Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or its characters.
Warning: All feelings between the two is of mutual strong friendship, nothing more. You'll know what I'm talking about once you get there.
/
Yoruichi tore off her blood stained clothes and threw them in her garbage can. Those clothes could not be salvaged even by the best of seamstress. She set her zanpaktou down onto her night stand thinking about the battle that happened previously. She loved engaging in hand-to-hand combat. To show that she could do so much damage without her zanpaktou. Her zanpaktou was only a last resort before she used her ressureccíon. For Nnoitra she made an exception. This battle reminded her how little she fought strong opponents. Hell Harribel was strong but she wasn't taking Yoruichi seriously enough.
She lay on her bed naked looking over her wounds. They had all healed by the time she got through talking with Gin. She healed quicker than any other arrancar, which at the same time while it was a blessing it could be a curse as well. She didn't die easily, it took a hell of a lot to kill her. She should know because she has died before. She touched her arrancar fragment on her neck moving around the designed medallion between her index finger and thumb. Only eight leaves were on there, and three of the eight were gold instead of white.
Such a beautiful thing it was. She looked at the espada tattoo on the inside of her thigh. Barragan could have his ranking. She didn't need a number to understand who was stronger than her and who wasn't. She grabbed one of her books and began reading, coming across a few highlighted words here and there. Neliel was trying to tell her something. She needed to get some books on how to read a hidden messages. That was another reason she was happy to kick Nnoitra's ass was because of what he and Syzayelapporo did to Neliel. Though she couldn't really blame Syzayelapporo for he was a man of science and used every opportunity to test out an invention. About an hour later she finished her book. She sighed as she finished reading, it was such a good book.
She couldn't even begin to sympathize with the main heroine because their lives were nothing alike. The main character was born among a high noble family. Yet she was unlike all the nobles not being as stuck up and bitchy. She joined the army as was tradition with her family, and took over not only her clan, but the secret division, and second unit as well. She was the first female in her history to accomplish it. Sadly, she had to give up the life she made for herself in order to save her friends who had all been framed for crimes they didn't commit.
She left behind, a loving sister, a student who she was training, her friends, her most trusted partner, and her lover. She fled to another country for ten years only to once again be seen aiding an enemy for a noble cause. The reunions with her student and sister were filled with fighting and blood shed. They both were out to get her head, from heart ache and betrayal. She survived defeating them both. The book stops at when the main heroine and all the other members of her country found out that they were being fooled by three of their own.
Yeah, Yoruichi could never relate to this woman. She's had her fair share of blood, death, and violence but the ones she killed was for survival. While the heroine went against her code, just to gain the acknowledgment of her family. She could admire a woman like that in real life. Yoruichi set her book on her night stand and shivered slightly as a cold breeze blew by. She forgot she was naked. She got up and walked to her bathroom ready to take a shower and wash all the blood and dirt off her body. Afterwards she'd go visit Ulquiorra, and see how her friend has been.
Sadly she forgot her towel in her bedroom, so she walked out to get it. Unbeknownst to her there was someone waiting on her bed. She walked out of the bathroom and looked straight into enchanting green eyes. Green met gold as they stared into each others eyes. That was until he broke eye contact and looked at her attire, or rather lack of attire. She didn't bother to cover up, turn her body, or scream. Instead she just placed one hand on her hip and pointed an accusing finger at him with a grin on her face. She was comfortable with her body enough to only let a select few see her. And they all got a fair amount of teasing.
"Dearest Ulquiorra if you wanted to see me naked all you had to do was ask. I would have gladly shown you." She teased while wagging her finger. "You didn't have to sneak into my room." She said with a grin.
"I didn't sneak into your room, your room door was wide open. If you're are going to flaunt your naked body around I suggest you close your door. Otherwise you will be having some aroused males," He looked at her body again deciding if he should say the rest.
"and females trying to have their way with you. We do not need anyone dying so I suggest keeping your door closed." He purposely ignored the rest of what she said before that. She frowned playfully.
"As suppose you are right. After all I don't want anymore perverts walking in unannounced." She looked at him accusingly.
"So do you like what you see?" She asked playfully while she spined around. He just looked away from her not bothering to answer her question. He did like what he saw but she didn't need to know that. He was already a victim of her repetitive teasing whenever he accidentally saw her naked. Now was no different. He decided to lay on his back and stare at the ceiling averting his gaze a way from her naked body. She frowned.
"You know I'm starting to think you like men." She accused as she walked over to him. He looked at her with a bored expression not even acknowledging what she just said. Unbeknowst to him that was a bad move on his part. If it was any other straight male, they would be quick to defend their sexuality but Ulquiorra would let her believe what she believed. He knew he liked woman. She already walked freely naked around him, so that wouldn't hinder or increase how comfortable she was around him. He could just leave anyway and not answer her question. What she did next was unexpected.
She climbed on top of him, sat on his pelvis, and pinned him down. She knew he would just try to get up and leave to avoid answering her question, so she made sure he couldn't. He wasn't going anywhere till he answered her question. She was going to find him love damn it!
" . .Ulquiorra?" She asked her face dangerously close to his. Both of her hands were on his shoulders holding him down. If she didn't get off him soon she would find out the hard way what his sexual preference is. If anybody walked by they would see the position the two espada were in and see that it looked rather sexual. Yoruichi must not have noticed what she was doing. Sometimes she was oblivious to her actions. She knew right now she was pinning Ulquiorra down, but she didn't realize the affect it was causing. She also forgot that she was naked for the second time that day.
"Get off of me Yoruichi." He stated in his voice that always seem to be devoid of emotion.
"Answer my question Ulquiorra!" She commanded. She wasn't getting off until then.
"It's an idiotic question." He replied. She huffed and moved her face a little closer to his causing her body to shift over top of him, and her breast to bounce with the motion. He glared at her but she thought is was just because she wasn't letting him go.
"Bullshit Ulquiorra you are behaving like a stubborn child, just answer the damn question!" She yelled.
"Why is it so important to you?" He asked her.
"Because I am going to find you someone to love! And right now I'm starting to think I've been scouting the wrong team." She said pushing up against him more. Ulquiorra just looked at her. Yoruichi saw something flash across his eyes for just a second but she couldn't be sure what it was because as quickly as came it was gone. He would rather not be in this position. She needed to get off him right now otherwise he was going to throw her off.
"I told you I am incapable of love." She scoffed.
"Of loving women?" She questioned.
"Of both genders." He corrected. She frowned.
"Ulquiorra you just haven't met the right person. I believe there is a person out there that will love you more than I do. You just have to find them." She stated with a smile.
"Yoruichi get off of me." And he ruined the moment of friendship she was trying to build.
"You just had to ruin the moment of friendship." She said angrily
"How the fuck did this emotionless vampire get a hot piece of ass like you?!" Both Ulquiorra and Yoruichi looked at her door way, and there stood none other than Grimmjow poking his head through. Yoruichi's eyes widened slightly how was she suppose to get out of this situation. 'Think Yoruichi' she thought to herself. She remembered everyone thought she was a whore. Hopefully Ulquiorra played along.
"Lord Aizen assigned me to assist Master Ulquiorra with a problem while my master is away." She stated while moving her hips to indicate his problem.
"Well I'm sure I can give you a better fuck than he can. When can I get a turn?" He joked.
"You have to take it up with Lord Aizen." She stated. She began to unzip Ulquiorra's jacket to show she was ready to start her business. Hopefully Grimmjow got the message and left. Sadly, he didn't. Did he want to watch or something?
"Leave us Grimmjow." Ulquiorra commanded. He wasted no time in leaving, probably to go find Lord Aizen. Thankfully he shut the door as well. Yoruichi just looked at Ulquiorra with a frown as she zipped his jacket back up. That was a close call.
"Yoruichi get off of me now." Was all he could say. While she was moving her hips to convince Grimmjow, a problem of his own formed. He gripped her hips ready to move her off him when she spoke.
"Answer my que-" She felt something poke her thigh. She looked down at Ulquiorra and saw him looking as emotionless as ever. He was good at hiding his urges.
"So that was why you kept telling me to get off. You could have just said something Ulquiorra. Sometimes you need to swallow your damn pride." Well she got the answer to her question. She got off him and in that moment remembered she was naked. She played the scenario that just happened in her head, but with her clothes off. She mentally hit herself. Sometimes she could be so naive to what she was doing to people.
'Damn Grimmjow saw me naked.' She thought to herself.
"Would you like a cold shower Ulquiorra?" He just turned away from her. She took that as a no. She grabbed her towel that was in her dresser and went to go take a hot shower. She came out about ten minutes later feeling refreshed and clean but with the towel wrapped around her. She noticed that Ulquiorra was still on her bed just waiting for her. That's right she never asked why he was here.
"Hey Ulquiorra why are you here you rarely come visit my room?" She asked while pulling out some clothes for herself.
"I came to tell you, you have training with me today and ask you why your spiritual pressure became dangerously high this morning." She paled slightly. She didn't think anyone noticed that. Maybe Ulquiorra just knew it was hers because he has felt it before.
"You forget how dangerous your spiritual pressure is. Once you release it, you become like a magnet. People become drawn to you for different reasons. I myself was not immune to its effect and found myself looking for you wanting to fight you." He stated.
"Will you tell me why your spiritual pressure became so high?" He asked while looking at her.
"No, I'll explain when I'm ready." She said her voice emotionless. She didn't really want to talk about what happened with Lord Aizen this morning with anybody, not even her best friend. Ulquiorra thought that to be strange, her voice was never devoid of emotion. What happened to her? She let her towel fall to the ground as she put on her clothes. She didn't even feel like teasing Ulquiorra. Training with Ulquiorra could get rather fierce so they would be leaving Las Noches and going to Huecdo Mundo so as to cause a minimum amount of damage.
/
Starrk and Lilynette walked through the garganta slowly. The tension between them so thick you could cut it with a knife. An uncomfortable silence had washed over them ever since they departed for their mission. Lilynette was the first to speak.
"So you finally grew some balls?" She asked sarcastically while putting her hands behind her head.
"Yes," He stated. He was unprepared for what happened next. Lilynette had kicked him in the balls.
"What the hell Lilynette?" Starrk said in pain as he fell to his knees and then the ground. Why did she always go for the cheap shot?
"That was for touching my sister you perverted old man."
"Yoruichi is older than us!" He defended himself.
"I told you to tell her how you felt not show her! When the hell did you even get together!?" She huffed angrily.
"About a few days ago." He said in pain.
"Damn it Starrk, you knew the risk of falling in love with her. What if she gains her memories back and leaves us? Then what? I won't have my big sister and you won't have your mate." Lilynette's eye filled with unshed tears. Starrk knew that, he knew the risk.
"I just don't want to lose her. She was the best thing to happen to us! What if you touching her brings up old memories of a lover or something? That may just be the trigger to it all." The tears began to fall from her eye. She didn't want to lose her big sister. He could have just speeded up the rate she gains her memories. She kicked him angrily a few times. And Starrk just took them, she needed to vent. She was still a child and was prone to throw tantrums here and there. He ignored the pain he was feeling and just thought about when they first met Yoruichi.
/flashback/
The bodies continued to pile up around them. They had yet to meet anyone that could live long enough to even approach them. Lilynette walked by his side enjoying the cold sand between her toes. At least they had each other. She was not phased by all the bodies around them for she had long ago grown use to it.
"Starrk?" He looked in her direction.
"Do you think will ever meet someone who can live alongside us?" She asked her voice soft and unsure. He placed a comforting hand on the top of her head.
"Perhaps someday." He stated while they continued to walk forward.
"Do you think they will be a boy or a girl? I'm hoping girl! I always wanted a sister! Hopefully she is nice and will take care of us." Lilynette said excitedly. Starrk could only smile at he cheerfulness, one of them had to be. He was fine with just having Lilynette as his companion but sometimes he did wish for the company of another as well. As they continued walking they had left the bodies of the dead long behind them. They didn't see or feel anymore approaching hollows which was strange to them.
They heard the familiar roar of a hollow in the distance but it sounded as if it was moving away from them. He suddenly felt a strong sensation to go in the direction of his right. The urge had started to become stronger with each passing minute.
"Starrk do you feel that?" So Lilynette was feeling it to.
"Yes." He stated while moving in the direction. He could no longer fight his urge. Lilynette followed closely behind. As they travelled they passed by many hollows going in the same direction. Oddly none of them fought which was very strange. All the ones Starrk and Lilynette passed dropped dead. They kept their distance from the hoard of hollows that all seemed to be crowding around something.
They both climbed up a really high mound of sand so they could get a better view of the inside of the circle. Lilynette gasped as she saw what was inside. One lone hollow going up against hollows of all forms and ranks. They couldn't get a good enough angle to see any noticeable features. The hollow appeared to be holding its own but given the amount of hollows crowding around it would eventually be defeated.
"Starrk we should help it." Lilynette said in a worried tone.
"It can handle itself just fine." He said while watching the battle before him. Each opponent that went up against the hollow was either crushed, impaled, or ripped apart. The smaller of the hollows fought gruesomely. None that approached it lived. Even when some smarter hollows engaged the smaller one in battle, their tactics were outsmarted and they met an untimely death. Yet, no matter how many hollows were defeated more replaced the fallen. If that hollow was a level one and it were to survive this battle and consume all that hollows it destroyed then it was enough souls there to evolve it to a vasto lorde. Suddenly the lone hollow disappeared and reappeared in the exact same spot fifteen seconds later.
But something was wrong all the other hollows had stopped suddenly. The screeching and roars were gone as well. That was when Starrk saw it. All the hollows had been defeated and one by one they vanished.
"That hollow is powerful." Lilynette said. The lone hollow had hunted down the rest of the approaching hollows destroying them quickly. As it destroyed its last opponent, it gave a victorious roar before it suddenly appeared in front of Starrk and Lilynette. It was fast. Now that it was in front of them they got a good look at it. The first thing they noticed was that it was a she. It's body was to curvaceous, hips to wide, legs to slender, breast to big to be a male. It's lower half from the waist down, arms up to the shoulder and breast were covered in white fur. It hands had fur as well as claws.
Its white fur was tainted with blood, its brown skin drenched in it. Its purple hair went down to its waist with two white streaks running through it. It's had nine large tails that swayed gently with each step. It's golden eyes seemed feral and regarded them as prey. Lilynette cowered slightly and Starrk stepped in front of her protectively. Starrk was feeling a strong urge to destroy this being and devour it. He hasn't felt the urge to consume hollows for a very long time now, so this feeling was new. He could fight it.
"Have you come to kill me as well?" She spoke. She looked at the two beings before her. They didn't look like any hollow she has ever seen. They didn't even look like vasto lordes. She would proceed around them with extreme caution. She looked at the little girl and saw that she was afraid of her. She softened her eyes knowing how intense they could get during battle. Everyone was her prey for she could trust no one. At least not anymore after what he did. It seemed to calm the child's nerves. It was the man that spoke.
"We've only came to observe. We have no intention to fight you." He stated calmly. Yoruichi was taken aback. They didn't want to hurt her? No, she wouldn't be fooled again! She trusted someone and it could have cost her her life.
"Liar, I know you feel it!" She yelled. Her tails unfurled dangerously. Starrk tensed but he placed his hand on Lilynette's head just in case.
"You are just like the rest! I can't trust you! So I have to kill you before you try to kill me!" She got on all fours ready to charge forward but she instead stalked around them sizing them up. She could feel they were strong, very strong. But even they would die by her claws. She could go after the male first. She lunged forward ready to sink her claws into the male. But the child moved herself in front of him with her arms spread wide.
"No! Please don't hurt him! Please just listen to us!" She yelled desperately. Yoruichi couldn't stop the lunge herself, and she didn't want to hurt the child. She was going to regret what she was about to do. What they were about to say better had been important. Yoruichi unfurled her tails and wrapped them around her limbs pulling herself back roughly. She could hear something crack in her arm. Her shoulder popped out of place. Yoruichi landed on her feet. They watched as her arm hung loosely by her side.
"You have until my arm heals and then I am done talking." Yoruichi said as she popped her shoulder back into place.
"Okay, we are not here to hurt you I promise." Lilynette looked at Starrk and pointed at Yoruichi.
"Starrk look at her, she's still alive. She's not dead like the rest. Maybe she is the one we're searching for!" Lilynette walked over to Yoruichi slowly. Yoruichi tensed and backed away.
"No I promise I won't hurt you. Please just let me come near you." Lilynette asked.
"Stay right there!" Yoruichi yelled. Lilynette stopped. Yoruichi grabbed Lilynette with one of her tails and picked her up into the air. Starrk moved forward quickly.
"No Starrk! It's okay she is not hurting me." Then Lilynette thought of something.
"Let her grab you as well." Lilynette said.
"Are you crazy!" He asked her.
"No, just trust me." Of all the things he did for his companion this was one of the dumbest of things. He let his guard down. Yoruichi grabbed him with another of her tails and brought both of them to her face.
"Speak now." Yoruichi commanded.
"Thank you." Lilynette said. "Starrk look how close we are to her." Starrk actually noticed that for the first time that this woman was still alive.
"She's still alive." Lilynette said excitedly.
"She can be around us!" Lilynette said again. Yoruichi was confused why the child was so happy. Yoruichi sniffed the air. She could smell the child's happiness, and the male was being truthful she didn't smell any hostile intent from him. She set them down.
"Lilynette calm down, that doesn't mean she will come with us." Starrk stated. Lilynette's shoulders sagged slightly realising what he said was true. They had a chance at having another person travel with them, but the opportunity could slip right through their fingers. Yoruichi looked at the sulking child, she had a soft spot for children. She never hurt or killed them even when they attacked her.
"Lilynette please explain to me why you are excited to meet me. You still have time before my shoulder is done healing." Yoruichi said with a smile. So Lilynette explained her and Starrk's loneliness and the constant death. Yoruichi actually felt sorry for them. She knew what loneliness felt like. They were lonely because no one could live around them. She was lonely because she was constantly fighting for her life. But she couldn't trust anybody because they would all eventually try and hurt her. So she had to deny their offer.
"I'm sorry I can't." She said as her arm was fully done healing.
"Why?" Starrk asked.
"Because everyone will eventually turn on me even you two." She stated while walking away. Starrk grabbed her wrist stopping her.
"Just travel with us for a short while. You won't have to worry about fighting because we'll protect you. You don't have to even be close to us. Please just do it for Lilynette." He practically begged her. She looked at Lilynette who was looking like she was about to cry if she said no. She sighed.
"Only for a short time. I'm Yoruichi by the way." She said as she grabbed the males hand.
"Coyote Starrk" he said while lightly squeezing her hand.
And ever since that day Yoruichi travelled with them. At first she kept a really long distance away from them, but she eventually came closer and closer with the passing days. After awhile she began to trust them as well but she was still extremely careful. She warmed up to Lilynette instantly but remained wary around Starrk. It actually took her a really long time to warm up to him. They protected her and she protected them. She was happy around them, happy she didn't have to be alone anymore. Overtime her feelings for Starrk became stronger as did his with her.
/flashback over/
Lilynette had stopped kicking him awhile ago and she dried her tears. When they all first met it wasn't pleasant, but they all eventually warmed up to each other. Starrk had got off the ground.
"Lilynette I promise you I will not let Yoruichi go. I will fight for her." He placed a hand over her head in a comforting manner. He was going to fight for her.
"I love Yoruichi Starrk we can't lose her." Lilynette said.
"I love her too." He said while walking forward.
"Now let's get going we have a mission to finish." He said while walking out of the garganta into Karakura town. Aizen's orders were echoing in his head.
"Cause mayhem and destruction. Be wary of a blonde haired man and an orange headed boy they will be out for blood." Were Aizen's orders.
/
The room was dimly lit with bottles of sake strewn about among other messes. A lone figure could be seen leaning back in a chair clutching a nearly empty bottle in his hand wishing he was drunk. Sometimes he cursed his high tolerance for alcohol, and this was one of those times. All he wanted to do was drink his sorrows away and his body wouldn't even allow that. It would take an excessive amount of alcohol for him to even begin to feel the effects. Damn, shinigami and their stupidly high tolerance for alcohol.
This was one of the things he took for grand it, was drinking with her. Whether it be alcohol, her favorite milk, or his favorite drink tea. Now he would literally kill just to have her sitting down with him drinking, and laughing about the old days or the latest gossip from soul society. He looked into a corner, and he could see her in her cat form playing with him with a ball of yarn. They smiled and laughed as Yoruichi pounced on his head playfully. He blinked in the memory was gone.
He looked at the bed, and he could see Yoruichi's sleeping human form curled up into a ball snoring lightly. As he blinked the sleeping Yoruichi was gone. He looked at the middle of the room and he could see himself with Yoruichi's head in his lap as she read a manga excitedly. She pointed to characters eagerly and excitedly explained the story line behind it. She had playfully hit him when he made a perverted remark about it. They shared a laugh. Once again the memory was gone in the blink of an eye.
He looked at the closet and saw himself pulling out a rather revealing red dress for her to wear to a party. She looked at him with a mischievous smile as she tore it to pieces. She then pulled out an even smaller red dress. He just blushed and said a perverted remark. She pulled out a black suit for him to wear. Though he would have preferred to wear his gray one. They laughed again as she threw the gray one at him. He blinked and the memory was gone.
He looked at the door and he could see Yoruichi throwing clothes in a suitcase angrily. Kisuke pleaded with her to stay. She just picked up her three suitcases and stormed out angrily, slamming the door on her way out. She didn't come back for a whole month. Once again the memory was gone in a blink of an eye.
This very room had a lot of memories in it. He grabbed a picture from the desk he was leaning away from and moved his fingers over the picture of her. He had caught her off guard drinking milk one day causing her to drop it, she had dove for it creating a hilarious action shot.
"Yoruichi," he whispered sadly. He missed her. He set the picture back in its usual place, and downed the rest of his sake. He threw the now empty bottle into the pile with the others and grabbed another that was next to him.
"Number 5." He muttered to himself. He could hear a knocking on his room door, but he ignored it. He was only letting two people in and that was only because they knew his pain. The knocking at the door sounded to quick to be the knock of someone broken. The knocking continued. He didn't have the energy nor strength to even unlock the door. He just leaned idly back in his chair as sober as he can be. This was his time of grieving so people needed to let him fucking grieve! He threw an empty sake bottle at the door shattering the bottle. The knocking had stopped and he took a swig of his sake.
/
She sat in her office filling out pile after pile of paperwork. But even this could not take her mind off her own sorrow. The woman she loved more than life itself was gone and never to return. She had no more tears to shed for her eyes were already bloodshot and dry. If anyone ever said that the second division captain cried people would just laugh off that persons insanity. She never cried but anyone in her division would tell you of the sound of crying they heard as they passed her office door. Her lieutenant had seen first hand the state his normally cold and strong willed captain was in. And it wasn't pretty. She could barely function normally so the head captain had assigned her to do only paperwork. Her lieutenant and third seat would handle her division duties.
She barely left her office only ever coming out for mandatory captains meetings. She barely ate, and only when it was brought to her. So Omeda made it his personal goal to ensure his captain who was already so tiny didn't waste away. She no longer insulted him for she didn't have the energy to. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't get one insult out of her. And that is how he knew she was damaged.
One day he had made the mistake of telling her she should forget about Yoruichi, and that was the day she nearly killed him with Suzemebachi. He only lived because she had stung him so hard the first time that she sent him through the wall, and that when she chased him Captain Komamaru had stayed her hand. He knew never to bring up her name again. His captain was really affected by the former squad two captains death.
"Yoruichi-sama." If only she had been there to protect her, she would have still been alive! Why wasn't she there when her Lady needed her the most? Her eyes began to sting telling her that she was supposed to be shedding tears right now but her eyes were to dry.
"Lady Yoruichi!" She yelled in sorrow. Why did he have to take her?! Why her?! She loved her, she was in love with her. She would kill Aizen. She would make him pay! And then she would kill herself to serve by her Lady in the afterlife. She just couldn't live without her.
"Little bee." She looked up from her desk and saw...
"Lady Yoruichi." Soifon rushed to her side hugging her Master tightly. Yoruichi just stroked her hair gently.
"Soifon I am disappointed in you." Yoruichi said.
"I'm sorry Lady Yoruichi. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you!" Soifon said sadly.
"No Soifon. I'm disappointed you have thought of ending your own life. Even after all this Aizen business is over, I want you to live your life. I don't want to be seeing you anytime soon in the afterlife." Yoruichi said with a disapproving tone. Soifon looked up confused.
"But Lady Yoruichi-" She was cut off by Yoruichi's voice.
"No buts little bee. That is an order and besides someone will miss you dearly should you leave." Yoruichi's voice was stern but she had a gentle smile on her face.
"Yes Lady Yoruichi, but who would miss me?" She asked. She couldn't think of anyone that cared for her besides Yoruichi. Yoruichi just giggled while touching the tip of her finger to Soifon's nose. She missed her laughter and giggling.
"I leave that to you to find out little bee." She hugged Soifon tightly as she said her next words.
"I have to go now little bee. Don't forget my order because if I see you before your time I am going to kick your ass." She said jokingly. Soifon just held her tighter. She didn't want Yoruichi to go she just got her back.
"No Lady Yoruichi don't go!" Soifon begged. But Yoruichi had already disappeared. Soifon sobbed lightly as she fell to her knees gripping the carpet tightly between her fingers.
/
He practiced his calligraphy but it didn't take a Master to know his strokes were off. They were not as perfect as they could be and he was a man that strived with perfection. He tore that piece of paper to shreds and threw it away with all the other failures. This style was one he mastered long ago when he was a child, so why was he making mistakes after so many decades? He dipped his brush in the ink and tried again. And once again he failed.
The brush snapped between his fingers out of frustration. He was not one to lose his cool so easily but he has been more easily frustrated lately. It was then that he noticed his grave mistake. He had broken the brush that she had painstakingly spent weeks making for him. She knew he accepted nothing less than perfection, so that was her 112 attempt at making him the perfect brush. It was a birthday present that he had at first hated, thinking she had just bought it at some cheap store. And when he called her out on it, that was the very day he ever truly feared for his life. She had literally thrown him across soul society. She had purposely thrown him high and with enough force to keep him going for hours. Luckily she caught him right before he landed. He didn't know why she had gotten so angry over something so cheap. That was until he entered her room one day and saw all the failed attempts at making the brush with little notes by them stating their imperfections. Hell alot of them were perfect, and she would write either Byakuya hates this color or Byakuya-bo hates this wood. She had spent so much time making it for him he actually felt bad. He apologized to her that day.
He had grown to unconsciously use the brush she made for everything. He always kept it by him and let no one touch it. Not even his most precious loved ones, which were few. This was the style she preferred to write in and he wanting to out do her mastered it. But his calligraphy was still second to hers. He ran his finger over his name that had been engraved on the brush. She wrote it perfectly. He had realized he had been trying to write her name perfectly as well. And now he had gone and broke one of his most prized possessions over his frustration with his calligraphy.
He missed her teasing and would give anything just to hear her say his insufferable nickname again. He had always acted like he hated her, but he never truly could. He had even loved her at one point in time. When Rukia told him of her death, he had kept up his usual mask of indifference. But behind closed doors he would frown. Her death had hit a few people hard and he was no exception. Now the last thing he had of her besides a picture was broken. He just prayed he could get it fixed. One thing he regretted was of her last memory of him, being him trying to kill her.
"Yoruichi," he sighed to himself. He grabbed the now broken brush and placed it in a tiny chest. He was going to get it fixed. He ran his fingers lightly over a picture of her when they were younger. He would never see his friends smile again. His demon cat was truly gone.
/
He poured a cup of tea for himself sadly. Not even his favorite drink could lift his spirits. Even the taste of it reminded him of her. He clutched the tea cup between his pale hands tightly. He could feel his eyes sting warning him of the incoming tears. Everytime he thought about her, he found himself shedding tears. He constantly thought about her. He loved her with all his heart, yet he had lost her. When Rukia had told him the news he could feel his heart break. No it not only broke, it shattered and then shattered some more before becoming nothing more than pieces that could not be put back together.
No amount of comfort had even helped to ease the pain he was feeling. He set the now warm tea on his desk and wiped his tears away. The door to his office opened and in ran his best friend. He made sure to put on a smile as his best friend entered.
"Jushiro you have to hide me!" He said in alarm.
"Hiding from Nanao again?" His deep voice asked curiously.
"Yes my dear Jushiro." He said tipping his hat to him with a smile. Jushiro smiled back as he lit a fire to reheat his tea.
"Well you know your usual place so you might want to go there soon because I can hear your lieutenant coming." He suggested. Shunsui took his advice and moved to the back of his office under his desk. Just then Nanao came in, her ever present book with her.
"Captain Ukitake where is he?" She asked irritated. Jushiro just gave her a questionable look.
"Shunsui hasn't stopped by today. Is he skipping out on work again?" He asked curiously. She just huffed in irritation.
"Yes Captain Ukitake he is." She began walking away but stopped. Her eyes took on a sad expression. Jushiro knew what she was about to say.
"I'm sorry for your loss Captain. Yoruichi was a great woman." Jushiro just shook his head to acknowledge he heard her. He closed the door to his office loud enough so that Shunsui knew to come out. Shunsui came out, but with a bottle of Saki and two saki dishes.
"You know we have to talk about her right?" Shunsui poured to glasses and handed one to Ukitake who took it and sat down. Shunsui copied his friend and took a seat opposite of him. Shunsui was the first to speak.
"You know we tell each other everything, but I feel as though you have been keeping your emotions bottled inside. I am your best friend Jushiro it is no trouble at all for you to tell me your pain. I know you were crying over her before I came in here. Your fake smiles don't work on me you know. I know how much you loved her Jushiro." Shunsui said while taking a sip of his saki. Jushiro just looked guiltily away, he should have known he couldn't hide anything from his best friend. Jushiro just pulled out this beautiful jade necklace from his kimono.
"I wanted to marry her Shunsui. She was the first woman I ever loved. The first woman to ever be with me and not be disgusted if I accidentally coughed up blood on her. She was patient with me and never minded taking care of me because of my frailty. When she came back with the ryoka and her business was finished the first thing she did was find me, get down on her knees and beg for my forgiveness. I had already forgiven her but to see her do something that was against her nature reminded me how much she loved me and how much I loved her." He stated while rubbing the necklace lovingly and sadly. She had given him this for his birthday. He wanted to wait till this war was over before he even proposed to her.
Sadly, he waited to late. She died not knowing how much he truly loved her. Shunsui could only pity his normally happy friend. He knew how much he loved the dark skinned beauty. His white haired friend was madly in love with her. He didn't tell people of his problems because he disliked for people to worry. But that was not good for his health.
"I know you did Jushiro. I swear to you we will avenge her." Shunsui placed a comforting hand on his friends shoulder.
"I know we will but there are just so many things I regret not doing Shunsui. I regret not going after her so many times. I regret not marrying her sooner." Ukitake said sadly.
"I just want her back in my arms like old times, but that can never happen." Ukitake stared into his saki mug as he spoke. He had yet to drink his Saki while his friend was on his fourth cup.
"Jushiro..." But Jushiro was no longer listening he had blocked out all the sound around him. A memory of him and Yoruichi had flashed in his mind. They were in his room and he was holding her as she expressed her sorrow over a mission that had cost some of her men their lives. Jushiro gently stroked her hair in a comforting manner so as to ease her pain. It seemed to work as she had calmed down and lay her head against his chest.
"Jushiro thank you for listening, it means so much to me." She said against his chest. He smiled as he looked down at her.
"If you can not vent your sorrows to anybody, than they will eat you away." He said calmly.
"I suppose you are right. I am happy I came to you Jushiro." She admitted. He really was one of her greatest friends. She smiled a little sadly at that.
"I am happy as well Yoruichi. If you ever need to talk don't ever be afraid to come to me for I will gladly listen."
"The same goes for you. I know you don't like to trouble people with your problems but I want you to know you can confide in me." He continued to stroke her hair.
"Yes I kn-" He began to cough violently. He didn't have time to move his hand in front of his mouth so when he coughed out blood it landed on Yoruichi's face.
"Jushiro!" She quickly took off her captains robe and placed it in front of his mouth. She placed a hand on his back and rubbed it soothingly. His coughing fit only lasted a few more minutes before it stopped.
"Yoruichi I'm s-" He tried to apologize but Yoruichi cut him off.
"Don't you dare apologize you did nothing wrong." She stated with a frown.
"But the blood-" He tried to say.
"Is only blood. You are not poisonous Jushiro. I am not disgusted by your blood. You cannot control it. I'm more worried about your health. Are you okay?" She asked in a gentle tone.
"Yes." He stated while handing her, her captains robe. It had his blood on it and he felt bad. He would pay for a new one. She quickly disappeared and reappeared with a glass of water.
"We'll trade." She joked. She handed him the glass of water and took her captains robe. She put it on despite it having blood on it.
"No Yoruichi yours is dirty. Here wear mine." He began to remove his captains robe as he tried to protest. But Yoruichi stopped him.
"Damn it Jushiro it's fine. I'm not like most other women in case you haven't noticed. This tiny bit of blood is nothing compared to what I get on me during training with the newbies of my squad. So just drop it okay." She said sternly.
"Alright Yoruichi." He drunk some of the water to get the taste of blood out of his mouth, and poured what he didn't drink on his hand. As he wiped his hand on her face removing the drying blood he smiled. She was right. She wasn't like most other women. She was different just the way he liked. As he wiped the last of the blood off he let his hand linger for just a moment.
He ran his thumb back and forth on her cheek lovingly. Now would be the perfect time to tell her how he felt about her. But how could he ruin such a nice friendship? He removed his hand and felt a longing in his chest. A longing for her, the goddess he fell in love with.
"Jushiro I'm sorry but we can't be friends anymore." She said sadly. Jushiro felt as if his heart stopped. He felt as if another attack was about to come on.
"Why?" His worried tone did not fall on deaf ears. She took a deep breath and let it out.
"Because I love you. Because I can't stand to be around you and constantly resist the urge to kiss you. I just didn't want to do som-" She was cut off as she felt warm lips against hers. He pulled her closer to him as he kissed her more passionately. He poured all the love he possibly could into it. He wanted her to know he felt the same. He pulled away.
"I love you as well." He stated kindly. He cupped her cheek in his hand as he kissed her once more.
"Hey Jushiro!" Ukitake was brought out of the memory by the sound of his best friends voice. Shunsui was waving his hand in front of his face wildly.
"Yes sorry Shunsui." He apologized.
"I was asking do you want to visit her grave marker." Shunsui stated while finishing his saki. He did because he didn't put flowers on her grave today. He walked to his garden and picked a few of her favorites before walking back in to his awaiting friend. They shunpoed to the Shihoin grave sight, to which only a few members outside the family could roam freely. Her grave was well kept. Jushiro read the writing on it.
Here lies Yoruichi Shihoin. Goddess of flash. In the art of flash step her skills were second to none. She was loved by many and will be remembered even in death.
Jushiro said a prayer as did Shunsui before setting the flowers on her grave and removing the ones from yesterday.
"I miss you Yoruichi. I love you so much and I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to show you how much I truly love you." He placed a ring on her grave stone. Suddenly the wind blew around them. Jushiros hair swayed gently with the wind. As the wind touched his face a sense of comfort and love overcame him.
"I think she approves Jushiro." Shunsui said as he put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
/
So tell me what you think.