love a short walk outside, too. Picking up the kitten, Ukitake went outside his office, and closed the door.
Hmm… Who would know about cats, I wonder? I don't think anybody in Seireitei would be familiar with such animals, since we rarely see them here… deep in thought, Ukitake walked through the roads, searching for a familiar face.
Rounding a corner, Ukitake caught a glimpse of a Captain's haori, with the character for number 2 on the back. I wonder if Soifon Taichou would know how to take care of a cat? She is acquainted with Yoruichi-san, ofcourse. And she would eat cat food when she's in her cat form, right?
"Good day, Soifon Taichou!" Ukitake greeted warmly.
"Ukitake Taichou…Wh-" Soifon stopped in mid-sentence. Her eyes widened. "WHO is that?" She almost screamed in surprise.
"'Who'? heheh, you mean 'what'… This is my kitten, Shiro-chan. Soifon Taichou, I was wondering if you would know what I should feed this little kitten? Since I do not know much about little animals…"
"For a while I thought it was…" Soifon blushed furiously.
"Hm?" Ukitake inquired.
"Aaah nothing. You want to know what it would eat?" Soifon quichly changed the subject.
"Yes, Taichou. Since Yoruichi-san stays at your place whenever she comes in her cat form, I assumed she would have cat meals." Ukitake smiled gently.
"Yoruichi-sama usually prefers a drink of milk when she stays here. She also likes pieces of fish or meat." Soifon put an emphasis on the 'sama' honorific, probably to remind Ukitake to give her a little more respect.
"Thankyou, Soifon taichou. It was very kind of you. May I ask another question?"
"What is it?" Soifon asked in her usual gruff voice.
"What else am I supposed to do to take care of this kitten? Do cats like to play? How long will it sleep? Should I give it a bath every often?"
Ukitake wondered why Soifon Taichou blushed to his last question. "Cats like to play ball, and are very playful. They usually sleep at daytime, but you can train it to sleep at night. They will take naps every so often. About baths, I don't know… Yoruichi-sama always changes to her real form when she…" Soifon blushed even more, and turned her face away.
"Uh…Ah. I think I got it. Thank you very much, Soifon Taichou!" Ukitake gave a rather confused smile, and started to walk away.
"Ah, wait a while, Ukitake Taichou…" Soifon called.
"Yes, what is it?" Ukitake smiled.
"Um…" Soifon kept blushing. "May I… pet, um, Shiro-chan?" Soifon asked shyly.
"Of course! Would you like to carry it?" Ukitake handed the little kitten over to her.
Soifon lovingly took the cat. She closed her eyes, and gently cuddled the kitten against her chest. The cat purred, and closed its eyes. Still blushing, Soifon patted the little cat on the head. As she brought the kitten to her face, she suddenly opened her eyes. Instantly, her usual frown returned, and she gave the cat back to Ukitake. Without another word, she turned around, and shunpo'ed away.
Both the cat and the 13th Squad Captain had a pile of question marks on their heads.