Equalising
When Yoruichi returned to Seireitei one week later to brief Captain Commander Yamamoto on her investigations, she was surprised that Yamamoto had put her up in the Second Squad. How will Soifon take this news? She was even more surprised when she stepped into the Second Squad and was shown to her old room, which had been redone to its former splendor.
Everything was as she remembered, but better. She recalled how her household servants had decorated her room in the Second Squad when she was first appointed Captain. Her fingers traced the familiar wooden beams, the cherrywood desk she spent hours evading paperwork on, and her favourite chair where she lounged during Corps meetings. All these should have shown the signs of a hundred years of wear and tear, but they had evidently been refurbished. The room even held a special storage area with the finest milk. Yoruichi swore that the floor was heated. No expense had been spared in preparing this room for her.
She recalled Soifon's own room and office, which was spartan in comparison. How on earth could Soifon have afforded this?
"I hope this room pleases you, Yoruichi-sama." A familiar voice greeted her, and Yoruichi turned round to see Soifon bowing at the door. "Soifon! I… you have gone to great expense. This was not needed."
Soifon looked up, her countenance serious. "I have spoken to shou-taichou. He said that you would visit Seireitei frequently on missions for him, and now that your status as an agent of the Shinigami is known to all, you should be given quarters within the Second Squad since this was your former home. I hope I have remembered your room correctly, and that it will be comfortable for you."
Yoruichi looked at her protégé, unable to discern Soifon's feelings in the matter. Yet she seems genuinely sincere about having me stay. I can hardly believe how generous she has been with me. Yet she is still so formal…
Casually, Yoruichi asked "Hey Soifon. You free for a drink after work today?" She knew this remark would throw Soifon off and she was right. Soifon looked confused for awhile – ah I remember how I used to tease her and she would have that same exact expression! – before she bowed again. "The Onmitsukido are never off duty, Yoruichi-sama, and as their Commander, I am never off duty either. I do have some time later, although I am due for a meeting… perhaps… perhaps you would like to join me in this meeting?"
Yoruichi raised an eyebrow, bemused. You are holding your own well, Soifon. I am glad to see that.