AN: There's mention in this chapter (and in the fic overall) of plot points from the "Can't Fear Your Own World" novels, particularly about the Tsunayashiro clan and Soul Society's history. If you've read it, you'll recognize the stuff. If you haven't, don't worry; I try to leave enough context clues for everything without bogging down the text with exposition. I don't THINK it will disrupt the reading experience, but let me know if there's any confusion.

Also, for the record, regarding what's "canon" in this universe: um…the manga and CFYOW, basically. I haven't read the other novels, so I'm not including them (and I've seen some differing opinions on how well they fit into the Bleach 'verse anyway). And while I'd LOVE to explore the world-building possibilities presented by the "Burn the Witch" series, I haven't read/watched much of it yet, so I don't have a good grasp on it. Plus, acknowledging the existence of other "soul societies" and such would complicate matters more than I care to deal with in this fic :P

Back Then - End of Academy Year 6

"C'mon! Outta the way!" Hiyori tried to squeeze through their classmates as everyone crowded around a list that had just been posted. "Not everyone's ten feet tall, ya know!"

Kaede hung back in the rear of the crowd, waiting for Hiyori to get this over with. It was hard to muster up enthusiasm for any aspect of Academy life anymore; she'd done all she could with the restrictions placed on her. Her Kido was still sub-par even though she knew every textbook incantation, and her Zanpakuto remained silent and lifeless at her side. Just about every one of their classmates had awakened their swords' spirits enough to at least learn their names; the only reason she was passing zanjutsu at all was because she'd gotten skilled at wielding a blade.

Even so, graduation itself wasn't something she was looking forward to. For everyone else, it would be a day of celebration; for her, it would be yet another checkup, this time coupled with a private assessment by a panel of judges and captains. The only aspect of graduation she was looking forward to was joining a division with Hiyori. Supposedly, some of her restrictions were to be lightened once she was under a captain's watch, though Urahara had been vague on the details.

For the students around her, the next step was the upcoming Captains' Visit; the list that had just been posted contained the names of graduating students who'd been chosen to perform. Kaede knew she wasn't on it, but Hiyori had a decent chance of being on the list. Physically, she was one of the strongest members of their class, her reiatsu blunt and imposing; she'd become a master of her Shikai too, able to crack open a common Hollow's mask with just a couple hits.

Kaede personally thought Hiyori was the most promising of their class, though she figured she was a bit biased.

Well, seeing as Hiyori was having no luck getting a look at the list herself, Kaede decided to put her more generous height to use. She stood on her toes and squinted to scan the names.

"Ya know," Hiyori grumbled when she was pushed back by the crowd yet again, "someday I'm gonna be a lieutenant, then a captain, and all those baldies are gonna have to listen to me whether they like it or not!"

"Soul King help us if that ever happens," someone muttered.

"What was that?!"

Kaede grabbed her shoulder, partly to keep her from attacking their classmates, partly because she'd finally gotten a good look at the names. "You're on it!"

Hiyori's head snapped around, her mouth hanging open. "Eh?"

"You're on the Zanjutsu list!" For what felt like the first time in ages, Kaede didn't have to fake her enthusiasm. For the moment, it didn't matter to her that the Captain's Visit was just another part of the great farce that was Soul Society; she was just happy for Hiyori being rightfully recognized.

Hiyori's eyes went so wide they seemed to take up most of her face. For several seconds, she was frozen in place like that; Kaede wondered if she was even breathing.

"Shit," she squeaked. Her hands grabbed at her hair. "Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!"

Alarmed, Kaede guided her panicking friend away from the crowd. "What's the matter?"

"I gotta perform? In front of people? In front of all the captains?!"

"Well…yeah," Kaede said, baffled by Hiyori's sudden bout of stage fright. "That's the whole point, right?"

"Do I gotta speak? I fuckin' hate public speaking!"

"Since when?"

"Since always!"

"You talk in front of people all the time," Kaede pointed out. "Heck, you just yelled at half our class."

"That's different!" Hiyori stomped her foot on the ground, her face turning brighter than a summer strawberry. "Look…it's just…it's different, okay? This ain't gonna be a real fight or anything, I'm just supposed to show off Kubikiri Orochi like - like - I dunno, a prize cow or somethin'? That's just weird!"

"Why were you checking the list if you didn't want to do this?"

"I didn't think I'd be on it!" Hiyori exclaimed. She crossed her arms and looked away with a pout. "I figured you would, but you'd never check it for yourself!"

Kaede was stunned. She knew Hiyori had insecurities, but the tiny blond rarely admitted to them. "Why would I…look. You'll be great. Picking you for the Captains' visit means the instructors think highly of you - they wouldn't have picked you if they thought you wouldn't represent them well."

Hiyori went pale. "Fuck…so if I screw up, it ain't just me that'll be embarrassed…"

Kaede flinched. Clearly, that had been the wrong thing to say. For all her bravado, Hiyori did have pride in being an Academy student; she even liked a couple of their teachers enough to want their good opinion.

"Well," she tried again, scrambling to think of how to tap into Hiyori's motivators. "It's…a chance to show off how awesome you are?"

Hiyori side-eyed her. "You kinda suck at this, you know that?"

"I'm trying!" She groaned. "Look at it this way: By doing this, you'll be getting actual invitations to join divisions rather than having to watch for openings. Heck, you could probably haggle a better salary. And look, you're not going to screw up, because that's just not what you do. So just…take advantage of this. Enjoy the spotlight. Show everyone the badass you are."

"Uh-huh…"

Kaede pinched the bridge of her nose, but then brightened when something else came to her mind. "You know…this also means you'll be the one deciding which division we go to. I mean, I have no real say since you're the one who got picked, right? Plus, you'll have leverage to make sure we both join the same one."

Hiyori cracked a small smirk, making her oversized canine poke out over her lip. "That's a bit better." She pounded her fist into her palm. "Okay! Let's figure out which divisions we actually want. And before you even think it, no, we are NOT going to your boyfriend's division!"

"Never even considered it."

Hiyori tapped her chin in thought. "Eleventh is out - bunch o' freakin' meatheads…and not fourth, I hate hospitals…"

Kaede was about to retort that with their Kido grades, neither of them would even be considered for the medical corps in Division 4 when a familiar head of straw-colored hair caught her attention across the courtyard.

Urahara-san?

Kaede's insides went cold. Her assessment wasn't scheduled until next week, so there should be no reason for him to be here…unless Central 46 had changed one of their decisions.

"I'll catch up with you in the mess hall," she told Hiyori.

"Eh?" Hiyori followed her gaze and scowled. "That guy again? What's he want?"

"I'm about to find out."

"Well, if it's another one of those stupid checkups, tell him to shove it! Actually, just tell him to shove it anyway! Freakin' weirdo-secret-spy-grunt…oh! And second division's out, too!"

She needn't have stipulated that; Kaede had long ago ruled out Division 2 as a squad she'd choose to join. Division 2 was in charge of the Nest of Maggots, and the farther away Kaede was from that place, the better. She didn't want to be policing other Shinigami for the rest of her existence.

Urahara seemed lost in thought as she approached him. He didn't even look up until she said his name. "Mm? Ah - Kaede-chan…come with me, we need to talk about your graduation."

Kaede followed him with a concerned frown. Had they changed their minds? Were they going to even let her graduate?

Urahara stopped and faced her, his expression uncharacteristically grave. The fact that he wasn't trying to act silly or nonchalant worried her more than anything.

"I wanted to give you a heads up before the assessment next week," he started.

"So it's still happening?" She almost breathed a sigh of relief. If the assessment was still on, at least she could count on moving on into the Gotei 13.

"Oh, it's happening," he said. "And before you ask, no, I'm not giving you any information about what they'll test you on. What I want to warn you about…it has to do with what'll happen after the assessment."

"I'll take the Gotei 13 entrance exam," Kaede prodded. "Right?"

Urahara's lips pursed. "No. They've already decided where you're going."

In the second between that statement and his next words, Kaede felt the blood leave her face. "Not the Nest…"

"No," he said hurriedly. "No, don't worry about that. You won't go back there so long as I have a say in the matter."

Her heart slowed its pounding, but she remained tense. "Then what's the problem?"

Urahara took in a deep breath and exhaled before answering. "They want you in the Stealth Corps. It's already been decided; I just wanted to tell you ahead of time so you weren't blindsided in front of the panel."

Kaede went stock-still. This couldn't be happening. She couldn't be in the Stealth Corps, they weren't even part of the Gotei 13! They were an entirely separate branch that answered directly to…to…

To Central 46.

Her entire body went cold. Of course…how did she not see this coming? Central 46 would never allow her to be so removed from their grasp. She was their property after all. Of course they would want her where she'd be easily watched, surrounded by operatives who were specifically trained to kill other Shinigami when necessary.

You'll be trading one prison for another…

"No," she whispered.

Urahara blinked at her. "Eh?"

"No," she repeated, taking a step back from him. "I'm not going into the Stealth Corps. I'm going into the Gotei 13. That was the whole point of all of this!"

"The decision's been made. Neither of us gets a say in that."

Kaede swallowed the acidic bile that rose before forcing herself to ask: "Are they unhappy with me? Did I do something wrong?"

"Not at all! On the contrary, they're more than satisfied with your progress. They think that your skills would be well-suited to the Stealth Corps." He gave her a lopsided grin. "Give us some credit! It's actually a pretty high honor to be invited to the corps; we don't take just anyone."

The annoying thing was, he was probably right: Weaponless combat, shunpo…her weakness in Kido and Zanjutsu wouldn't be a problem there. And it was considered an elite branch, trusted with maintaining the inner workings of the Seireitei.

"Don't worry," Urahara said, misinterpreting her tension. "We have a plan for this. We're going to use this as an opportunity to lessen some of your restrictions - fewer checkups, for one."

"Central 46 is the highest power in Soul Society," Kaede reminded him in a hollow voice. "Why would they entertain any negotiations?"

A sly grin crossed Urahara's face. "Ah, but see, we have something over them: our very own Yoruichi will be your commander! When she makes the request openly at your assessment, they'll be forced to honor it; otherwise, they'd lose face for arguing with the head of the influential Shihoin clan. Plus, since she's also a Captain, they'll need to respect her authority within the Gotei 13 once you're a member."

Yoruichi? The name startled her at first. She hadn't seen Yoruichi in years now, but she remembered the woman as Urahara's friend who sometimes came to visit her when she was being confined. In Kaede's memory, Yoruichi was…fun. She was like an older sister or a crazy aunt. Her rare visits were some of the few times Kaede got to feel like an actual child when she was younger, playing hide-and-seek in the Nest and using Shunpo in games of tag.

She was the antithesis of what Kaede imagined when she thought of Central 46 or the noble clans. From what Urahara had told her, it was thanks in large part to Yoruichi that she was even alive - the Shihoin had been the first clan to advocate for her after the Catastrophe, after all.

Knowing Yoruichi would be her commander should have been a relief, perhaps even something to look forward to - but it was still the Stealth Corps. It was still the same division that had overseen her imprisonment for two centuries, that had subtly instilled in her the fear and self-loathing that she was struggling to let go of. It was still the same division that silenced dissent in Soul Society swiftly and ruthlessly - and now she was expected to be a part of that?

Kaede swallowed thickly, trying to do what Sousuke would do - turn this into an even greater opportunity. "What about the seals?"

Urahara sobered. "Those, we can't do much about just yet. We're already asking a lot. Besides, you're stable, you haven't had any real incidents in years…as far as they're concerned, if it's not broken, don't fix it."

"But I still can't communicate with my Zanpakuto," she pointed out. "I still don't know its name."

"Oh, don't worry about that," Urahara said with a dismissive wave. "You won't actually need a fully matured Zanpakuto in the Stealth Corps; we tend to work with other skills anyway."

She couldn't help notice that he stopped short of assuring her that she would, eventually, be able to awaken the sword's spirit. She almost wondered if the Stealth Corps assignment was meant to keep her from doing just that.

She wanted to protest, to insist again that no way in Hell would she let herself be locked away again, even if her new prison was dressed in a Shinigami Division's colors. She'd done everything they wanted, and now she wanted to make one goddamn choice of her own.

But she couldn't do that, could she?

"Okay," she made herself say, though her voice sounded dry. "I'll do my best."

"Hey, it's not all bad," Urahara assured her, a bit of his lighthearted grin starting to come back. "Look at it this way: since Yoruichi's the head of the Stealth Corps and Captain of Division 2, you technically will be in the Gotei 13! You'll learn a lot from her, too - she's looking forward to having you there."

Kaede nodded, her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. Just a few years ago, this would have been excellent news; now, it was more like a noose tightening around her neck.

Urahara looked at her with sympathy in his gray eyes. "I know this isn't what you imagined, but for now, the best thing we can do is go along with it. Trust Yoruichi, and trust me. We won't let you disappear."

"I don't trust them," Kaede said to Sousuke later that evening. She'd grown bolder about sneaking in and out of the Academy grounds on her own over the past few years, and this was a situation she urgently needed his advice on. "I don't trust Central 46, and I don't trust that he and Yoruichi-san can actually do anything about it."

She paced in his room, too agitated to sit still. "I mean, how long have they known about this, anyway? A few days? Weeks? For all I know, they've known from the start that Central would pull this, and they just let me think I'd have a choice!"

Sousuke sat at his desk, his eyes lowered in thought as she ranted. "It does seem like your Urahara-san had a good deal of foresight in this. Curious that he didn't prepare you for the possibility sooner."

"Yeah, heaven forbid he actually give me time to get used to the idea! No, a week is clearly more than enough notice!" Kaede dropped to the floor next to him. "I'm sorry, I just…if they put me in the Stealth Corps, I'll be cut off from everything else - you, Hiyori…everything that actually matters. I know this is stupid and small compared to everything that needs to happen in this place, but…I always imagined that being a Shinigami meant I'd be helping people. Guiding Souls, protecting them from Hollows. But the Stealth Corps…all they do is police other Shinigami and uphold this stupid, broken system. I just…I feel like I'm going to disappear if I go there, no matter what Urahara says."

"You won't disappear." Sousuke put his arms around her, letting her lean into him. "I will give Urahara-san this much: his plan to use Shihoin Yoruichi's influence as a Noble Clan head is a sound one. I also believe Urahara-san's intentions to keep you out of the Nest. He understands that such an assignment would make you less stable and more dangerous, which is the opposite of what Central would want. For all that they wish to exercise their control, they're not that stupid."

Kaede huffed softly into his shoulder. "I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said about them."

"Even dust mites have redeeming qualities. They're just harder to see." He stroked her hair, lulling her into a much calmer state. "Speaking of redeeming qualities…this assignment has quite a few, if we play our cards right."

Kaede took a deep breath, inhaling his comforting scent before she lifted her head from his shoulder. She tried to see where his mind was going, the mental exercise helping her separate from her anxiety. How would being directly under Central 46's noses help them? "Stealth Corps…they're everywhere in Soul Society. They probably have access to places regular Shinigami don't."

"Precisely," Sousuke smiled. "It's also an opportunity to show those forty-six dust mites exactly what they want to see: a loyal, subservient little weapon. By being under their watch, we'll be able to watch them in turn. And the more obedience you show to them, the less they'll watch you."

The idea of turning this into an opportunity was certainly appealing. "There's still the isolation problem. Stealth Corps grunts aren't supposed to have personal connections, and I'd have to live at Division 2. We won't be able to meet very often."

Sousuke pulled her into his lap, his hands wandering up and down her back. "Are you saying you'd miss me?"

Kaede rolled her eyes. "I'm saying we don't get many chances to meet like this as it is, and we'll have even fewer once I'm in." She shifted in his lap so she could straddle him, dipping her head so that their foreheads touched. "But yes, I'll miss you, you megalomaniac."

He grinned. "Isn't there a saying about absence making the heart grow fonder?"

"Screw that." She latched hungrily onto his lips, pressing herself firmly against him, her body lighting up as he welcomed her advances. "I'd rather do this more, not less."

She wandered down his neck, pushing open his shihakusho to expose his chiseled chest. His body had only gained more definition in the years since he left the Academy, and she had to admit - she wasn't complaining. No scars marred his marbled features, a testament to how untouchable he was. She loved leaving little marks on his skin, small red and purple tokens that proved that she was the only one capable of doing so. She sucked one into his shoulder now, reveling in the low groan it drew from his throat.

"And how far would you like to take things this time?" he asked, his voice a velvety hum against her ear.

Kaede paused, nuzzling the crook of his neck. In the three years they'd been together like this, he'd always respected her boundaries, stopping when she asked, limiting or shifting his actions to her comfort. She appreciated it, she did, but sometimes…sometimes, she wished he would just let go and do what it was he wanted. She was never sure about what he wanted, though he'd been more than willing to guide her in how to please him when she showed interest. Even if she told him now that she wanted him to take the lead completely, she couldn't be sure whether it was really what he wanted, or if he was just obliging her.

It was just his way: he was a manipulator of people, playing

to their expectations, their wants and needs. He did it with her, too, and though she believed that he wasn't necessarily "pretending" with her anymore, she still wondered how much of it was intentional on his part, how much was genuine, and how much was pure habit.

So…what if she just didn't specify how far to go? She wasn't even sure what her answer was right now, just that she wanted to be with him here, now, and distract herself from the uncertainties of the future.

Kaede straightened a bit and, instead of answering, loosened the kimono top of her uniform, shrugging out of it one arm at a time, exposing her breasts to him. It had taken months for her to feel comfortable showing him her bare skin with all of its criss-crossed Kido markings, and it was still something she shied away from, preferring to let his hands wander underneath her clothes. He had no such qualms about his own body - why would he? He was perfect, unmarked…free.

The first time she'd exposed her chest to him, Sousuke had taken his time to kiss and caress every inch of skin, marked or not. He did so now, paying extra attention to her breasts, lightly flicking his tongue over her nipples in the way that always made her shudder with delight.

"You haven't answered my question," he hummed as he lavished her breasts.

Kaede bit her lip to hold back a moan of mixed desire and annoyance. She wanted to go farther. She wanted to be able to expose every part of herself to him…but to this day, she still had trouble even taking her clothes off around him. It wasn't nudity itself that made her pause; bathing was a communal activity after all. But when she felt the stares of the other girls, it wasn't desire or appraisal or even envy that she got from them. It was disgust, or fear, or just judgment in general, and while she knew she'd get none of that from Sousuke…she couldn't shake how uncomfortably vulnerable she felt.

In the past, vulnerability was always synonymous with weakness, something to be exploited in others and avoided in herself. She hated that her instinctive response was still to lock it away and beat it down. After all, if she wanted Sousuke to open up to her, it was only fair that she do so with him.

Sousuke lifted his head from her chest to meet her gaze. "You're overthinking things again."

Kaede snorted. "That's rich, coming from you. But…maybe I am, a little."

He traced her lips with his thumb, his ever-calculating eyes holding hers. "Have I ever betrayed your trust?"

She shook her head. But you could, muttered a small voice in the corner of her mind. She ignored it.

"And you know I wouldn't do anything you don't want."

She nodded, her gaze dropping from his as her throat tightened. "I know," she whispered.

Do I?

Yes. She did. To prove it - to that little voice, to herself, to him - she reached for the tie holding up her hakama. Sousuke had never pushed her farther than she was willing to go, at least physically; the times that he pushed her mentally, psychologically…those had made her stronger, opening her eyes to realities she'd have remained stubbornly blind to if left to her own devices. And every time they'd been together like this, every time she'd opened herself to a new experience with him, he never failed to make it more pleasurable than she could have imagined.

Sometimes, a little initial discomfort was necessary to reach the heights he took her to.

Kaede stood from his lap once the tie came undone, letting the layers of her uniform drop to the floor. As pleasantly warm as his room was, she was hit by the sense of complete exposure like a blast of chilled air. Her first instinct was to cover herself - especially the Kido markings - but she forced herself to stand still, letting him see her in full for the first time.

Sousuke stood, dragging his hands lightly up her sides as he rose. "That's better…and there is so much more I can do for you like this."

He kissed her, gently pulling her into his clothed body, enveloping her in his warmth. Kaede's body felt a thousand times more sensitive than normal; every inch of contact seemed more significant when she had no layers of fabric to hide behind. Even though he was still dressed, this embrace felt so much more intimate than any they'd shared before.

"Let me show you what I can do for you now," he muttered against her skin as he trailed kisses down her chest. "Lie down."

She did, though her heart fluttered madly in her chest. She'd unconsciously kept her legs pressed tightly together; when Sousuke went to part them, she at first resisted, unsure of his intentions. But with a few comforting kisses to her knees and shins, she was able to make herself relax for him and indulge in her curiosity. This was what she'd wanted, wasn't it? To see what he would do if given more free reign over her body?

He slowly kissed his way up her inner thighs, keeping his eyes aimed toward her face. At first, Kaede watched him back, but something about the eye contact was just too intense. She closed her eyes, willing herself again to relax…and once she did, she found she could feel his mouth that much more acutely. When his breath ghosted over her core the first time, she flinched, her own breath catching from surprise. When he delivered his first long, light lick, she took in a shuddering gasp, unsure what to make of the hot, moist sensation at first. With every subsequent pass, she relaxed more into his ministrations, sinking into the pool of pleasure that slowly built deep in her core.

Sousuke wrapped his hands around her thighs and pulled her in closer, granting his mouth better access. The sudden suction on her clit made her back arch off the floor, his breath enveloped her core in sweet heat, and oh that felt good…Her center ached, positively throbbing for attention, and as though he'd read her mind, she felt his tongue prod at her entrance, teasing her with the mere suggestion of more.

"Please," she gasped as the pressure became unbearable. "I need…more…"

She felt him smile, could imagine the wickedness of the expression without effort. "What do you need?"

Kaede groaned. Words were difficult - how was he always so damn articulate?! It didn't help that he'd returned to caressing her with his tongue. She tried to reach down and take over rubbing her clit so he could focus elsewhere, but he grabbed her hand, pinning it against her hip. His tongue strokes sped up, and soon she was mewling and writhing under his firm hold. She was so close, she could feel herself at the edge - then he finally, finally entered her with one long finger.

"Is that what you wanted?" he asked, his mocking tone suggesting he knew the answer all along.

Fuck you, she thought, but nodded vehemently. She knew how this went: if she talked back now, he'd draw this out until they ran out of time, and she'd be returning to the Academy barracks with a frustrating ache between her legs.

He took mercy on her this time, steadily redoubling his efforts with his tongue and fingers until at last she was tipping over that delicious edge. He rose to watch her writhe in orgasm, his fingers still inside of her.

"You're beautiful like this," he commented, his voice floating to her through her sex-fogged senses. "Open, vulnerable…free."

She felt it in that brief moment, suspended in a space where nothing mattered except the lingering pulses of liquid pleasure. He could do anything to her right now, and she wouldn't care. Any other time, with almost any other person, that would be enough to make her seize up with primal self-preservation; here, with him, it was liberating to float in that space.

Kaede watched him through half-lidded eyes as he lay down next to her, still clothed, though his hair was a bit mussed and he'd discarded his glasses. She loved seeing him like this, loved it even more when he was more disheveled, less controlled. She'd seen glimpses of it on occasion when they were together, when she'd learned how to make him moan, learned how his body worked, how to bring him to climax with her hands and lips and tongue - but even then, he was a difficult man to break.

The prospect of finally undoing him was enough to stir her body back to life, making her roll over and reach between them to massage him through his hakama. She felt his cock stiffen under her touch, but he stopped her with his own hand.

"Not enough time," he said with a groan in his voice.

"Doesn't have to take long," she pointed out before slowly licking her lips.

He hummed in amusement even as his eyes darkened with lust. "You know I prefer to enjoy every meal thoroughly, no matter how small…and we don't have the time for that right now."

Kaede fell back with a groan. "I don't want to leave yet. I'm so sick of sneaking around and curfews and…ugh!" She didn't care if she sounded whiny; it was true. "And it's only going to get worse once I'm in the Stealth Corps."

"Well," said Sousuke, a familiar, daring smile curling his lips. "I do have a proposal for that."

The plan went off without a hitch. Kisuke was actually a little surprised that the judges were so compliant, but then, aristocrats were quite susceptible to peer pressure. Even though the identities of Central 46 were meant to be anonymous, most of them were known among the upper-crust - and no one crossed a head of one of the Five Great Noble Clans without consequences.

Looking back, it had been lucky that Yoruichi was in a position to advocate for the "Child of the Catastrophe" so early on; being the first to do so gave the Shihoin family a sort of unofficial claim on Kaede. Quickly getting the backing of the Kukichi and Shiba houses certainly helped as well. Even the Tsunayashiro clan, arguably the most politically powerful of the Five, wouldn't openly challenge that claim or those who supported it - and Kisuke had it on good authority that they had wanted to.

He never told any of that to Kaede. The girl had enough to worry about without navigating the complex politics of the high nobility.

Thanks to all of that maneuvering years ago, Yoruichi was able to insist now that Kaede would only have a mandatory checkup once every few years, eventually petering out to once a decade, barring any unforeseen incidents with her reiatsu. Yoruichi would have complete control over her assignments, and she and Kisuke had long ago agreed that the farther Kaede was from the Nest of Maggots, the better - both for her mental stability, and for her to prove herself a worthy "investment" to the nobles who'd advocated for her life.

That was all she was to them, really: an investment. Given that, Kisuke found it rather ridiculous that they put so many restrictions on her, but paranoia was not a rational thing. To this day, while they had some theories of how her power had caused the Catastrophe, they still didn't know why. It might have been a random anomaly, but there was also the possibility that it had been completely intentional - an act of terrorism or a failed declaration of war by some other party.

Given what Kisuke had found in her clothes all those centuries ago, it was hardly an outlandish theory.

There'd been no further incidents, so he'd kept to himself about it. Even Yoruichi was unaware of what he'd found on her clothes. Kaede was just a child back then, too young and traumatized to remember her own name; what he'd found wouldn't tell them anything more about where she'd come from, and revealing it would only cause panic and create more problems in both Soul Society and the Human World.

At least, that was how he'd justified it to himself back then. He could say that he'd simply seen a child in distress, but that, too, was just another excuse. The most honest reason for his actions back then was pure curiosity: she was something new, and he'd wanted the opportunity to study her. That would have been impossible if she'd been executed on the spot.

It was only later that the other reasons became the truth.

Looking over at his charge, Kisuke allowed himself a small swell of pride in his decision. It had taken the better part of two centuries, but Kaede's value was finally being recognized. She'd met every challenge thrown her way, often exceeding everyone's expectations - including his own. Not only that, she'd been the perfect picture of respect and subservience today, even going so far as to express her gratitude for her new assignment - just what she needed to be for the judges. It had definitely been a good idea to let her know about the assignment ahead of time so she could present herself properly. By showing them what they wanted, she made her future path that much smoother.

He brought himself out of his silent musings when it came time to escort Kaede back to the Academy. "Hey, you did good today."

"Mm."

Now that she no longer had Central's eyes directly on her, she'd let go of the gracious facade. Her light eyes were dull and downcast, her brow ever-so-slightly creased by a frown. Clearly, she was still troubled by her assignment.

Kisuke tried to lighten her mood. "You know, this'll probably be the last time you'll need me to walk you anywhere. Soon, you'll be zipping around all over the Seireitei!"

"Mm." After a few minutes of walking in silence, Kaede finally used actual words. "Urahara-san…is it true that Stealth Corps members aren't supposed to have outside connections?"

So that's what was eating at her. Kisuke knew she had made a couple of friends in the Academy, friends who wouldn't be joining the Stealth Corps with her. Those were some of the first connections she'd ever had, and now she'd have to essentially say goodbye to them.

"Well, it's discouraged," he conceded. "But it's not like you won't be able to have friends at all. It's a pretty close-knit community in the Stealth Corps." He glanced sidelong at her, studying her downcast profile. "I won't lie: camaraderie isn't a priority in the Stealth Corps. It never was, and given what we have to do, it's probably better that way. Friendships, relationships…many of them come and go, but Soul Society has to be eternal, for the sake of all in existence. That is what we are tasked with: not simply upholding and enforcing a set of arbitrary laws made by beings who are also, by nature, temporary, but with the balance of the three worlds."

Kaede dipped her head, her hair forming a curtain that obscured her face from his vision. "I understand, and I'll do my best, but…if there's a relationship that I want to make last?"

Kisuke stopped walking. "You mean with Sarugaki-san?"

"Well, yes, but…" She shrugged her shoulders, her eyes averted…and was that a faint blush he spied on her cheeks? "I meant a more…personal one…"

That was when Kisuke noticed someone waiting just ahead on their path: male, brown hair, glasses…of course, Aizen Sousuke. He knew that Kaede had kept contact with him after his graduation; evidence pointed to them having become rather close, though how close was something Kisuke preferred not to think too hard about.

It wasn't a bad thing on paper. Aizen was a model Shinigami, well-mannered, talented, and intelligent. He was already in the top ten of his division, and before long would probably become a Lieutenant or Captain. Kaede could do far worse for associations, and this one might even help her image over time. The only blemish Kisuke could find about Aizen Sousuke was that he and Kaede sometimes snuck around to see each other. That was par for the course for a young…well…couple, he supposed, though part of him rebelled at thinking of them as such.

You just don't want to admit she's all grown up, he heard Yoruichi's voice tease him. All the same, it wasn't something he felt required to report to the judges in charge of Kaede's fate.

"Urahara-san," Aizen greeted, bowing to him. "It is good to see you again."

"Same to you, ah…Aizen-san, yes?" Kisuke responded, pretending to just barely remember him. "I think we met a few years ago, right?"

"Yes, back when Ka - when Sorano-san was still a first-year, I believe."

His near-slip of the tongue didn't pass by Kisuke's notice. First-name basis…they really were close, it seemed.

Aizen then turned to Kaede, his brown eyes softening. "Were you able to ask him?"

"Ah - not yet, I was about to…"

Kisuke glanced between them, a bit of dread sinking in his stomach. He kept his expression mild. "Ask me what?"

Aizen's posture straightened. "Urahara-san, if I may ask a moment of your time, there is something I'd like to speak to you about in private."

"Okay…" Kisuke raised a brow at Kaede as he followed the stiff-backed Shinigami, but she didn't meet his eyes.

They rounded a corner to a secluded nook where several buildings met. Kisuke sensed nobody nearby aside from Kaede, several yards away.

"I hope this is not too forward," Aizen began. "And that this does not reflect poorly on Sorano-san. You see, she told me about her upcoming assignment to the Stealth Corps. She was rather upset - not about the assignment itself, mind you, but because she was so looking forward to joining whatever division her friend Sarugaki-san did. Really, I believe she was excited to make a choice of her own, and, well…that's been taken from her."

Kisuke didn't need him to say all this; he was well aware of how disappointing this must be to Kaede. Hearing it spelled out by someone else, though, did make guilt gnaw at his insides a bit.

Still better than some of the alternatives, he reminded himself.

"Despite that," Aizen continued, "I hope you know that she accepts this position because she is truly loyal to Soul Society and just wishes to be of use."

"I'm aware," Kisuke told him. "I'm curious just how much you're aware of her…situation, though."

"I'm aware of what she has confided in me," Aizen responded evenly. "Again, please do not let that reflect poorly on her: you must know that it is a lot for a person to bear. Frankly, I am honored that she's deemed me worthy of her confidence." His eyes softened as he continued. "I have never met anyone quite like her, really. Over the years that we've come to know each other, I confess I've become…infatuated. I like to think we've grown close."

Aizen met Kisuke's eyes again, this time with steady resolve in his own. "I realize that members of the Stealth Corps are meant to avoid personal connections, but I believe that in Sorano-san's case, that would be a mistake. As Shinigami, we all serve a common purpose, but it's those individual connections that truly ground us."

"I see your point," Kisuke said slowly, "but the decision's been made. She has to join the Stealth Corps."

Aizen lowered his head. "I understand. Since that cannot be changed, I'd like to offer a way to help her situation, both personally and regarding her standing with the judges."

"And that is?"

"Marriage."

Kisuke blinked. "…marriage?"

"Yes." Aizen plowed forward, giving Kisuke the sense that he'd rehearsed this many times in advance. "It's clear by their decisions regarding her that Central 46 is concerned with her loyalty to Soul Society. Their logic is that by tightening the leash on her and isolating her from others, they can control her. However, with all due respect, I believe that logic is severely flawed and could potentially backfire. Sorano-san greatly values the few connections she has, and forcing her to sever them would hurt both her and any sense of loyalty she has developed. However, by marrying a fellow Shinigami, she would be demonstrating that she's laying down roots. She wouldn't simply be making personal connections, but seeking to maintain them - things that would increase her loyalty and dedication to Soul Society as a whole."

Kisuke had to admit: he'd certainly thought this through, and his understanding of the mindsets of Central 46 and Kaede herself was savvy. It also must have taken him a lot of courage to bring this up, even just to Kisuke himself; speaking so authoritatively to a superior was frowned upon in the Gotei 13, no matter the context.

Apparently, he wasn't finished, because Aizen continued: "Additionally, by marrying someone outside of her own division, Sorano-san would necessarily interact with people outside of the Stealth Corps. She would gain a greater understanding of the diversity within the Gotei 13, which would benefit both her ability to serve and her level of dedication. To put it more simply, she would be given a concrete, personal reason to protect the peace of the Seireitei."

Again, it was a sound argument. "I'm assuming you mean she'd marry you."

"Ah - yes, of course," Aizen answered, bowing his head with a bashful expression. "I apologize, I thought that was clear."

"It's certainly been a…lengthy proposal," Kisuke said. And sudden… "Though I wonder why you're presenting it to me rather than, say, to Central 46."

"I doubted my chances of being heard by them," he replied. "I'm only the fifth seat in my division currently - a far cry from the authority of a captain or lieutenant. But since you are, for all practical purposes, her guardian of sorts, and have advocated for her for so long, this seemed the logical first step. You would have a good idea of how they would respond to such a request and, I would hope, be able to offer advice for procuring a favorable outcome."

He then dropped his gaze a bit, and with it, some of his rigid exterior ebbed away. "And…to be frank, Urahara-san, I've come to you with this because of Sorano-san herself. She looks up to you almost like a father figure. Your opinion matters to her, perhaps more than that of Central 46; knowing we have your blessing would mean a lot to her."

This man should be in politics, Kisuke thought. Though his delivery was a bit…stiff, Aizen had all the bases covered in his argument, from the logical to the emotional. Normally, that would set off alarm bells in Kisuke's head - he was never a fan of politics, even though he sometimes used it to his advantage. Knowing how to play the game didn't mean he enjoyed doing so.

But Aizen Sousuke also struck him as being completely earnest. Kisuke would almost say he was a little too perfect, but that was hardly a crime; if anything, his stiff presentation and over-preparedness were just parts of being a young person of less advantaged origins trying to succeed in a world stacked against him.

Not everyone had the privilege of noble friends, after all.

Come to think of it…this might actually be a good idea for more reasons than the ones Aizen had laid out. Officially, Kaede belonged to Soul Society as a whole, with Central 46 as her overseers. Unofficially, the Shihoin clan had "first dibs" on her as a person and a Shinigami; the only reason they hadn't adopted her outright was to prevent a perceived power imbalance among the clans. That didn't mean that the other clans wouldn't want to have a potential powerhouse in their ranks, just that they couldn't openly demand custody over her.

They could, however, attempt to gain her through other underhanded, yet perfectly legal, means…like marriage.

When a person married into a noble clan, they became part of that clan in a legally binding way. Even Central 46 couldn't directly interfere with the aristocracy's "domestic" matters; if one of the Five Great Noble Clans managed to secure a marriage between Kaede and one of their members, she'd essentially become their property. They could do with her - and her sealed power - what they wished, and Central 46 would have no real say in the matter.

It was one of many scenarios Kisuke had foreseen long ago: While Kaede was at the Academy, she was limited in who she interacted with. The timing couldn't have been more perfect than if he'd planned it himself - while there were a couple of lower aristocrats in attendance during her school years, none were from the high nobility. If a clan wanted to try and push someone on her, it would have to be from outside the Academy's population. That would be far too bold and obvious a move, and would have drawn the ire of the other clans.

But now that she was graduating and entering the greater population, Kaede would be an open target for recruitment. Getting her into the Stealth Corps may not have been ideal for her personally, but strategically, it would keep her from getting tangled in political webs. It wasn't perfect - another clan might still try to woo her over, but at least Kisuke and Yoruichi would be able to keep a closer eye on such attempts. And of course, Kaede herself was no easy target for such schemes, a fact that brought Kisuke no small amount of pride.

If she was already married, and to someone completely outside of the aristocracy…that was an even better shield. As for that "someone," Kisuke honestly couldn't find any objections to it being Aizen Sousuke, even if something deep in his gut disliked the idea. He was, as far as Kisuke could tell, a good man and a good Shinigami, and he cared enough about Kaede to be offering this sort of commitment.

Kisuke sighed. Politics and strategy aside, there was only one person who should have any say in this. "Kaede-chan…you gonna keep eavesdropping?"

Aizen's brows shot up as the young woman seemed to melt out of the shadows, a contrite smile gracing her features. "Sorry…"

"Eh, considering where you're going, it's good you're practicing," Kisuke said. To the spectacled young man, he added, "You better get used to that. She's always been a sneaky one."

"R-right," Sousuke stammered. "Does that mean…?"

Kisuke glanced over to his charge. "Kaede…is this what you want?"

Her pale gold eyes lit up. Without hesitation, she answered, "Yes. It is."

How many times had he seen that expression before? That look of mixed hope and apprehension, where she was clearly trying not to get excited lest she be denied yet again?

And how long ago had that look begun tugging at his heart?

He wasn't supposed to get so attached. The "Child of the Catastrophe" had been an experiment, a fascination that might also be beneficial to Soul Society as a whole, yet somewhere along the line he'd started seeing only the child. Even now, standing tall in front of him, a young woman about to become a full-fledged Shinigami, with a marriage proposal on the table no less…

Kisuke still could only see that child.

Perhaps it was best that after today, she'd officially be under Yoruichi's charge. Kisuke would still be involved in monitoring Kaede's seals, but otherwise, he had no place in her life anymore. He'd taken her as far as he could; there wasn't much more he could do for her that he hadn't already tried.

This, though…this, he could do for her. After this, he would take his step back, as he was always meant to.

He raised a hand to the back of his head and shrugged. "I don't see why they'd object. It's not common, but it's also not unprecedented. Heck, even if they do, Aizen-san here could probably persuade them with those sorts of arguments. I'll give them my recommendation for you."

The smile that lit Kaede's face could've outshone the sun. She rushed to Sousuke's waiting arms with a gasp of laughter. Kisuke was actually a bit surprised - she used to have such an aversion to being touched, it was strange to see her seek it.

To the couple's credit, they didn't make a grand show of it - no kissing or lifting, and even their embrace was tastefully sedate. But no one watching could deny their mutual affection, Kisuke thought.

Seeing their happiness right now made his insides twist in apprehensive dread. It might work out just fine, he assured himself…or it could go horribly wrong somehow.

Sousuke's brown eyes met Kisuke's over his newly betrothed's head, shining with relief. "Thank you, Urahara-san."

"Don't thank me yet," he said. "Hard part's still to come, from what I understand."

"We know," Sousuke replied, looking back into Kaede's eyes. "We're ready for it."

"Then I've got no objections," he said again. "As long as the marriage remains a happy one."

He turned and left the couple on that parting note, silently praying that it would be a happy one - and that Kaede wasn't making a choice she'd wind up

So…

Awww, they're getting married! Cue the apprehensive squealing. And Kaede's gonna be in Yoruichi's squad! While that may have been a good thing for her once upon a time, now…not so much. It does mean that we'll get a bit of a look at the inner workings of Soul Society as we progress through the past…and you know it ain't gonna be pretty.

So how much of what Aizen said to Kisuke was genuine, do you think? And how much was him playing a part to get the answer he wanted? (That's always the question with him, isn't it?) Oh, and you think getting Urahara's blessing would be tricky? Wait til Kaede tells Hiyori about all of this.

Next Time: Graduation, Part 2. Kaede tells Hiyori, and we see what Kaede herself actually feels about this marriage business…the wedding day comes around, but a key person is absent…and Aizen has *special* plans for their wedding night.

Confession: This chapter and the next were originally a single chapter. I split them up (and padded with that steamy scene) partly for story purposes, partly because I'm buying myself more time to write ahead. I'm not as far ahead as I intended to be by now, and I want to be able to keep a regular posting schedule, even if I have to slow down. So yeah - I'm slowing down a bit. Chapter 15 will be up next week, but after that, I'm doing every 2 weeks. In the meantime, you know what to do: Enjoy, leave a comment, and of course…

Stay Tuned!