Disclaimers, etc.: see chapter one
Opening Theme: No Way Back (AAA Dome Tour 15th Anniversary - thanx AAA lot - Live) by AAA
Ending Theme: Party It Up - City Summer Party Remix - by AAA
Chapter 11 written 12/23/2022
Bleach: Cross
Princess on Vacation
by Eugena
Rated M
Chapter Eleven: Rangiku Plots
天国的白雪公主
KARAKURA TOWN - CLOTHING STORE
Retsu brought the garment up to the register, requested a gift box, and sighed when she looked at Rangiku.
She had thought the relationship was good for Kenpachi, perhaps permitting him to move on in the situation zero division gave no choice in.
Sure, she didn't expect her to be very intelligent, but Rangiku reached a new level of stupid. How could the woman be so clueless?
"Do you have this item in other colors?" she asked.
"It does come in red and beige," the clerk said.
"I will take another in the same size in red. And then another black one in maybe a size larger?" Retsu thought one size larger would do. She gestured back to Yoruichi. "It's for her," she said. "Thought I would help her failing relationship out. She insists on still being with the father of her oldest daughter. I think she can do better. Still, maybe this can help out."
"Oh," the clerk said, "not to pry, but did the relationship fall apart when he found out she was pregnant?"
"So badly he was so happy when he thought the daughter died."
"Hmm, perhaps you have an idea of someone else to set her up with? Just a thought."
"Yes, that's a great idea. There are a lot of men interested in her."
"So, are you getting the black and red for your girlfriend over there?" the clerk asked.
"Just the black one. The red one is for her sister. I think it is about time I get her a date."
"I can't believe she's never had one."
"She's lived a sheltered - but interesting - life."
Lafiel and the others did not hear Retsu's hopes and did not yet know their lives would soon change. For better? For worse? For the interesting, one way or the other. If not today, sometime soon.
Shirahime picked out a few suits and held them up one-by-one to Ururu.
"They are all so cute!" Yoruichi exclaimed.
"Yeah," Rukia agreed, "so hard to pick."
Lafiel picked up a floral print. She held it up.
"I like this one the best, big sister," Ururu said to Lafiel.
"Well, let's get it for you," Lafiel said. "Right, mom?"
"Absolutely," Yoruichi agreed.
"You look so cute, auntie," Yachiru said.
Ururu looked up at Shirahime who looked away. "You don't like it?" she asked her.
"What's wrong, aijou?" Yoruichi asked.
"Probably nothing," she said. She pressed her palms outward. Bright lights shimmered and a little boy with dragon wings appeared.
"Setsu-onii-chan," Yachiru greeted.
"Kosetsu," Shirahime said, "go look around."
The boy nodded and flew off in a flash so quick that normal humans only thought they saw a camera's flash.
Shirahime looked to Ururu. "Oh, that one looks great. You should go with that one."
"Is everything really okay?" Isane asked.
Shirahime nodded.
"What's Setsu-kun looking for?" Ururu asked.
"Very extended family," Shirahime said. "Don't worry, he can handle it."
"By himself?" Rukia asked.
"Oh, I kind of sent Yukihime along," she said, referring to her second zanpakuto.
"Define 'kind of', aijou," Yoruichi pressed.
"Yukihime looks like me. Like I said, all will be taken care of."
Nemu took a moment to step away and make a phone call.
"Father Mayuri-sama?" she addressed him when he picked up. "I need you to track Setsu-onii-chan. he went to look for 'extended family.' Yukihime went with him. I don't know how, though, I only saw Setsu. But mother said so."
"Is that all she said?"
"She did not say much. And father Mayuri-sama? There is one more thing. Well, two."
Nemu recounted the trouble with Matsumoto. She explained the execution order as well.
"I will look after things here. Keep close watch on your mother. Send her back by force if you have to."
"I understand."
Nemu hung up.
Kisuke, Tessai, and Jita watched her.
"Is everything alright?" Tessai asked.
"I am not sure. Mother sent Setsu-onii-chan outside and said Yukihime went with him, but I didn't see her."
Kisuke looked to Tessai. "Do you think Daichi's and Raiko's father is around?"
"What's wrong with you?" Jinta asked. "You both saw them. They are right here."
"Oh, that's right, of course," Urahara said.
"Of course," Nemu agreed. She texted a message to her father.
Ignored by the others, Rangiku sighed, frustrated at how the day was going so far. Everything would be going smoother if Shirahime would just stick with Byakuya. If only she had another child, the princess would be off her back entirely. Perhaps she could manipulate Kurotsuchi to give them both some sort of fertility drug. There, problem solved.
Except he'd never do it. First of all, he respected her too much. Second of all, there was her status. But third and most unhelpful was the rather obvious fact he was smitten - if it could ever be said he could be smitten - with her.
Surely, Rangiku's man would stand with her, right? Deep down, her Ken-bear had to resent her for dumping him. And surely, he resented her for always sharing her with others. Even if he was doing it practically from the beginning with Yumichika. Surely, he secretly hated the whole arrangement. What man wouldn't? That's it, she'd simply call Ken-bear.
谢谢你们的阅读。