CHAPTER 12: A Hard Decision

Yoruichi made it to her designated room and leaned against the doorway. She frowned for a moment, and shook her head at herself. What was with her? Was being around him that hard? "It must be..." She stated, bringing her hand to her forehead. She felt so weak around him. Hearing a creak behind her, her breath hitched in her throat as she swiftly turned on her heals to reveal Byakuya, who was raising an eyebrow at her sudden defensiveness.

Straightening up once again, Yoruichi shrugged her shoulders. "Sorry... Even here.. I'm on edge." She informed him. She turned away from him, only to have her wrist be caught by his hand. She looked over at him. She felt herself slowly move towards him. "Please.. Forgive me." She whispered, her hand going to his cheek, causing him to raise his eyebrow again in question. She leaned up, closing her eyes and pressing her lips to his.

Byakuya seemed a bit surprised by the woman's actions, but didn't pull away. Something inside him wouldn't allow that to happen. Instead, he pulled her closer, his one hand going to her waist while the other slipped into her hair to the back of her neck, gently.

After a few short moments, Yoruichi was the one to break the kiss that she had started. She stared up at Byakuya, smiling lightly. "I'm sor-" She was cut off by his finger touching her lips, her eyes closed again and she just leaned forward, resting her head against his chest. Slowly, she was lifted up into the Captain's arms as he walked forward and laid her down.

"Get some rest Yoruichi." The male said as he left the room. What had possessed him? He didn't regret the kiss, but wondered... Was it the right time for it? He stopped as he was down the hall, and glanced over his shoulder; his eyes finding the room he had just left moments ago.

::Back in the World of the Living::

The orange haired boy looked rather annoyed while he sat at the round table with his friends. He facepalmed himself upon hearing the blonde shopkeeper's explanation on where Yoruichi was.

"You see... She was so determined to find out what was going on, that she left to I don't know where..." He said, dramatically, waving his fan in front of his face.

"Oh cut the crap!" Ichigo Kurosaki hissed.

"You sent her to the Soul Society," Rukia stated, her arms crossed and her eyes closed. Her facial expression was neutral. She opened her purple eyes and turned to look at the substitute soul reaper beside her. "Will you calm down? Obviously he is pulling your strings..."

The young boy shot her a look. "Me! This is bull. We're like sitting ducks, waiting to be picked off one by one. There is only so much we can take. And I think we're at our limits." Ichigo said.

"Ichigo..." The young female on the other side of him interrupted. "I believe you're over-reacting. Whatever Yoruichi went to the Soul Society to find out will explain everything. Right, Mr. Urahara?" Orihime asked sweetly.

"Exactly, Soul Reaper. No need to go pull a panic attack," the Quincy pushed his glassed up on the bridge of his nose.

"Plus, I believe Yoruichi is in the trusted hands of Captain Kuchiki," Kisuke stated, folding up his fan and taking a sip of his tea.

Rukia snapped her head towards the blonde, as did everyone else. Renji happened to raise an eyebrow.

"What sick game are you playing?" The red-head asked bluntly. "It's a known fact that those two hate each other," the lieutenant spoke, leaning forward a bit.

"No game really. I just know my former captain better than you know your captain, Renji." The blonde stated, a serious look coming to his face. "There was recently a Captains meeting that took place to discuss whatever is going on. I am, as sure as I know my name, positive that Yoruichi would go straight to Captain Kuchiki for information."

The raven-haired female hung her head down before lifting it up and looked around. Brother... She thought. Rukia opened her mouth to say something, but then her cellphone went off, alerting a hollow attack. Everyone at the table stood up, exchanging a single glance at each other. The three soul reapers exited their current bodies and dashed outside, jumping onto the roof before heading off. The three others followed on the ground.

:: Back in the Soul Society ::

Yoruichi woke up after passing out from exhaustion earlier. She blinked and sat up, taking in her surroundings for a brief moment. She ran her slender fingers through her long purple hair as she stood up. She had managed to change and then left the room. While she walked, she pulled her hair up into its usual style.

The cat woman made it outside and took a deep breath and looked at the trees around the mansion.

"Sleep well?" She heard a voice behind her, turning to see the noble there.

"I did... Thank you." Yoruichi responded. The male nodded and stepped forward, leaning down to place a gentle kiss upon her lips. As much as she wanted this to take place, it pained her to pull backward.

Byakuya raised an eyebrow in confusion now, but before he could ask, she was already talking.

"Byakuya..." Yoruichi started with a saddened sigh. "I am so sorry. As much as I want this." She moved her hands to fold in front of her. "With Aizen's game... I don't think it's the right time..." The last thing she wanted was for them to get hooked on each other and get distracted during that battle.

Byakuya could see the fear behind her expression when she looked back up at him. He understood, so instead of speaking he just reached out to grab her and lightly pulled her into a gentle hug. "It's okay." The male whispered ever so softly into her ear.

Yoruichi soon pulled away. "I need to go ask Soi Fon something. I shall be back later..." She said, before turning and disappearing in a flash soon, she would no longer be in the male's sight. Yoruichi stopped and looked over her shoulder. Her heart ached at her decision to leave. She had come to the conclusion, she did love him. She had always loved him, but she would not allow him to get hurt for loving her. Love was a distraction in battle. Taking a deep breath, the woman went back to flash stepping and soon found herself at Squad 2's barracks.

"Lady Yoruichi?" A female voice questioned behind her.

Smiling, the tanned woman turned to meet the female captain. "Hello, Soi Fon." She greeted.