A/N: I apologize for the long wait and also for the bad grammar.

Chapter 3

'Morning Captain.' Rangiku beamed as she entered Sui-Feng's office. The whole room smelled of coffee. She looked at the coffeepot and noticed that it was almost empty. Sometimes she wanted to remind Sui-Feng that she shouldn't drink too much coffee but the Captain becomes more irritable if she can't have her coffee fix so she just chose not to comment.

'Morning.' Sui-Feng mumbled in a weary tone. She was sitting in her desk signing some papers. She realized she couldn't get to work much after today so she had to make good use of her time.

Rangiku raised a fine brow. Sui-Feng looked beaten and sleep-deprived. Since Sui-Feng came back from Karakura she was acting weird. Yesterday was the worst, after her meeting with the Captain-Commander, Sui-Feng hadn't spoken a word to her. 'You know Captain, you look terrible. If you're like that every morning I swear I'll—'

'Shut it Rangiku. I'm not in the mood.' Sui-Feng lifted her mug and gulped its contents. 'And— I'm not here every morning anymore, you'll miss me.'

'Why? Where are you going?' Rangiku asked as she slumped down into a chair across from Sui-Feng's desk.

'Karakura. As a bodyguard this time.' Sui-Feng's voice sounded uncaring but Rangiku can sense a hint of agitation in it.

'What?'

Sui-Feng told Rangiku about the assignment but chose not to reveal certain details. Thank God the blonde knew nothing about Yoruichi.

'She knew how to take her pick Captain, though I'm sure it's not your cheery personality that charmed the Shihoin girl.' Rangiku laughed. 'She wanted you that badly huh? Used her influence to get you and all...'

'She just wanted a bodyguard, period.' Sui-Feng said flatly, thankful she had kept her face emotionless.

'Be careful, maybe it was just a smoke screen Captain? What if the girl was really smitten with your compelling attractiveness? If not for your very pretty face Captain, you could pass as man you know.'

Sui-Feng drew a deep breath and sent Rangiku a killing look, tempted to drag the woman out of her office at the moment. She parted her lips for a response when Rangiku spoke again.

'Wait—how about the squad?' Rangiku said.

Sui-Feng sighed, hoping the discussion about her assignment be left forgotten. 'That's why you're here. Here…' Sui-Feng picked up a file and handed it to Rangiku. 'That's the training schedules for our new recruits as well as the drills and operations. As for other matters, you can relay them to me over the phone. And remember, I know when you do your work or not so don't be too happy about it.'

Rangiku pouted, she flipped the file open and skimmed through. She then glanced up and gave the Captain an inquisitive look that Sui-Feng hated. 'Now, tell me what's going on. I know there's something wrong.'

Rangiku has been Sui-Feng's assistant since she became a captain and they had gotten quite close. They are the opposite of each other but managed to get along just fine. Their rapport was surprisingly enjoyable and pleasant. What she didn't like was that Rangiku knew her too well already, it scared her sometimes.

'Nothing's wrong.'

'Really?'

'Really.' Sui-Feng stood up and walked over to the coffeemaker and started brewing another pot. 'I'm just worried about the squad, that's all. You are bad enough about doing paperworks and leaving the squad to you for four days in a week is not a pleasant thought, I think I'm gonna suffer a mental break soon.'

'Oh thanks for the perfect confidence in my ability Captain. I consider myself lucky having such an appreciative, trusting boss like you.' Rangiku said sarcastically. Sui-Feng just chuckled as she sat back on her chair.

The blonde was curious but chose not to pry anymore. Sui-Feng might keep the facts to herself now but sooner or later she'll come round.

'Rangiku, I wonder why you're still bothering on wearing clothes.' Sui-Feng grumbled later as she gave Rangiku an incredulous stare when she noticed her assistant's state of partial undress for the first time.

'Tsk. Captain..this is what most people wear these days.' Rangiku retorted, flipping her hair exaggeratedly. 'This is fashion—.'

'I don't care. Next time, at least fasten those buttons. And you're allowed to wear longer skirts, in case you don't know.'

'Why captain? Do you find this distracting?' Rangiku adjusted her position on the chair and posed seductively.

'Ugh!' Sui-Feng rolled her eyes and shook her head. She might miss Rangiku's constant presence no matter how annoying it was sometimes.

Sui-Feng stood before an open window in her apartment with the view of the city. Her fine gray eyes were fixed on the thousand points of lights that burned and glowed in the vast night sky. They were beautiful.

She shifted her gaze to the city lights below that cast a glow as bright as the moon. Busy people thronged the streets in a hurried blur of motion. She envied their energy and enthusiasm. Everything seemed so lively outside that she felt so detached, unconnected. She hugged herself when the temperature became uncomfortably low as the spring breeze flitted in. Her oversized nightshirt was pressed to her lithe form, her dark hair was flicked and tousled as the air shifted in an erratic fluttering manner.

She was supposed to take pleasure at the sight beyond her window, a perfectly splendid view of the city but she couldn't afford to do so. Not right now when she was supposed to think, to plan. Tomorrow would be the start of uncertainties and she hated it.

In the past years, everything was exactly the way she had planned it to be, she never thought she would be in a situation where something was beyond her control. She was trapped and it's so unfair. Just as she had picked up the pieces and began her life again…

Sui-Feng shook her head and bitterly chuckled when a recollection of painful feelings crossed her mind.

She was so young then, a stuttering, blushing mess. She learned and appreciated love. It was a complete happiness. But one night, it was over. She couldn't believe it but the pain was so real. It was unbearable. Well, it was a lesson learned. Now she knew that even the most perfect of things could go wrong.

Chilled, she closed and backed away from the window. She sat on the bed. Perhaps she did foolish things once but she's not that stupid to do it the second time.

She thought of what Rangiku had said earlier that day. Be careful, maybe it was just a smoke screen Captain. Perhaps it was, there's no other way to put it. Even Rangiku who knew so little had deduced the same thing.

She felt sick with dismay, with hopelessness. But running away would do her no good. It's time to face the facts because she's not a coward. Every cloud has a silver lining, she reminded herself. All she had to do was determine how to handle Yoruichi Shihoin. She had to think clearly. Whatever Yoruichi wanted, she'd never get it. And perhaps, if she gets lucky she might even get her payback.

She got up, packed her suitcase and her own set of equipment. A kevlar body armor, her service weapons, medical kit and communication gadgets. She realized she hadn't used her equipment for a long time. It never crossed her mind that she would do the job again.

After completing some calls, she tried to sleep. Tomorrow she will be faced with the toughest, most complicated assignment in her career.

Yoruichi leaned back in her chair. She was in her office, expecting Sui-Feng and she couldn't contain her excitement. Yoruichi didn't need a bodyguard, never wanted any but asked for one and would arrive any minute. It was only a cover, she knew Sui-Feng would think so too, she was an intelligent woman. She smiled as she thought of her bee. Yoruichi picked up a file and went over the report on Sui-Feng for the nth time. Sui-Feng had achieved so much for her age, she was proud of her. She only wished she had been with her as she climbed the ladder.

Leaving Sui-Feng was difficult for her too, in fact the hardest, the most painful decision she had ever done. It was a torture, a suicide. Yes, a suicide. A part of her had died that moment. No, no, that was wrong. The Yoruichi Shihoin now was just a mere shadow of the Yoruichi Shihoin five years ago. She threw away the most precious, the most important thing that ever happened in her life that day. But she was her now to make it right. There's nothing she wouldn't do to make it up to Sui-Feng.

Yoruichi knew that if Sui-Feng would be given a choice, the girl would refuse to be on the same continent as her, so she was compelled to make drastic measures. Maybe her method wasn't the accepted approach of rekindling romance but there's no other way to do it. She knew it would be difficult but she was desperate. It didn't matter, she loved challenges. She just hoped she made a wise decision.

Yoruichi was startled but automatically answered the intercom when it sounded.

'Captain Sui-Feng from the security company is here to see you, Miss Shihoin.'

'Thanks. Let her in.' Yoruichi smiled, pleased that her plan had started so smoothly.

Sui-Feng briefly knocked and walked in Yoruichi's spacious office.

'Sui-Feng.' Yoruichi smiled as she got up from her comfortable leather chair and walked around her slightly cluttered desk.

Sui-Feng sat on a wingback chair as Yoruichi settled comfortably on the couch. Sui-Feng expected to see Yoruichi in a business suit like the last time but was dressed in a swing vest and jeans instead. The older woman looked so relaxed, so casual, so damn full of herself.

Sui-Feng had to remind herself that this was a task, a duty and she's doing this because her job requires it. But by looking at the woman, her resolve weakened a little. How could someone approach such a woman like Yoruichi Shihoin?

'So..we discuss our arrangements?' Yoruichi grinned and looked intensely into Sui-Feng's eyes. If Sui-Feng was not prepared she would feel very uncomfortable.

'Yes. I want to see your schedule.' Sui-Feng said coolly. 'My team and I would review it and discuss on how to undertake the task.'

'Team?' Yoruichi frowned, she hadn't expected it. But Sui-Feng was unpredictable, she shouldn't be surprised.

Sui-Feng sent her an assertive look. 'Yes. I have brought three from my squad.'

'But I only requested for one.'

'That's true but one couldn't do this alone. You must be guarded day and night, someone must take up the post while the other rests.' Sui-Feng said, her voice as cold as her eyes.

'I'm sure I've been specific Captain, tell them to go home.' Yoruichi insisted quietly.

'I'm afraid that's not possible.' Sui-Feng raised her wintry eyes and looked at the Shihoin. She wanted to celebrate as she saw the look in Yoruichi's face.

'Why?'

'I just told you.'

'It's not a problem really, my bedroom was large enough for both of us. There, you can rest and still do your job.' The older woman provocatively changed her position on the couch, a tempting display specifically intended to entice Sui-Feng.

Sui-Feng was slightly taken aback, disbelieving the woman across from her. Yoruichi's actions and words, put together brought so many unwanted thoughts into mind. Be calm, pull yourself together Sui-Feng, she reminded herself.

'What you suggest was efficient but if you don't agree, we can close this out.'

Yoruichi chuckled. She wanted to hate Sui-Feng for being so damn difficult but this won't be interesting if she wasn't. She wanted to hate Sui-Feng for making her want so badly that by the moment she entered the door she just wanted to throw herself at the girl's feet. It seemed impossible to be patient, but there are things that needed to be done and dealt with first.

'Jeez Sui-Feng, why so serious? Fine, you'll get what you want. What else is there to know that I'd be surprised about?'

'Don't worry, that was the only one that had been altered. Now, are there any threats you've experienced lately, stalkers. Someone or something that could cause harm or trouble? '

'There is always the possibility of danger but I'm fairly aware there is none at the moment or maybe I haven't realized it yet.' Yoruichi said, her ardent eyes not leaving Sui-Feng's cold ones. 'But you'll protect me right Sui-Feng?'

Sui-Feng didn't understand why she felt warm all over with just a look. A look too hypnotic, too intimate for her comfort. She thought of pulling her Glock and just shoot the woman for it to be over.

'Yes.' Sui-Feng finally said. The answer came easily but her pulses hammered. She learned to deal with a lot of people but she was beginning to think she would never learn to deal Yoruichi Shihoin. She was trouble personified. It would never be easy.

A/N: Reviews are always, always welcome.