Chapter 6: A Trip to the Hot Springs

It was an unusual sight to see Natsuki looking so excited outside of a fight, and even more so to see her pacing outside of Squad 2. She didn't go inside, but instead paced outside with a small bag on her shoulder.

"You'd think you were just about to fight the entirety of your Squad" she stopped pacing, and turned to Lisa as the Squad 8 Lieutenant approached. "I figured we'd have to drag you out from whatever crazy free for all you lot where up to," Lisa told her honestly, and Natsuki blushed.

"I'm not that bad," she grumbled, insulted. Lisa looked entirely unconvinced by her defensive response. "And hey, I'm earlier than Kirara," she added as an extra defence. Lisa shrugged.

"Kirara is always late. That's expected," she pointed out.

"She's right. Never seen her show up on time to anything," they turned as Hiyori spoke, seeing her walking towards them with the tall, purple-haired woman that was the Captain of Squad 12. Natsuki and Lisa bowed respectfully, and Captain Hikifune smiled, waving at the two.

"Good afternoon," she greeted the two. "I see that Captain Shihoin and Lieutenant Yamada haven't arrived yet," she looked around in hopes of seeing the two.

"Not yet. Kirara's probably asleep somewhere," Lisa shrugged, and both Natsuki and Hiyori nodded in agreement. Kirara was notorious for her inability to be on time to anything, so the three Lieutenants weren't surprised in the slightest that she was the last to arrive.

"Ah, not quite," Hikifune pointed, having spotted Yoruichi walking with Kirara and Soi Fon. Kirara was fumbling with her hair, trying to put it up as they walked, and Soi Fon was glowering at her in irritation, while carrying a large bag.

"Sorry we're late. Kirara's having a hard time waking up after I found her in a tree," Yoruichi told them as they reached the four waiting.

"I'm having a hard time with my hair," Kirara grumbled as more strands fell loose again, and she cursed. "Why do I have so much of it? This is ridiculous," she complained.

"Come here," Natsuki giggled, moving around her to put it up. Kirara let her hair fall around her, showing that it almost reached the ground. "You do have a lot of it," she commented as she tied up the black locks for her.

"Thank you," Kirara gave a sigh of relief when it all stayed up. "Sorry we're late," she then bowed to the group.

"We expected it," Hiyori shrugged, and Lisa nodded as Kirio laughed lightly.

"Better late than never. Let's get moving, I've been looking forward to this all week," she told them. Natsuki cheered, throwing her hands into the air.

"This is gonna be great!" she declared. Kirara just yawned in response.

"What were you doing in a tree?" Lisa asked as they started walking.

"Sleeping," Kirara replied simply, and earned a droll stare in response. "I don't know what else you expected," she told Lisa, who shook her head.

"I don't know what I expected either," she admitted.

Once the hostess - who was somewhat flustered to be catering to so many high-ranking Shinigami at once - had shown them their rooms and disappeared, Kirara had immediately flung herself onto the unmade futon she'd claimed.

"No way, you're not sleeping!" Natsuki was insisting as she tugged at her arm, trying to get her to move. However, Kirara stubbornly clung to her bed. "We didn't come here for you to sleep the whole time!" Natsuki continued to tug at her as Hiyori sighed and Lisa shook her head.

"I'm tired! We came here to relax, and that's what I'm gonna do," Kirara refused to budge. Natsuki finally released her, giving a frustrated groan.

"You're exhausting," she declared, and Kirara peeked up before grinning.

"So I'm told," Kirara said as she got back to her feet and stretched. "So, shall we?" she asked, turning to the three Lieutenants.

"I'm gonna need a break after this," Hiyori muttered, already tired from their antics.

"You're here with Kirara and Natsuki, of course you are," Lisa told her, earning a mild scowl and two cries of protest. "Come on, we've got the day to relax," she moved towards the door.

"And the night to drink," Kirara continued for her with a wide grin as she followed Lisa out. Natsuki cheered, and even Hiyori couldn't keep her scowl as they made their way back downstairs, meeting with Yoruichi and Soi Fon. The two were approaching the changing rooms, and paused when they heard the four approaching them.

"Well, you've beaten Captain Hikifune in settling in," Yoruichi commented as they bowed to her in greeting. "Come on, she can catch us up," she pushed the door to the ladies changing room and led the others in.

"I haven't been here in ages," Kirara said as they all started to strip down to prepare for the hot springs. She wrapped her hair up into a bun, making sure the tie was secure. Small strands fell loose, but she ignored them as most was swept up out of the way.

"Me neither," they looked up as Kirio walked in. "Sorry I'm late, I got caught up in my work," she smiled, immediately removing her Haori and tossing it into one of the small lockers without care.

"I thought you left it behind," Hiyori frowned at her Captain, looking a little concerned at the idea of her overworking. Kirio shook her head.

"I couldn't do it, it was stuck in my mind," she answered cheerfully. "Don't worry Hiyori, I don't plan on working the whole time we're here," she patted the blonde's head, and Hiyori nodded, looking placated.

"I definitely needed this," Kirara said as she untucked her kosode and pulled it open to reveal a sturdy binding around her chest.

"Instead of napping in a tree again?" Natsuki asked, glancing at her. Her smile faded a little as she saw the massive scar down Kirara's back. It was jagged and white, standing out even against her pale skin, and unmistakably the work of a Hollow. It looked old, having long since healed as much as it was going to.

"Yeah yeah," Kirara just waved her off without looking around, and Natsuki tore her gaze away quickly, removing her own uniform. However, her mind didn't leave the sight for a moment longer, as she wondered just how she'd gotten such an injury, and just when it had happened.

It seemed that even as Kirara's oldest friend, there was a lot she didn't know about her.

Natsuki sighed at the thought, but she had long since accepted that Kirara was a closed book and would always keep her secrets too close for others. She didn't make a mention of it, instead just folding her uniform and placing it on one of the shelves out of the way.

"Hey Soi Fon! Hurry up, would you?" Yoruichi called as she noticed that Soi Fon was still standing awkwardly nearby, avoiding looking at them or removing her own clothing. "Or do you plan on going in fully dressed? Stop being such a prude," Yoruichi teased, having already removed half of her uniform already.

"R-right!" Soi Fon gulped, reluctantly following their suit as she blushed.

"Yeah, just think about stripping for Kisuke and you'll be fine," Kirara winked at her. Yoruichi burst out laughing as the younger girl went even redder. The others looked over, surprised.

"Your third seat?" Lisa glanced over as she removed her glasses. "You're in love with him?" she asked Soi Fon. The blush spread down her neck and to the tips of her ears.

"No!" she shouted as Kirara and Yoruichi both laughed.

"Alright Soi Fon, just hurry up," the Captain said as Soi Fon seemed to have steam coming from her ears.

"You and Captain Shihoin are both as bad as each other," Hiyori told Kirara as she set her Lieutenant's Insignia on top of her folded clothes. Kirara shrugged.

"I have no idea what you mean," she said innocently, and Hiyori rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, whatever," she said, unconvinced.

Groaning in pleasure as she sank into the water after their brief scrub-down, Kirara leaned back against the stone walls of the deep hot springs that relaxed her body and warmed her. She was right, she had absolutely needed this.

"This is so good," Hiyori was submerged even deeper with the water brushing her chin, and she had lost any ability to look irritable.

"No kidding," Kirara agreed; eyes closed. "Natsuki, it's rare that you have good ideas, but this is definitely one of those times," she told the blonde with a faint grin.

"Oh, I'm too relaxed to even take offence," Natsuki replied. Kirara opened her eyes and looked out at the sky. The sun was beginning to set, casting a deep orange hue above them. She smiled slightly, enjoying the rare moment of peace. For that moment, she was able to forget about the strange Hollow, and the threat of dissenting Shinigami.

"This is great," Hikifune agreed as she brushed a loose strand of her purple hair out of her face. "What a great way to spend some time off, eh Hiyori?" she looked over at her second in command.

"Huh? Y-yeah," Hiyori agreed, looking a little awkward, which only made Hikifune's warm smile grow.

"Urgh," Natsuki grumbled suddenly, and Kirara glanced at her. When she found her friend glaring at her with a bitter look, she sighed.

"Don't start this again," she pleaded, knowing exactly what the look meant.

"But it's not fair! You, Lisa, Captain Hikifune and Captain Shihoin all have huge boobs," she whined and hugged her arms over her more modest sized chest. Kirara groaned, letting her head drop back in her exasperation. She sank further down into the water, as if hoping that hiding her body would stop her friend's complaints.

"Not this again," Lisa shook her head as Yoruichi chuckled quietly, not offended by the comments. Hiyori rolled her eyes, also used to the complaints from Natsuki, and Soi Fon scowled, lowering herself in the water further to shield herself. Kirio didn't seem to be paying attention; lost in her own thoughts.

"And Kirara just covers it up!" Natsuki exclaimed. "It's just not fair!" she complained loudly, splashing a little what could only be described as a tantrum.

"Oh...shush!" she squealed in alarm as Kirara splashed her with water. "Either shut up or get out and cool off," she told her friend, laughing a little as Natsuki wiped the water from her face, letting it drip from her blonde hair that was wrapped up out of the way.

"Take it easy, Kirara," Yoruichi said, sprawled backwards as she didn't seem affected by it.

"Oh, I'm taking it real easy," Kirara replied, but not before sticking her tongue out at Natsuki. She then sank back into the steaming water. "And plenty excited for later," she added. Lisa nodded her agreement.

"Mean…" Natsuki mumbled, but settled down as well to enjoy the springs.

After emerging from the hot springs, the group took to the room that the Lieutenants were sharing, where they'd ordered a large amount of food.

Kirara's stomach rumbled loudly, and she tugged at the kimono that she had put on. The others wore similar outfits; all lounged around the room as they prepared to eat.

"Didn't they have anything else to wear?" she asked, feeling restricted. Kirara was too used to her uniform and anything that let her move freely. A kimono did no such thing. And as well as that, it was a lot more fancy than anything Kirara would normally wear; even the fabric felt like it had to be pricey. The perks of being a place aimed at Shinigami, she supposed.

"Just eat," Lisa shoved some sushi into Kirara's mouth. She spluttered, flailing a little before settling. She then made a surprised humming noise as she started chewing, pacified. She then shuffled forwards, piling food onto a plate before starting to stuff her face.

"Honestly, Kirara," Natsuki shook her head at the sight. "You'll never attract a man with the way you eat," she chided as Kirara shoved another piece of sushi into her mouth. Kirara laughed, and swallowed before picking a piece of rice from her face.

"Yeah, because I really care about that," she replied, before tilting her head. "Why? Have you managed to attract many men with your delightful table manners?" Kirara asked her innocently, watching the way Natsuki was eating. It was oddly delicate for someone so well suited to Squad 11. Natsuki glared at her, choosing not to speak as her cheeks flushed. Kirara smirked, victorious.

"What's eating got to do with it anyway?" Hiyori asked, eating as gracefully as Kirara.

"No, Lieutenant Hamasaki is right. You two need to work on your table manners," Hikifune nodded her agreement as she finished her glass of sake and started to pour herself another. Hiyori frowned, wondering why she was being dragged into it.

"Great, just what I wanted on a relaxing weekend," Kirara grumbled, and Hiyori nodded, agreeing with her. Lisa passed the two the beers that had been sitting on the table, and lifted one for herself.

"Oh relax Kirara," Yoruichi waved, taking a gulp of the sake that Soi Fon had poured for her. "You don't need to worry about your eating habits," she told her, making Kirara's eyes narrow as she took a drink. She knew when Yoruichi was building up to making some kind of comment at Kirara's expense.

"She doesn't?" Hikifune asked, looking surprised at the comment from the noble. Her eyes then lit up as she realised what Yoruichi meant. "Oh, do you already have a sweetheart of your own?" she asked Kirara. Everyone looked at her, and the woman in question wrinkled her nose in disgust.

"Hell no," she said roughly, taking a large gulp of her beer. Lisa smirked, and Yoruichi leaned forwards. "Don't start," Kirara growled at her Captain.

"Aw, you're no fun!" Yoruichi complained.

"And you're exhausting," Kirara shot back a fake smile, keeping a friendly tone.

"Hey…" Soi Fon bristled at the insult, but Yoruichi put a hand on her shoulder.

"It's okay, Soi Fon. Have a drink," she pushed a glass towards the girl, who quickly raised her hands in a denial, refusing it.

"No thank you, Lady Yoruichi," she declined politely, choosing instead to lift the juice that she'd been drinking. Kirara rolled her eyes at Natsuki, who giggled and took a glass of sake as well.

"Well, this has been a great way to spend a day off," Kirara declared, taking more food from the table.

"Hear hear," Hikifune laughed, raising her glass.

"Cheers!" the others did the same to toast the evening, and Kirara couldn't keep the grumpy look on her face.

The night was well underway, and the food had all been devoured, leaving only the large amount of alcohol that Lisa had ordered. And even that was quickly depleting as everyone, except for Soi Fon, drank through everything.

Their laughter echoed, as Hiyori told them a story of a mission with Kirio that had resulted in chaos. While at first the group had been a little more restrained, considering Yoruichi and Kirio's positions as Captains, not to mention Yoruichi's noble status, they had relaxed as the night went on.

"Right afterwards, I asked Hiyori to be my Lieutenant," Kirio continued on as their laughter faded. "Since my former Lieutenant had retired not long before, she was the best choice," she declared. Hiyori's face was already red from the alcohol, but it went even redder at the proud words. She tried to hide it with another long gulp of beer, but there was a tiny smile on her face.

"Your last Lieutenant wouldn't have headbutted a Hollow, so it's definitely an upgrade!" Yoruichi laughed, unaware of Soi Fon starting to doze off beside her. The girl jerked back up, blinking rapidly to try and chase away the haze of sleep. Kirara couldn't blame her, she was sure the sun was due to rise soon. "Too bad Kirara wasn't that eager," she frowned at her Captain.

"Oh?" Kirio tilted her head a little. Kirara blushed as the Captain's gaze fell on her. Even after putting away her fair share of sake, Kirio's gaze was sharp. "Not wanting to be Shihoin's Lieutenant, eh?" she grinned.

"Do you blame me?" Kirara shot back with a laugh. Yoruichi smirked, not insulted as Lisa bit back her laugh and Natsuki shook her head in exasperation, hiccuping.

"It took three requests for Kirara to finally accept the position," Yoruichi announced to the room.

"You never told me that you-" Natsuki was interrupted by her hiccups. "Turned her down," she continued, startled by the revelation. Kirara shrugged, lifting another bottle from the dwindling supplies on the table.

"I had my reasons," Natsuki pouted at the vague answer. "Though it was flattering that Captain Shihoin wanted me badly enough to ask me more than once," Kirara smirked at her Captain, whose own smirk only widened at the comment.

"Do you ever give a straight answer?" Hiyori asked, rolling her eyes. Kirara seemed to think about it for a moment, before smirking.

"Maybe?" she offered, and Natsuki groaned loudly.

"You're not as funny as you think you are," Hiyori told her. Kirara shrugged.

"I'm plenty funny," she argued, sticking out her tongue at her.

"Well, as fun as this has been, I think it's time I get some sleep," Kirio was the first to break, downing the last of her sake before she got to her feet. "Goodnight everyone," she gave a cheery wave.

"Well, the sun's starting to rise," Yoruichi glanced to where the door to outside had been left open to keep the room cool. The dark of the sky was just about starting to lighten. "So I think I'll do the same. Soi Fon?" she called to her companion as she stood. Soi Fon jolted, having been dozing off again.

"Yes, Lady Yoruichi?" she looked up at the woman who was dusting herself off.

"You're welcome to stay here with the others if you wish, but I'm going to get some sleep," Yoruichi told her, and immediately Soi Fon got up.

"It's okay, I'll go too," she insisted, bowing quickly to the others. Once they'd departed as well, the four Lieutenants looked at each other.

"Should we get some sleep too, or…?" Hiyori trailed off, face flushed and gaze a little unfocused.

"There's still a few bottles left," Natsuki glanced at the table. "Would be a waste if we just left them," she reached out and took one of the remaining bottles, cracking it open.

"Music to my ears," Kirara chuckled, pressing hers to her lips and taking another swig.

"We're gonna regret this in the morning," Hiyori considered, but that didn't stop her from finishing her drink and immediately lifting one of the last ones on the table.

"Worth it," Kirara held out her almost finished drink, and after a moment the other three clinked theirs to it.

The snores that filled the room could only be heard for a short time after the sun rose. Not one of the Lieutenants was asleep in any dignified form, as they all seemed content to stretch around, with Lisa's foot in Natsuki's face, and Kirara's arm flung around Lisa's stomach, while Hiyori snored at Kirara's feet. They would have been content to sleep the day away, had they not been rudely awoken.

"Good morning!" Yoruichi chirped, all too cheery and she flung open the door and let the sunlight stream in. Kirara cursed as loudly as she could, putting her arms over her face to block out the stinging light.

"What the hell?" Hiyori groaned, pulling her blanket over her head.

"It's time to go, ladies!" Yoruichi kept her voice purposefully loud. Without a hair out of place, nobody would have guessed that she'd been up most of the night and drank her fair share.

"Oh no," Lisa mumbled as Natsuki shoved her foot away from her.

"Yup! You've slept most of the morning away! You even missed breakfast," Yoruichi declared.

"Please don't mention food," Kirara groaned, her voice cracking a little. She sat up, still keeping her face hidden from the sun, and her hair stood up more than usual. "Oh god," she moved her hand to her mouth as nausea rolled through her.

"If you throw up on me, I'll kill you," Hiyori warned her.

"Can you even move enough to kill her?" Natsuki asked, pale with bloodshot eyes as she managed to get up onto shaky legs. Yoruichi laughed at the sight.

"Hurry it up, we're ready to go when you are," with that, she left them to it, making sure to leave the door wide open with the sun still streaming in.

"Kirara, I'm fairly certain that your Captain is a demon," Lisa said as she fumbled for her glasses.

"Oh, I've been sure of that for years," Kirara groaned as she got to her feet as well. "Come on, if we don't hurry up, she'll burst in shouting again," with a hand to her head, Kirara stumbled off to find her uniform.

It didn't take them as long as they expected to get ready, though it was just as much effort as they expected. They emerged from their room, stinking of booze and all looking as rough as each other.

"Oh my," Kirio couldn't hide her amused smile. Somehow the Squad 12 Captain didn't look too bad, and while she wasn't in as pristine conditions as Yoruichi, she was nowhere near as hungover as the Lieutenants. Soi Fon yawned widely, tired, but unlike the rest, she hadn't touched any alcohol. "Are you all okay?" she asked, trying not to laugh.

"Please don't ask that right now," Kirara pleaded. A greenish tinge to her usually pale face made the others keep a small distance from her.

"I'm never drinking again," Natsuki declared. She couldn't even muster the energy to blush, when the others snorted in disbelief.

"Yeah right," Hiyori muttered.

"A week's wages says she's out drinking by the end of the week," Lisa said.

"Three days," Kirara took on the challenge.

"You guys suck," Natsuki grumbled.

Decided to update earlier, as I'm away from next Monday for a week, I figured I'd update a few times before then!

Hope you liked it!

Please review!