Chapter 2 as promised!
Thank you to all that reviewed my story. Reviews are very rewarding, and I'm not above admitting my love for them!
Side note:
lildevilish- Soi Fon received an injury from fighting with a bounto in the Bleach series. He snuck up and poisoned her, and in order to save her own life, Soi used her Suzumebachi to extract the poison. I was merely playing with the injury in my story. Hope that helps to clear up some confusion!
As the sun set, dark shadows fluttered across crimson hair, reaching out to barely touch Soi Fon's slender figure. Transfixed, she watched as the light played on her sempai's strong features.
"Are you alright?" she murmured, noticing the glazed look caught in Yoruichi's eyes. When the dark skinned woman didn't respond, Soi Fon glanced down the path leading to her room. It had been a long day, and Unohana had spent the majority of it sending Yoruichi scurrying around to bring her medical supplies. For such a kind and soft toned woman, she was surprisingly strong, forcing a flustered Soi Fon to stay put as she tended to the young captain's arm. Unohana spent the majority of the day doting upon the second division's captain, and now that she thought about it, Yoruichi-sama did look rather tired.
"Are you alright? The slender woman tried again, raising her voice slightly, to catch the dark cat's attention.
"Mmm… I feel like my legs are going to give out," Yoruichi chuckled, as she flashed a bright grin, cursing her 100 years of laziness.
"Yoruichi-sama, there's no need to escort me home. You should return to your home, and rest."
"Well," the dark cat pondered aloud, "Urahara's is much too far away. Staying here sounds better."
"…Stay here?" Soi Fon glanced around, and in spite of herself she found herself caught in her sempai's dark gaze. Slightly flustered she responded, "Yoruichi-sama, you're welcome to stay in my room."
It was a strange sight, Yoruichi noted, watching as the slender woman's figure stiffened in embarrassment. "There's no need," she flashed a grin, "I don't want to impose upon you. I'm more than comfortable sleeping in a tree."
"You're never an imposition."
"Really?" Yoruichi blinked.
"I-I insist," Soi Fon swallowed as she bowed low.
"Alright," came the reply, "but…" reaching out in one swift motion she placed a slender finger on the younger woman's chin, pulling her up to look into her eyes, "only if you relax."
By the time they arrived in the 2nd division's division, the moon had floated its way high into the evening sky. It took Soi Fon a moment, but as she slid her door open she realized the state that she had left it in.
"What? What's the hold up?" Yoruichi yawned, grabbing hold of the side of the door. Sliding it open she leaned over the shorter captain's head to glance into the room.
"Yoruichi-sama, could you please wait a moment? My room needs to be tidied," Soi frowned, cursing her laziness.
"What? Why? It's perfectly fine," came the reply as Yoruichi leaned against the door and slid into the room.
"B-but…" the shorter woman hesitated, glancing as her sempai collapsed in the bed. Admitting defeat she watched as the older woman changed to her cat form and curled into the sheets.
It was a pleasant evening, Soi decided, closing the door as she left her snoring sempai. She didn't know where to go, but simply wandered in the direction her feet chose. Night in Seireitei always seemed to slow time, tending to ease all stress in the young captain until nothing but satisfaction remained, and tonight was no exception. Light cherry blossoms blushed as silver moonbeams reached down, kissing the petals that danced in the wind. Soi Fon loved cherry blossoms at night. She watched as they shimmered in distinction to the dark contrast of their bark. It was hard being the captain of the 2nd division as well as the commander-in-chief of the Special Forces, she thought to herself. Not only was Soi Fon a woman, but she was also slender in stature, reaching a mere 4'11". Hard… Soi Fon chuckled …what an understatement.
There were times when Soi wished she possessed a more joyful exterior around others, but years of training, Yoruichi-sama's betrayal, and her fight to the top had stolen away any sense of leisurely conduct that Soi may have once possessed. Leisurely midnight walks somehow restored the youth stolen from the weathered shinigami; they became a small personal sanctuary.
"Hey," a low grunt interrupted the young captain's thoughts, stopping her in her tracks.
"Oh," she smiled, "Kenpachi." Zaraki Kenpachi, captain of the 11th division sat before Soi Fon, relaxing under one of the cherry blossom trees. He too was one for late night walks, preferring the blanket of darkness. Time and time again the two captains had run into each other, and before either realized it, midnight meetings became a small tradition for them. Soi Fon had always liked Kenpachi. He was a strong man, and a good leader. Though Soi didn't quite understand his love for fighting, she admired his dedication as well as his tough love manner. A method Soi Fon practiced herself. Sitting next to him she inquired, "Where's Yachiru-san?"
"I'm not sure," he grinned, brushing his hair aside, "probably sleeping."
It wasn't often the large man let his hair down, but Soi Fon liked it better when he did. There were nights when Kenpachi felt the desire to relax rather than fight, searching for worthy opponents. Soi was glad this was one of those times. Though not many saw it, Kenpachi had a softer side that was more evident when his let his hair flow freely.
"Not tired?" Murmured the large man.
"…Yoruichi-sama didn't have the energy to return to Urahara-san's so she's staying in my room," she answered, letting the silent glances between them answer more questions than words ever could.
"So, why aren't you there?" Kenpachi chuckled. Soi Fon hadn't told him about her admiration for Yoruichi-sama. No one needed to be told of that. Yet, somehow along the passage of time, the admiration Soi held for the dark woman changed into a fonder, more affectionate emotion. And, by some hidden means, Kenpachi knew. Bewildered, Soi Fon let the silence fall heavily as she struggled to find a response.
"Go to her," he said.
"But…"
"Go to her," Kenpachi repeated, "you should treasure the moments you have, before they slip away."
The younger woman turned, her formally impassive face splashed with chaste emotions.
"Besides," he continued, "I'm tired." And with one last glance at the shinigami at his side, he stood and left, returning to his room.
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I have this idea in my mind that Soi Fon and Kenpachi could be great friends. I don't know why, but they seem like they'd get along.
Chapter 3 coming soon! I already have some ideas floating around in my head. Hopefully I'll get them grounded soon.