Log; complete

[1hatwonder.livejournal.com]

When; Present time
Rating; PG
Characters; Shihouin Yoruichi (goddes_of_flash), Urahara Kisuke (1hatwonder)
Summary; Urahara finally meets up with Yoruichi, and Oh how they like to play games with each other.

Log;



Sighing, she rolled over onto her stomach, golden eyes flickering across the landscape. Yoruichi was bored. Well, at least she wanted to be bored. Bored would distract her from other things. Aizen's departure, the unrest among the Arrancar, the "project" at hand. And....Kisuke. Honestly, Kisuke was the one thing she was trying to keep furthest from her mind.

And it wasn't because she didn't want to see him. Oh no, that was quite the opposite. And it was that fact she didn't want to deal with. Shihouin Yoruichi hated to feel dependent, to feel tied down. And Urahara Kisuke understood that, he always had. But if that was the case, then why was she nervous. Oh well, nothing to be done about it. Flopping down, chin resting against the laquered red wood of the temple gate, she sighed. Yup, still bored. Kisuke would find her before too long, it never took him that long to track her down, regardless of how far she wandered. And truthfully...she wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

It hadn't been long since Urahara had come to this new... World, was it? Everyone had been telling him he'd been here before, but he had NO recollection of it. Unlike his usual self, he was confused and trying to grasp a knowlege of what was going on around him - Arrancar? Aizen? This was beyong a vacation for him, not that he was looking at it as a vacation (far from it, actually). It was difficult being thrusted into an entirely new place, and he felt like he was reliving his time right after being exiled all over again.

And just like that time, Yoruichi was here as well, or so everyone had been telling him. You'll find her somewhere by the shrine was what sources had told him. Wondering if that was indeed true, he left midafternoon from the apartment he was temporarily sharing with Kurosaki Isshin and Matsumoto Rangiku, and traveled in the direction people had pointed to. It didn't take long before walking up the shrine's stairs and reaching his destination. Looking around, he observed the area, not really wanting to go around shouting.

Looking down, she smirked silently. Not like Kisuke to be so slack, so unobservant. Sitting up, she brushed hands through dark violet hair and slipped softly off of the beam to drop behind him. Leaning up, she grinned and whispered in his ear. "Ki~suke~ So it's true, you are back."

It wasn't often she could get the drop on him, and truthfully she probably hadn't managed it this time either. Kisuke was irritatingly good at making it seem as though he was completely oblivious, only to then reveal that he'd been masterminding everything from the start.

He smirked, realizing that she couldn't see it. "It is true, and it does seem vaguely familiar, but..." He turned around, "Apparently I don't recall anything about this place." His smile widened, happy to see such a dear friend again, "But apparently I wasn't missing in Karakura Town very long either, though, because no one said anything." He stood there puzzled - So apparently the two worlds worked on seperate times? Interesting...

His arms wrapped around her frame, "It's good to see you, Yoruichi." He rested his chin on the top of her head for the briefest moment, then pulled away, "And you..." He pointed to the shrine, "Are you living here?"

Closing her eyes for a moment, she simply allowed herself to enjoy the feel of his arms around her before looking up and nodding as he pulled away. "Yeah, have been for a good few months or so."

It was good to see him, confusion and all and in fact, it actually made some of the confusion a good deal better. Having him around was normal, it was familiar. Yoruichi wasn't used to being the one making all the decisions, the one that everyone came too with the problems. Kisuke was better at that sort of thing, he was the more logical-minded one, the one who planned things through.

He stood there, hands on his hips admiring the temple, he wasn't surprised that Yoruichi picked the place out. She had a high quality (although he daresay high maintenance), about things.

He felt better, knowing that she was here, yet he couldn't deny the confusion still settled within him, especially with some sort of war brooding in the background. Of course he had his own opinion on that, but he wasn't willing to jump to conclusions yet without the complete details. "Yoru..." Her named rolled off his tongue, "Can I stay with you a bit?" He was staying with Isshin and the vice captain Matsumoto, and although they were beyond nice (well, he had known Isshin for years), he still felt like he was intruding.

He was clearly out of the loop at the moment, and he'd have to fix that soon.

Ignoring the shiver that always trailed down her spine at hearing him shorten her name like that, she smirked at him. Really, did he have to ask? He should have known better. Reaching over, she plucked the ever-present striped hat off of his head, plopping it onto her own dark hair.

"Ki~suke~, do you really need to ask that question? I think you already know the answer."

Sauntering a few steps away with her characteristic catlike grace, she paused and glanced back over her shoulder. "Oh, Kisuke? Got somethin to show you, if you're interested~?"

Running a hand through his hair, he couldn't help the small smirk. Some things never change, he thought to himself, watching her walk off.

At the mention of something "interesting" caused him to perk up, "OH~?" He followed her, catching up to her long stride, "And what might that be, Yoruichi~?" He swiped his hat from her, and held on to it, knowing she was prone to stealing it right back, "I do hope some nice tea is included in this 'something interesting'."

Laughing, she shook her head. Always the same, that was Kisuke. Swiping the hat right back, she waggled a finger at him. "No steal-backs~"

As for tea....she could probably manage that. Though once he saw the nice "playground", he'd probably be more interested in playing with that and figuring out all the new fun things he could do with it. Rummaging in her pocket, she pulled out a rather familiar looking black key, spinning it around one long finger.

"Look familiar?~"

"H-How!?" Ignoring the fact that she stole his hat without him defending her, his eyes widened at what was in her hand, "You mean... We have our 'place' here!?" Upon arriving this strange place, Urahara was frusterated beyond belief with the lack of his store or anything besides what was on his back. No store, no tools, no Benihime - he felt extremely lacking and beyond underprepared for anything. If he ever got back, he definately had to make sure never to do anything without having certain tools on him, no matter how ridiculous he looked.

She pursed her lips in a pout, acting wounded. "Kisuke~ don't you remember? You made it for me~"

Placing a palm against the thick trunk of one tree, she easily spelled a kidou, attention barely on her hand as it traced through the easy motions and shapes, leaving glowing trails on the bark. Sliding the key into the slot that conveniently appeared, she watched as the black piece of metal slid seamlessly into the tree, vanishing as the simple door materialized. Pushing it open, she stepped inside, cocking dark head at him as if daring him to follow. "Well? Aren't you curious~?"

"You better believe it!" He was almost too willing to push her aside in his curious excitement. He wasn't entirely impressed that it was built; it was more a "go figure" kind of thing. But if this was here, that was a good sign that maybe this upcoming war could be prepared for here.

Following her through the enterance and to the long flight of stairs, he paused to look at the mass enormity of the room, "I guess I shouldn't say I'm impressed, but... Damn."

Yoruichi snickered, watching the blonde look around the large room. He really was like some sort of kid in a candy store with things like this. Wide-eyed and entranced by the sheer magnitude of the space and the fact that it was his to do with as he chose. Walking by him, she nodded slightly to her own addition to their "special place", the little cottage and pool next to it. "Hotsprings upstairs get a bit crowded sometimes, so I added my own~ Hope you dont mind, Kisuke~"

Stretching, throwing arms above her head, she lazily turned a few handsprings, stretching out her back, palms finding the familiar dirt ground. "It also makes a nice place for my little protege to stay when she tires herself out~"

"This brings back memories, Yoru~! And I do like the addition." He couldn't help his sly glance to her, "but since when were you so concerned about a crowded springs? Growing self-conscious in your old age?" A devilish grin spread across his face, "Or do you just spend alot of time down here?"

He walked towards the cottage, curious to inspect it, he really liked the addition, and for some strange reason it made him think of his small home during his captain days.

She scoffed, tossing long ponytail over her shoulder. "Feh, when have I EVER been self-conscious. And you most certainly did NOT just call me old, you scruffy idiot!"

Watching him make his way over towards her little "personal touches", she grinned and shook her head. "Of course I do, can't train her if I'm not here now can I?" Following after him, she waited until he stopped, and draped arms loosely around his neck. "Remind you of something~?"

Yoruichi knew very well what the small dwelling likely reminded him of, in fact it was his small home in Soul Society that she'd thought of when adding the house to the large area. It just.... felt like home, moreso than either the temple, or anywhere else in the City.

"Yeah..." He never would admit it to anyone, not even to Yoruichi sometimes, but he thought of Soul Society more than he cared to point out. Sometimes he'd say he missed it, other times, he just grew angry at himself for being so foolish and careless in his inventions. It took a long, long time for him to accept his exile, and just when he had grown to accept it... It was his dream, memories, and moments like these that reminded him of those days.

...But it did feel like... home. He moved his hands, and held Yoruichi's in his own. "I think I can accept this." He spoke softly, with a sincere smile. "I don't feel quite as... out-of-place anymore."

"Mmmm, that's good to know...." Indulging herself, she pressed lips to his ear momentarily before relaxing and letting arms slide back off of his shoulders. She knew he had a hard time sometimes, dealing with the fact that he'd thrown it all away. And really... she understood. Afterall, had she really done any different? She'd thrown away everything as well, but for a different reason. She'd thrown it away for him. To follow him. Sure, she may have never told him as much, but Yoruichi was fairly certain he knew, at least to some extent. It was the same with their "relationship", if you could call it that. So much assumed and understood, so little actually stated or acknowledged.

"You'll have to help me out a bit now~. After all, your favourite student is here too, and given how involved he is with my student, it would only be fitting that we try and meddle. Don't you think?"

At the comment of "my student", "your student", made Urahara chuckle, "Possessive, much? Yoru~?" He turned and studied the area again - it was practically identical to all the places they had made. "But meddling sounds fun." He noted.

He paused for a moment, "But this war that's coming... Tell me about it." He found a rock and sat down, eyes mirthfully watching his friend. He knew she'd fill him in on everything. It was rare that their opinions on things clashed.

"What?" She winked at him, golden eyes glittering.

"Please, you can train that orange-headed, stubborn idiot all you want, I don't have the patience to deal with him long-term. His girlfriend, on the other hand? Perfect little student. Learns so quickly as well."

Her expression turned serious at his words and she nodded. "It's because of Aizen's departure. The Arrancar feel there's nothing to keep them in check, that having no master they are therefore free to do whatever they feel."

"Girlfriend!?" His eyes widened, "Well, I did see it coming~!" He felt like he should've taken a bet on this, as his face frowned in disappointment for the briefest second.

At her statement about the Arrancar, he nodded, "It's to be expected." He rubbed his chin in thought, "But the shinigami shouldn't jump into things, it'd be mass chaos." The thought made him cringe - were they really all that irrational? He groaned and rubbed his forehead, forgetting his hat wasn't there to pull down more.

"Heh, of course you did. But I wouldn't call her that where he can hear you. They've had a bit of a rough time, what with him leaving this place and then returning with no memory of the time they spent together." Chiding him a bit, she leaned in and prodded him with one long finger. "Awww, wish you'd taken my bet that time?"

Folding her arms she nodded. He was right, the shinigami ought to have been acting with more couth. Perhaps it had to do with so few captains in attendance in this place to keep the order of things. "You'd think, but things are different here. Death doesn't have the same sway over us that it does in our world. Here, if you die you only return to life. The only catch is that you're trapped here. Because of that...it's all the more easy for the Arrancar to decide that it's open season on shinigami because they can just kill them over and over."

"Is that so?" This was news to him. He knew that this world worked vastly different from the real world and Soul Society, well, it didn't take a captain to figure that out, but... "Then what's the point? I mean, what's the Arrancar's motivation?" Just as he asked it, the answer came to him: power. It was all just a silly playground scuffle over power and who got to build the biggest sand castle in the sandbox. "Ch..." He rested his chin in the palm of his hand, connected to his knee.

It was this moment how helpless he felt not having Benihime with him. All he had now was allies, his own strength, and wits. "Well..." His mind was searching for options, because clearly singing in a circle and sharing a few drinks weren't going to work. "What is your thoughts on this?" He glanced up.

Leaning back against a convenient wall, she folded her arms over her breasts again, pursing lips in thought. She honestly hadn't done much thinking about it beyond self-preservation. While Shihouin Yoruichi might not have considered many of the Arrancar in the City to be that much of a threat, that didn't mean she had any desire to outright tangle with them.

"They range in power from Espada to Privaron and Numeros, so their power levels vary. Some don't present much of a threat, and have actually shown themselves to be relatively peaceful. Then there is of course the matter of the 105th Privaron, the sexta espada, and the one Alturo among others. Them.....well, they're more to worry about. Right now they're relatively fragmented, each hunting for blood on their own, at each other's throats. The Quarta espada, the fraccion Tesla, and the small Arrancar Nell Tu have so far shown no outward hostility towards us. That being the case, the Octava has also been rather quiet though I'm less inclined to believe it is due to lack of hostility and more simply because his nature is one of quiet and subterfuge. As for the shinigami, they suffer from some degree of the same fragmentation due to clashes of loyalties and other instances."

Sighing, she ran a hand through violet bangs. "And the Vaizard that are here....well, they're in this for themselves as usual. Or rather, out of it. They see this as none of their concern and I can't say I necessarily blame them."

"Hmm...I don't blame them, the Vaizards, that is." Urahara stood up, looking to where Yoruichi might have hid his hat when he wasn't paying attention, "We should have a meeting of some sort. If the Arrancar are so scattered amongst themselves and their own power struggles, then we shouldn't interfere or provoke them. The last thing I want is to deal with conflict like this, especially when it might be avoidable."

His eyes met hers, "We should stay out of this unless something seriously happens and it's clear that they are the ones to inflict it." He shrugged, "I just don't want to create a mess and involve other people that don't need to be involved, or drag other people into this."

Nodding, she sighed, rotating a sore shoulder with a slight grimace. Really, she should chastize that girl more about her control. It had taken a lot to block that kick, not so much because of the power behind it but because of the half-cocked way her student had launched it at her. Oh well, she supposed she couldn't blame Rukia. Since working things out with the substitute shinigami, her charge's mood had been so much improved that Yoruichi hadn't really had the heart to chide her very much. Especially since it seemed the City had worked it's "magic" again, taking both Ukitake and Shiba Kaien. Which left her as the only real "authority" in the young shinigami's life.

"Agreed. There's no need to complicate things further than they already are. And I especially want to avoid dragging in innocents."

Changing the subject slightly, she cocked her head to one side. "So you still wanting to crash with me, or are you going to be holing up here in your little "fort"?"

He watched her movements, noting that she was sore from something and stepped in front of her. "As much as it reminds me of the old days," He reached out and rubbed her shoulder with one hand, fingers pressing strong enough to feel the small knots of muscle, "I do need my sunlight." He knew that was very "cat-like" of him to say. Perhaps Yoruichi was rubbing off on him more than he realized.

"Your shoulders are tense... You shouldn't work so hard." The connection of her claiming the hot springs were too crowded dawned on him, this was what she was referring to. He playfully tapped her cheek, before his moved both hands to opposite shoulders, kneeding the muscle, "This is long over-due, my friend~!"

She couldn't quite stifle the moan of pleasure as his fingers kneaded the tense, sore knot in her shoulder. It had been so long, she'd almost forgotten how good he could be with his hands. Mmmm....that's good.... Moan turned into a contented purr as his other hand slipped up to her shoulder, strong fingers kneading their way through tension. Smiling slightly, she managed a wry grin. "Not work so hard? It's that little girl's fault, she needs to learn some control. Rather like her partner, you know."

Nodding a bit, she couldn't help but agree with him. Because honestly, it was overdue. And for that matter....there were a lot of things that felt a bit overdue. "So is this." With customary spontaneity, she leaned up and pressed lips to his for a lingering moment before pulling back and turning around so her back was to him. "Do my neck too?" And that was it. Simple, unassuming, not expecting anything in return. That was the way things had always been with them. No matter how deep feelings may have gone, or how passionate or casual each individual encounter was, there was always an element of freedom, a lack of attachment that brought the ease of capriciousness with it.

He couldn't help the grin plastered across his face, as his hands again touched her shoulders, fingers working diligently. "You playing a game, Yoru~ichi?" He whispered lowly in her ear before slowly moving one hand to her neck rubbing and tracing the spine.

His thumbs pressed between her shoulder bones, moving in slow circular movements, never staying in one place too long before moving further, "Because..." His lips were just at the shell of her ear, well knowing that she most likely had that happy grin across her face.

Stopping his movements, he pulled away and tugged on her ponytail. "Two can play at that~!" It was childish, mood-killing at best, but he loved to tease her just as much as she teased him. He took a step back quickly enough in case there was a slap to the face following his actions.

Yoruichi bit her lip at the feel of his breath on her ear, mentally cursing the fact that it had been so long since she'd seen him. Normally she was the one with the control, the one who got the better of him. Purring at the feeling of fingers massaging her neck, she frowned at the tug on her ponytail, turning to glare slightly at him over her shoulder. "Not very nice, Kisuke~"

Turning back around, she walked fingers up his chest to tug at his hair. "Especially considering I only have one futon~. Don't want to be sleeping on the floor, do you?~"

He scoffed, "You wouldn't dare! Inhumane, really!" He knew how to push her buttons, as he lightly traced his fingertips along the side of her cheek, "Think of all the hospitality I've given you, Yoru~! Milk, a nice place to sleep, shelter from the rain," His finger stopped, "Belly rubs, yes?" Oh, now there was a sensitive topic for when she was in her catform.

"Yes, I think it's more than..." His mind searched for the correct words, "due time that you owe me." He poked her nose. "You shouldn't let a poor man such as myself sleep on the streets. I might be taken advantage of!" He gave her a dramatic look of sadness, "Then what~!?"

There he went with the nickname again. Raising an eyebrow, she scoffed at him. "I highly doubt anyone would be that interested in taking advantage of you. But~ if you insist, you can have the bed and I'll just curl up by the fireside. After all, my fur can keep me warm."

She knew that was a bluff. She'd missed him, missed him more than she wanted to admit, and it was simple knowledge that she'd find herself seeking out his touch come nightfall. But that didn't mean she had to let him know it was that simple. No, no way would she make it easy for the ex-captain.

"Mm, but the fireside is too far from the bed." Now he was making stuff up, he really didn't know the layout of the shrine or anything, "So I might get cold, which isn't very nice of you to your guest. I don't have a fur coat, or the flexibility to curl up into a itty-bitty ball like you can." He demonstrated with hands making a circle, "Then I'll rat you out to the town," His smile grew even more across his face, "and say, 'Oh that Yoruichi, she's so mean to her guests! Doesn't provide enough blankets and leaves them to the cold!'" He poked her shoulder, "Now how's that for customer service?"

He teased her, besides the fact it was too deliciously fun to see her fight back, he missed this. He missed her. It wasn't something he had to vocally say, it was clear whenever she appeared randomly at the shop, his smiles were bigger, his antics were more exaggerated, and he would stay up to nearly dawn gushing to her the cutest thing darling Ururu did the previous day! Then when she left, the sun stayed out longer, the days were hotter, nights were a tinge darker. But he would never actually admit this.

Raising an eyebrow sardonically, she smirked at him. "They'd probably say you're just a big baby. But that's beside the point because unless I'm mistaken..." Leaning forward, she rested her chin against his chest, yellow eyes boring into his. "You are trying to bribe me into your bed, Urahara Kisuke. Or rather, into MY bed WITH you. Now, I'm sure I must be mistaken. Because you see, if you really wanted the pleasure of my company, then you'd be working a bit harder to convince me of how much you've missed me~"

Technically, she still had control. And if not, well then she could get it easily enough. She knew the man, knew every inch of his mind, knew what made him tick and what to do to get the desired results. This would likely be no different. Just as she knew he loved to tease, she knew he loved it just as much when she teased back.

He took note of her mirthful gaze, "My, Yoruichi, was that an attempt at seduction I heard~?" He reached down to her chin, pulling it up. "You have such a way with words." His thumb ran across her bottom lip, before placing a soft kiss. "All I was asking was for some warmth, and you make it a scandal." He shifted, lips just hovering above her jawline. "It was you who even mentioned the bed first." He had to point out the facts to her.

Just as it seemed he was going to place another kiss, he pulled back and let go of her chin. "Just how big is this bed, anyhow?"

"Hm, I only mentioned it because I thought you'd prefer it to sleeping on the cold, hard floor. But~ if you'd rather, then be my guest~."

Crooking an eyebrow with a carefully studied expression, she smirked yet again. No, she would definitely not let him know he was getting to her. She was a free spirit, she didn't attach herself to things. "It's plenty big for what you need it for, Kisuke. Since, as you said, you don't have any designs on it other than simple sleeping. No point in trying to figure out the dynamics of anything else, after all."

Reaching up, she set his hat back on her head for a moment before sticking her tongue out and turning to walk off. A moment later, she and her shirt parted ways, the orange fabric landing on his head. "Well, you know the way out, Kisuke~ I think I'll soak this shoulder for a little bit."

"H-hey, wait!" He pulled off the shirt from his face, watching her bareback slink away from him. He began taking a step towards her then stopped - what was the point? She was playing a game, and he was just as willing to play it with her. Crossing his arms, he looked up towards the ceiling, trying to ignore his stripping friend.

"Don't be getting my hat wet!" Urahara warned as he began walking the seperate direction, heading towards the stairs. "Because I don't think I'd be willing to share the bed if you did." He folded her shirt at the base of the stairs, well-knowings she wasn't afraid to walk back to get it later; no one was here to see her anyway if she even had any qualms about it.

Her expression to him was almost questioning, and he simply replied, "I'm going to look around a bit and find some food." With that said, he began his climb up. He knew they'd talk about serious matters more later.

Being thrust into some strange world was bareable knowing he had Yoruichi around, it was bordering on embarrassing to admit it even to himself, but it was true. She was the one to calm his nerves, point out his ideas were a bit far-fetched, always willing to criticize without worrying what the "crazed ex-captain" might say in reply. She was always trustworthy, and knew she had his trust and protection in return.

"There's yakiniku in the cottage~" Alright, so he was going to ignore her. Fine, she could deal with that. Stretching and leaning back, she closed golden eyes and enjoyed the feel of the warm water against dark skin. Kisuke would be fine, she'd find him later. Or he'd find her. Either way.... things already seemed a good deal better than they had been.