Kukaku had gone to find Yoruichi after Soi came back. The girl looked pale and bothered. She had an odd feeling in her stomach that things were going bad. She went for Urahara's hideout.

She crouched in the entrance.

Urahara and Tessai were opening a gateway, a small group of Shinigami sat slumped and unconscious nearby.

She noticed someone clad in nothing but black. 'Yoruichi!' The dark skinned woman didn't look to pleased. She ducked out of sight when Yoruichi looked around. 'What the hell is going on?'

When a bright flash of light went off Kukaku looked back again. Her eyes met Yoruichi's. The goddess' expression went from sad to surprised then fury. She was gone a second later and Kukaku was left staring at a large empty cavern.

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Kukaku was walking back to her home in a daze. She couldn't really believe what she'd just seen, though she'd seen it which proved it. "I don't believe this." She whispered to herself.

"Believe what?" Kukaku jumped at the cheery voice behind her. Kurumi stood smiling at her. "You." Kukaku muttered clutching at the spot her heart was throbbing against in her ribcage.

Kurumi looked sad then. "I talked to master. She told me…I just…I understand. We're still friends she told me. So its not all bad I guess."

Kukaku felt a bit guilty. The girl literally had no one to be with. But knowing Urahara… "We'll swing by Urahara's tomorrow to try and find something."

"Hmm? What for?" "You'll see. You should Uhh…go to your room or wherever you're staying and get some sleep."

Kurumi stared at Kukaku for a long time before heading off.

Soi was sitting quietly on the bed when Kukaku entered the room. The royal tried to speak but the bodyguard shook her head. "…Not tonight. I don't want to hear anything else about her tonight." Kukaku nodded her understanding and moved to the bed.

It made Kukaku feel guilty that Soi looked so sad. It was an unfamiliar feeling. There weren't any tears in her eyes. Just heart wrenching sadness. 'Sad-eyed angel.' Kukaku thought dimly.

Soi looked up when a hand touched her cheek gently. "I'm sorry…" It was the only thing Kukaku could think to say. Soi shook her head and didn't speak. She took Kukaku's hand and held it tightly in her own.

A quiet understanding.

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"What are we doing here!?" "Shut up and stay down!" "Does master know about this!?" "Does it matter?" "Yes!" "!"

Kurumi ducked low and stayed quiet. Though it was clear she wanted to say something. Kukaku scuffled up ahead. They entered the building quietly.

"I can't see!" Kurumi whispered. "Shush!" Kukaku chided.

Kurumi bumped into Kukaku's back several minutes later. "What?" She was scared to speak to loudly. Kukaku knelt and scooped something up. "Let's go!" She turned Kurumi around and guided hr back.

They snuck back off the way they had come. As quiet as mice.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"…What is it?" Soi asked as she stared at the body slumped against the other wall. Kurumi sat next to her with confused eyes. Kukaku grinned. "It's someone to keep Kurumi company. A companion of sorts."

Soi sweat dropped. "You make it sound like it's a dog." Kukaku grinned and looked away. "You know I don't mean it like that."

Kurumi smiled. "What's her name?"

Kukaku looked at the slumped girl. "Saki I believe." Kurumi squealed. "How do we wake her up?" Kukaku looked thoughtful. "Soi woke you up with a kiss so I'm guess it's the same with her. Just give her a kiss."

Soi looked away. Kurumi squealed and Kukaku moved out of the way. Neither looked but turned when they heard a shriek.

Saki was awake and looking around in confusion as Kurumi held her tight around the shoulders.

"Well let the poor girl breath Kurumi." Kukaku advised, sitting heavily on the bed.

Kurumi stood and hefted Saki up with her. "Come on! I'll take you for a walk and we can talk and everything!" She all but dragged the poor confused girl out with her.

Kukaku sweat dropped. "She acts like she's a pet." Soi giggled.

There was a long silence. Kukaku rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. "Umm…I meant to say…that is…Yoruichi," Soi cut her off. "I know." Kukaku looked at her. "You knew? How?" "Just a feeling."

Another long silence. Kukaku broke it again. "About uh…that kiss…" Soi smiled. "It's okay." "I didn't mean," "Anything by it? I find that hard to believe." Kukaku chuckled. "Well…I meant something. I'm just not sure what I meant yet."

Soi took her hand. "Try again then." Kukaku blushed. "What?" Soi smirked. "Try again." Kukaku tried to say something but was at a loss for words. Soi smiled and waited.

'Try again then.' Kukaku couldn't decide. If she acted to fast it may ruin things, if she didn't…then nothing would start at all.

Soi instinctively wrapped her arms around Kukaku's neck as the woman pressed her down and kissed her hard on the lips.