Chapter 8: Now that the cat's out of the bag...

It was still early in the morning when Soi Fon entered her office. She sat down and organized some loose papers, not really focusing on what she was doing. Her mind was still trying to figure out if the events of the previous day had been real or just a sweet, cruel dream. Then she remembered Yoruichi's tearful confession and the warmth and comfort of her embrace afterwards. Soi Fon smiled slightly. It hadn't been a dream. It was all true. The confession, the embrace, the long talk after that and at the end of the day, the gentle good-night kiss that Yoruichi had given her. Soi Fon sighed. Things would be different now. Yoruichi said she would stay with her forever, here in Soul Society. She wondered how the other captains would react. Or her shinigami. Her mind was so preoccupied that she jumped up when a soft voice whispered in her ears.

"A penny for your thoughts, Soi." Startled, Soi Fon looked behind her. Yoruichi stood there, elegantly, with a mischievous smile on her face.

"Yoruichi! Don't sneak up on me like that!" Soi Fon said with red cheeks.

"But I like sneaking up on you. You're so cute when you're flustered." Yoruichi grinned. Soi Fon tried to look angry but her fake anger quickly disappeared when Yoruichi took her in her arms and softly kissed her on the lips.

"Don't tell me you're mad Soi. It was just a little joke."

"I'm not mad." Soi wrapped herself deeper in Yoruichi's arms. "But I still need to get used to the fact that this is all real. You and me, together, like a real couple."

"You make it sound like we're married." Yoruichi laughed. Soi Fon looked up in Yoruichi's eyes.

"Well, aren't we in a way? You vowed to stay with me forever yesterday, or did you already forget that?"

"Of course I haven't. I finally got my little bee back. There's no way I'll let anyone or anything come between us again." Yoruichi said while she stroked Soi Fon's hair. Soi Fon rested in Yoruichi's arms for a while, enjoying the intimate embrace. Then she gently pulled away.

"I wish these moments would last forever Yoruichi but I still have work to do, unfortunately." Soi sighed.

"I know Soi, and I've been meaning to talk to you about that." Yoruichi smiled.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, since I'm going to stay here, I might as well make myself useful. If there's anything I can help with, just ask."

"You really don't have to do that Yoruichi. You're not a shinigami anymore and I would never dream of ordering you to…"

"Who said anything about ordering me? I'm volunteering. I'm not planning to sit and drink the day away while waiting for your return. I'd die of boredom." Yoruichi interrupted. She had a determined look in her eyes and Soi Fon realized that she wasn't planning to give in.

"Well, if you insist… there's still some paperwork that…" Soi Fon stopped when she noticed a slight twitch in Yoruichi's perfect complexion. "…or you could organize the training sessions for 2nd division."

"Training huh? That sounds fun. Leave it to me taichou!" Yoruichi said with a teasing grin.

"Yoruichi, please don't…"

"A joke, Soi. We'll need to work on your sense of humor as well." Yoruichi smiled as she ruffled Soi Fon's hair. "Now, how about we grab something to eat? I'm starving." She didn't wait for Soi Fon's reply and grabbed her lover by the arm, dragging her along.

"Living with Yoruichi will be quite a change." Soi Fon thought. "But it's definitely worth it."

That same morning, Asuka was also up early, helping Hinamori with her morning duties. She was waiting for a chance to initiate the second phase of her plan. Luckily for her, Hinamori was in a talkative mood and it wasn't long before Asuka could turn the conversation in her favor.

"I'm really grateful that you're helping me Asuka-san. Work is a lot more fun with someone else."

"Why are you thanking me? I work for you, you idiot. It's my duty, whether I like it or not."

"It's really nothing fukutaichou. I'm glad I can be of assistance." Asuka smiled.

"I know it's tough sometimes. Our division doesn't have as many shinigami as the others." Hinamori said while stamping some files.

"That's true. But we do get help from other divisions. Like 10th division and Hitsugaya taichou and Yugo from 2nd division." Asuka said. Hinamori nodded with a smile.

"You're right. They've all been very kind, even though they still have their own responsibilities."

"By the way fukutaichou, is Yugo coming to help today?" Asuka asked casually.

"Not today. He only comes over once or twice a week. Why do you ask?"

"Well…it's nothing I guess, it's just… never mind, it's silly anyway." Asuka said, waiting for Hinamori to take the bait.

"Is something wrong Asuka–san? If there's anything I can help with, just ask."

"Okay, but… do you promise that you won't tell anyone else?" Asuka asked. Hinamori nodded.

"Well, the first time I've met Yugo I kind of left in a rude manner. I hope I didn't offend him. I wish I could apologize and explain to him that I wasn't feeling well that day."

"Are you worried about that? I'm sure he has already forgotten all that. It happened days ago." Hinamori reassured her.

"Probably but…it still doesn't feel right. " Asuka said.

"Well if it really bugs you, just go to 2nd division and apologize. I can handle the work alone for a while." Hinamori suggested.

"No I couldn't leave all that work to you fukutaichou! And I'd probably be interrupting Yugo's work as well when I go now. Maybe you could send a message to him and ask him to come over during lunch." Asuka said.

"If that could help…sure I'll do it right away." Hinamori replied.

"Thank you so much fukutaichou!" Asuka smiled brightly, content that her plan was going smoothly so far. "And erm, if it's not too much to ask, can you do me one more favour? Stay with us when I apologize. I feel rather embarrassed and it would help if you're around."

"Sure, no problem. Don't worry Asuka; this silly misunderstanding will be cleared up in no time." Hinamori said with a comforting smile. Asuka just nodded.

"I'm sure it will Hinabaka, but it will create a whole new misunderstanding at the same time…"

Lunch break, 5th division's garden

"So you see Yugo-san, I was feeling rather under the weather that day and I hope my behavior hasn't offended you."

Yugo didn't know what to say. When he had received Hinamori's message he had wondered what could've been so urgent but this stomped his mind. Why would Asuka ask Hinamori to ask him to come to 5th division for an apology to something that happened several days ago? Asuka was without a doubt a strange and unpredictable woman.

"I'm sure you already forgot all about the incident, right Yugo-kun?" Hinamori said, and Yugo realized that she and Asuka were still waiting for his reply.

"Oh, of course, I really didn't mind. Don't worry about it." Yugo said uneasily. The truth was that he hadn't forgotten. At least, not Asuka. The past few days she had haunted his mind at the most strange moments and the more he thought about the reason, the less it made sense. Even now, when she was standing in front of him, smiling apologetically and looking at him with her clear eyes, he didn't understand why she made him feel uncomfortable and warm inside at the same time.

"How about some tea?" Asuka's smile seemed so brilliant that Yugo blinked and didn't reply immediately.

"Sounds wonderful but I'm afraid I'll have to pass. Shiro-chan can be here any moment to pick me up for lunch." Hinamori said.

"Oh right, you always lunch with Hitsugaya-taichou, don't you fukutaichou? I almost forgot that. Guess it will be tea for two then." Asuka said cheerfully before she hurried of. Yugo watched her as she left. Tea for two, for him and her. Somehow the thought made his body tingle.

"She quite a character, isn't she Yugo-kun?" Hinamori said.

"I-I guess." Yugo tried to sound indifferent but realized he wasn't. He wanted to know more about Asuka but was afraid to ask. Luckily Hinamori continued talking.

"I was a little worried at first. She didn't seem to adjust to the work and the division but lately she's been doing fine. She has been a tremendous help today."

"That's good to hear." Yugo said. "So she is a nice girl after all. Maybe I can find out more about her during tea."

Hitsugaya hurried through 5th division. He was already late and he didn't want to make Hinamori wait any longer. A shinigami had told him that she was in the garden. A flower among flowers. The thought about her made smile and he increased his pace. When he arrived at the garden, he could already hear her lovely voice. She was talking to someone. Hitsugaya slowed down. From the barrack door he saw Hinamori and Yugo. Chatting. A friendly conversation. Hinamori was smiling brightly. Very brightly. Then Hitsugaya remembered the letter. He shook his head to rid himself of the silly thoughts that entered his mind. The letter was from a secret admirer, some coward that was scared to reveal himself. They were just friends, nothing more.

"Hitsugaya-taichou, how nice to see you." Hitsugaya jumped up. Asuka was standing next to him with a tray and two cups of tea. Hitsugaya, feeling caught, didn't respond.

"You're here for Hinamori-fukutaichou right?" Asuka asked politely. Hitsugaya nodded.

"She's in the garden with Yugo-san. She had called him over to discuss something and I was just about to bring them some tea."

"Discuss something? Like what?" Hitsugaya swallowed some saliva. He began to feel nervous.

"I don't know." Asuka shrugged and then her voice became very mischievous. "They look like they're having fun though. It's quite a lovely sight."

"Is it?" Hitsugaya sounded more annoyed than he'd wanted. It was just a coincidence. Surely those two couldn't…

"Hinamori-fukutaichou! Hitsugaya-taichou is here to see you!" Asuka yelled, breaking Hitsugaya away from the disturbing thoughts in his mind. Hinamori looked in their direction and waved. She quickly said something to Yugo before heading over to Hitsugaya and Asuka.

"Well, I'll leave you two alone. Enjoy your meal." Asuka said, before she joined Yugo in the garden.

"We will." Hinamori smiled. Hitsugaya tried to smile as well. He didn't say a word for a while when he and Hinamori left 5th division.

"You're quiet today Shiro-chan. Is something wrong?" Hinamori asked a little worried. Hitsugaya shook his head.

"Oh it's nothing. Say Hinamori, what were you talking about with Yugo?"

"Oh just small talk. Mostly about work." Hinamori replied casually.

"Oh right. It's just… I didn't remember that he was supposed to help you out today." Hitsugaya said nervously.

"Oh, he wasn't. I called him over."

"Really? Did you need his help with something?" Hitsugaya asked, his anxiety growing by the minute.

"Nothing important. You don't have to worry Shiro-chan." Hinamori's sweet and innocent smile prevented Hitsugaya from inquiring any further. But the thoughts that now haunted his mind didn't go away. For the first time, a meal with Hinamori didn't taste so good anymore.

Thx for reading and plz review! Next chapter: Mad Asuka's tea party