Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Houkiboshi ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

HOUKIBOSHI

 

Disclaimer: Bleach characters are not mine; I am just borrowing them for some twisted fun of mine.

 

A/N: This takes place when Urahara Kisuke is still in Soul Society and acted as the 12th Squad Captain. His vice captain is Kurotsuchi Mayuri. My OC is one of shinigami that serve under Urahara. BTW, maybe there would be implied yaoi.

 

Pairings: Urahara + OC1 (Akiko), Urahara + OC2 (Shiho), Urahara x Yoruichi, Urahara + Mayuri

 

Chapter 5:

 

Shihouin Resident

 

Urahara and Yoruchi snuggled close to each other on the bed, half naked. They look content where they are because they found comfort in each other.

 

Suddenly Yoruchi giggled.

 

“What?” Urahara asked.

 

“No, I just suddenly remembered the events at the bazaar two days ago…” Yoruichi explained. “Your favorite subordinate has such a funny expression when she saw me…”

 

Urahara grinned. “Can you blame her? You did tried to kick her ass around…”

 

“I just wanted to test her fighting skill since you seem to be fond of her…” Yoruichi said. “Or did you only like her look? I thought you only interested with people who are smart…”

 

“Well, she's amusing, you see…”

 

“Just that? You know if I didn't know you better, I'd think that you had actually fall in love with her…”

 

“Did I detect some jealously here?” Urahara teased.

 

Yoruichi elbowed him painfully.

 

“Ow!”

 

“Serve you right…”

 

Urahara grinned.

 

“I think she might have feeling for you though she doesn't seem to realize that…”

 

“Who?”

 

“Your favorite girl…”

 

“I've many favorite girls…”

 

Yoruichi rolled her eyes. “You know who I meant…”

 

“You mean Akiko-chan?” Urahara asked with a knowing yet innocent smile. “Nah, I don't think so. She has a huge crush on one of your subordinate… I think Rimudo is his name… He is her childhood friend after all…”

 

“I don't think Rimudo has the same feeling with her. I have seen them together before. The look on his eyes told me that he thought of her as his precious friend and sister…”

 

“I thought of you as my best friend and look where it has gotten us into…”

 

“What?”

 

“What what?”

 

“What has we gotten us into?”

 

“You can't trick me into saying it…”

 

“I can still try…”

 

“You're so eager to punish me huh?”

 

There is a silent agreement in between them. They agreed not define their relationship with the term `lover' or anything. They are free-spirited people, one that refuse to be chained with definitions.

 

Those, who admired them or despised them, have been calling them partners-in-crime, best friends and lovers. They are just guessing though. The pairs often wondered why those people needed to term them with any definition? It wasn't their business. But those two doesn't really care what people said or think so they don't mind the curiosity and the gossip. Sometimes it could be annoying too for them if they were asked and pushed to give answer because they don't owe the others' explanation of what they are.

 

Urahara would admitted to himself that Yoruichi is special, important person in his life but leave it at that. He won't say Yoruichi is just another of many women in his life. She is too precious but he also realized that he couldn't keep her. Just as Yoruichi can't string him down only to her.

 

Each of them met and gets acquainted in relationship with many people; some old some new, but never go too far or too close. The two are like the wind course steering freely around.

 

“Seriously though…” Yoruichi said. “I think she has a thing for you…”

 

“What with the sudden interest in Akiko-chan?” Urahara asked rather amused.

 

“I saw her giving you a yearn look when you flirted with her friend…”

 

“She did?”

 

“Yeah…”

 

“That explains why she is so upset when I teased her and blushing around me sometimes…”

 

Yoruichi laughs. “You can be so dense sometimes, Kisuke…”

 

“I could say the same about you, you know?” Urahara replied with a grin.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Your Little Bee?”

 

“Soi Fong? What about her?” Yoruichi asked puzzled.

 

Urahara chuckled but didn't answer.

 

“What?”

 

&&&

 

Soi Fong sat under a cherry blossom tree in a garden. She sniffled in desperately-hold-on tears. `Why him? Why for him?' she screamed in her mind.

 

“Soi Fong?”

 

Soi Fong looked up and saw Akiko's concerned face. She quickly rubs her face to erase her tears. She braced herself. “What is it, Yuuki-san?”

 

Akiko tilled her head. “Are you…in trouble?”

 

“What? No!” Soi Fong answered almost too quickly.

 

“Then why are you crying?” Akiko asked. It is unusual to see Yoruichi's favorite guardian let out her weak side.

 

“I'm just…a bit upset. Nothing to worry about.” Soi Fong answered.

 

“Can I at least help?” Akiko asked again.

 

“I'm afraid you can't…” Soi Fong said with a weak smile. Suddenly she shook her head and breathes a huge sigh as if trying to relieve the tension on her shoulders. She smiles softly. “What can I do for you, Yuuki-san?”

 

“Err, have you seen Urahara-taicho? Supposedly in two hours he has a meeting with the Central 46. He needs to sign some papers required for the meeting.” Akiko said with troubled look. “I thought he perhaps had drank too much last night with the other taicho since he hasn't return to his house nor did he in the office. I've been looking all over for him…”

 

Soi Fong almost flinched. She sighed again. “Yes, indeed I've seen Urahara-taicho last night. He…was…is with Yoruichi-sama…now…”

 

Akiko look dumbfounded for a minute as if she can't register what Soi Fong had told her. “Oh…” She is surprise at the hurt that rose from within her heart. “I see…” She realized then why Soi Fong had cried. She had heard from Amika and Keiko about Soi Fong's infatuation with the Shihouin Princess, which explained why she had cried before. `She is probably upset that Urahara-taicho and Shihouin-taicho…' She couldn't bear to continue the thought.

 

“Are you alright, Yuuki-san?” Soi Fong asked when she noticed the expression of numb in Akiko's. “You look like someone had hit you with something…”

 

“What?” Akiko snapped out of her trance. “No, I'm fine. I'm just thinking how to talk to Urahara-taicho if he is with Shihouin-taicho. I probably shouldn't bother them, should I?”

 

Soi Fong noticed the uneasiness in Akiko's voice. “Are you…uncomfortable with Yoruichi-sama?”

 

“W-what? No! I'm just…nervous…she being a nobility and all…” Akiko answered with a nervous smile.

 

“Really? Did you still upset about when Yoruichi-sama had attacked you? She hadn't meant to hurt you, you know? It is just in her nature to test a soldier…”

 

“Yeah, well, apparently I'm no good as soldier…”

 

“When I first met Yoruichi-sama, she had also attacked me, you know…” Soi Fong said with a smile.

 

“Really?” Akiko asked, a bit surprised that the usual shy and closed Soi Fong suddenly seem so eager to share her memories.

 

“Yeah. Yoruichi-sama has been so kind to me this entire time. I don't have much friends you see, and the others hated my gut because Yoruichi-sama choose me to be her private guardian…” Soi Fong said.

 

Akiko smiled. “Sound like you really adore your taicho… You two must be so close with each other…”

 

Soi Fong blushed cutely.

 

Akiko grinned.

 

“I could say the same about you, Yuuki-san. You are close with Urahara-taicho, at least close enough for you to act informal around him. And you are really patient with him to actually put up with him. Not meant to offend him, but he is kind of… Never mind!” Soi Fong quickly said, thinking it's inappropriate for her to comment on other taicho.

 

Akiko shrugged. “Yeah, he is kind of weird and a bit annoying but he has a good heart…maybe that's why I choose to remain loyal with him…” she admitted. “After all it was because of him that I changed my mind about shinigami and decided to became one…”

 

Soi Fong doesn't quite catch the last part. “What?”

 

“Nothing!” Akiko quickly said. She sighed. “So what to do now? The meeting is important for him, I think. Could you…report to them that I am here?”

 

“Err, I don't know if I should…”

 

“Never mind then… He will show up eventually…hopefully… Well, I have to get back to the headquarter before Kurotsuchi-fukutaicho notice me missing and decided to punish me again…”

 

“See you…”

 

&&&

 

Somewhere outside Seireitei

 

During a break hours, Akiko decided to sit on a cliff near mountain where she could see the scenery of Soul Society. Cold wind blow gently, lifting and steering her hair messily. She is so deep in thought about the stormy and confusing feeling in her heart.

 

`What is wrong with me?' Akiko thought. `I loves Rimudo, at least I think I do…but why does my heart ache for that person as well?' She sighed as she clawed her own head. “Stupid, stupid me! Why him of all people anyway? There is got to be something wrong with me!” She sighed again. “That's it! I must be out of my mind! Being around him too much definitely can do that to a person…” she decided, “Yeah, that's got to be it!”

 

Akiko suddenly remembered about the bet between Amika and Keiko about the chemistry between her and Urahara. She shook her head violently. `It must be their fault too to input my mind with the horrifying idea!' she thought. She growled in frustration. “I need Rimudo, I need to see him now, I need to make sure, I need to ensure myself that…that…it is him…it has always and forever him…” She suddenly braced herself and stand up. She started yelling, “Just come back already!!”

 

The echoes of her voice were carried by the wind as if transferring the message to the person on the other side…

 

A/N: Yeah, I know, this chapter too focused on Akiko. I actually want to write about Urahara and Mayuri too but the muse about them hasn't appeared to me just yet. Any suggestion?

 

&&&

 

12th Headquarter, Urahara's office

 

One day, Akiko stormed inside with many veinmarks on her head. She muttered one thing, “Men!”

 

Urahara looked up from the papers to see her. He looks amused. “What is it?”

 

Akiko moved back and forth and suddenly exploded in anger, “Men are evil! They are so plainly evil! Don't you think so?” she asked him suddenly.

 

Urahara leaned against his chair. It is obvious he found her question amusing. “Well, seeing that I am a man…I inclined to disagree…”

 

“Ugh, men!”

 

“What is going on?”

 

Akiko sighed as she moved her hair aside and sat down.

 

Urahara stand up and walked toward the girl. He sat down beside her. “What is it?”

 

“It just… You won't believe what I had just found out!”

 

“That men are evil?”

 

“No! Porn books, dirty pictures, whatever you men call them!”

 

“Ah~~!” Urahara smiled knowingly.

 

Akiko suddenly stand up. “A few minutes ago, I met these bunch of MEN…” she emphasized on the words with venom. “…they were laughing while reading some books…”

 

Urahara knew where it is going and can't help but smile.

 

“Well, I was kind of curious…what was so funny…I thought it might be some comedy stories or something…” Akiko explained while walking back and forth. “I should have minded my own business.” She muttered. “So anyway I asked them what were they read about…”

 

Urahara listened quite tentatively.

 

“They were laughing at me! They said something that it wasn't something a little girl like me to know about! Some of them even look at me funny!” She shuddered. “Anyway I was pissed so I snatched the book and guess what I see!”

 

Urahara's mouth twisted in an amused grin.

 

“Pictures! Of naked women!” Akiko said. “God, how can they read something like that? My eyes!” She looks like she is going to puke.

 

Urahara had to bit his lips to prevent laughers escaping.

 

“They found those dirty, inappropriate pictures actually amusing! Ugh! Gross! Disgusting! They should be…punished for reading such a thing!” Akiko still rambling, completely obvious on her taicho's amused smile.

 

“Well, in their defends, they had said that it wasn't something you should read…” Urahara said.

 

“Don't you take side with them! Their actions are wrong! There should be law about that! It invades women's privacy!” Akiko said. “And…and to think someone actually published such books is beyond me!”

 

“Well, you can't blame it only to men, the women on those pictures, they are very willing…to share their assets with…people…” Urahara said carefully.

 

“Ugh, what kind of women did that to their own body? When did this happen?” Akiko asked more like yelling to the ceiling.

 

“Well, they were paid, you know? It happened during time of crisis, when someone needs money to survive so desperately, they tend to do something extreme, anything to survive. Beside it wasn't such a bad thing! You could say it is a work of art, you know? And, btw, sex had been a subject that everyone have been curious about through time to time…”

 

“Work of art my ass! It's degrading! They should burn those kinds of books! It is unacceptable!”

 

Urahara sighed. “You're overreacting, Akiko-chan. It has been going on for such a long time. Even though at some point, sex is still a taboo subject, doesn't mean people shouldn't try to understand it…or making it more entertaining…” He grinned but quickly stops when he saw Akiko's look of anger.

 

Akiko glared at her taicho, then sighed. She sat down beside her taicho. “I can't believe Takashi actually goes for that kind of thing too… He seem like a decent enough guy…”

 

“Takashi?”

 

“Yeah, Ken-kun I can understand since he could be mindless sometimes but Takashi?!”

 

Urahara smiled. “Yeah, well, that's the way life is…or men are…” he said. “And who said only men enjoyed that kind of thing? Some women actually favors them too, though mostly do that secretly… For all you know, Amika and Keiko might have seen such books too…”

 

At what Urahara suggested, Akiko look like almost faint. “No, they are not! They are normal!”

 

“Oh, so, it is abnormal for simply enjoying sex?”

 

“What does this has got to do with enjoying sex?”

 

Urahara shake his head. “Akiko-chan, you really need to get laid…”

 

Akiko raised her fist ready to hit her taicho for that particular comment when someone knocked the door, saving Urahara in the process, not that he need saving since he could easily fend her off if he choose too…

 

It was Tetsu. “Urahara-taicho, Kyouroku-taicho and Kurosaki-taicho requested to meet you…”

 

Urahara grinned at the mention of his friends. “Well, get them inside.” He turns to Akiko. “Could you prepare some tea and snack, Akiko-chan? That would be helpful…”

 

Akiko fumed but doesn't refuse. She stormed out the room.

 

Tetsu looks puzzled. “What's with that girl?”

 

Urahara only laughed. “She was just hit with reality of life…”

 

Tetsu got more confused but doesn't press for answer. He turns to summon the visitors into the office.

 

&&&

 

Next day…

 

Shiho read the copy of accepted proposal that her taicho had submitted to the Central 46. It was about the creation of gigai - faux body. Urahara created those bodies for shinigami who are wounded in duty at human world to heal properly and also for shinigami to blend in between society at human world while investigating. It was quite interesting idea Shiho had to admitted. Her taicho is a real genius.

 

“Ara, Miyano-san, what are you reading?” Mayuri asked. “Look like you're so into it…”

 

“I'm reading the copy of the accepted project Urahara-taicho submitted to Central 46…” Shiho explained. “It is very interesting. Have you read it?”

 

“No…” Mayuri doesn't seem too happy. “The project is accepted?”

 

“Yes.” Shiho confirmed. “I heard you are in a middle of important project?”

 

“Yes…”

 

“I assumed you are going to submit for acceptance from taicho and Central 46?”

 

“Of course. Unlike some people, I do value my time.”

 

Shiho held the urge to roll her eyes at his I'm-too-good-for-anyone attitude.

 

“What about you? Make any new project lately?”

 

“Not yet. Haven't found interesting subject yet.”

 

“I see…”

 

“Well, good luck on your project.”

 

A/N: I don't know why I wrote a scene about Mayuri and Shiho. I'm starting to give hints of Mayuri + Shiho pairing now? What do you think? I guess you might say my only concerns in this story are Urahara, Yoruichi and Akiko, after all.

 

&&&

 

Urahara, Isshin, Kyouroku and Ukitake were at a small bar at a desolate road. They are celebrating Urahara's yet another successful project. Except Ukitake, the other three obviously already intoxicated with too many sake. The three drunken men had been singing, yelling and mumbling incoherently.

 

Ukitake smiled, seeing his friends' idiotic yet amusing behavior. He shook his head. He loves being with his friends despite their many differences. Well, the three drunken men had lots in common: their stupid and pervert behavior. But put all four together, they were all strong men, smart and kind at heart.

 

Ukitake sighed again as Kyouroku started to proclaim his `love' with Urahara dramatically. Urahara responded quite full of drama too. Isshin is laughing and then literally fall back from his chair. Urahara and Kyouroku help their friend up and started mumbling about things that are not too clear.

 

It was almost midnight. The three hadn't sober up yet. Ukitake is worried and asked them to stop drinking. The three gave him similar puppy looks, which make him almost laugh, but he didn't. Finally after enough convincing, Ukitake managed to get them back to Seireitei but it was hard because they are still not sober yet. They kept falling to the ground and laughing at each other.

 

Luckily at the moment Akiko appeared. “Taicho! Why are you here again? Didn't I told you that tomorrow you have taicho meeting?” she scolded him as she tried to help Urahara to stand up.

 

“Yuuki-san, is it? Why are you here in the middle of the night?” Ukitake asked in surprise.

 

Akiko bows to Ukitake. “I couldn't sleep and decided to take a walk. I heard taicho's voice…” she explained and almost stumbled when Urahara's weight body almost fallen to her. She tried to steady him. “Taicho, get a grip!”

 

“Akiko-chan~~! Hello to you to!!” Urahara waved cutely in his drunken state.

 

“Thanks God that you're here. Can you help Urahara back to your headquarter?” Ukitake asked.

 

“Sure, but what about you? Should I go ask someone to help with Kurosaki-tacho and Kyouroku-taicho?” Akiko asked.

 

“Don't worry about them. I'm sure Yahiko-san and Nanao-san had been informed before of their plan to get drunk and they must be on their way here. I will guard them until they fetch them. Could you manage with him?”

 

“Don't I always?”

 

Ukitake smiled as he watched Akiko help Urahara at his feet and started to walk away. `She loves him… I wonder if she or even Urahara realize that…' he thought.

 

Akiko had some difficulty with Urahara since he is so drunk at the moment. Usually Urahara is still sober enough to walk properly but this time he seem so out of it.

 

Urahara is singing funnily as he walk stagger with drunkenness.

 

“Keep your voice down, taicho.” Akiko scolded. “Some people are asleep you know?”

 

Urahara ignored her.

 

Akiko sighed. “Didn't you inform anyone that you're going to be drunk so that someone could fetch you? I can't believe you can be this careless…”

 

The handsome shinigami laughed. “I have you who always look out for me, don't I?”

 

“Don't count on it…” Akiko muttered. “Next time I will just let you sleep on the road…”

 

“Akiko-chan is so mean~~!!” Urahara said. “Why are you being mean to me? You need to loosen up~~! Play with me?”

 

Akiko rolled her eyes and cursed herself of why she had to pursue him when she heard his voice while she was walking alone. She sighed. It was still a bit long way to their headquarter. `Maybe I should leave him here for awhile and fetch for the night-shift guys at the headquarter…' She about to open her mouth when suddenly Urahara loses his balance and staggering toward her, effectively causing both of them stumbled to the nearest wall.

 

Urahara had Akiko pinned on the wall. “Oopsie…” He laughed.

 

“Taicho, get a grip and get off of me!” Akiko snapped. Her head ached because it hit the wall.

 

“Does it hurt, Akiko-chan? Want me to rub your head? I have a magic touch, you see…”

 

“I'm sure you all…now get off!!”

 

Urahara let go of her only to fall to the ground.

 

Akiko quickly try to steady him but fail because he is heavy. “Taicho, you can't sleep here. You will get a cold you know? Taicho? Taicho!”

 

A chuckle. “Need help there?”

 

Akiko looked up in shock when she heard the voice. “Rimudo…?”

 

Fukai Rimudo standing over Akiko and the unconscious Urahara with an amused smile.

 

Akiko's eyes lit up with happiness. “When did you get back?”

 

Rimudo chuckled. “Just now. I wanted to report to Shihouin-taicho but she had slept so tomorrow…” He looks at Urahara then Akiko. “I see that you are still babysitting him…”

 

Akiko rolled her eyes sarcastically. “Ha-ha, very funny! Well, don't just stand there! Help me!” she snapped.

 

Rimudo laughed but help Akiko to get Urahara on his feet. Each one took Urahara's arms to steady him. They started to walk toward the 12th Headquarter. “So how are Tokiko and the kids?”

 

“They are fine.” Akiko answered. “You missed the bazaar. Tokiko had made some clothes for you…”

 

“She did?” Rimudo's eyes lit up in excitement but Akiko doesn't notice.

 

Finally they arrived to 12th Headquarter. They took Urahara into his bedroom. After settling him on bed and cover him with a blanket, Akiko joined Rimudo outside the room. They sat on the porch, watching the night sky.

 

Silent filled the two of them.

 

Akiko turned to Rimudo and smiled sweetly. “I had misses you…”

 

Rimuda smiled warmly. “I misses you too and also Tokiko and the kids…terribly…”

 

Akiko chuckled. “Tokiko and the kids will be trilled to have you back…”

 

“Yeah…”

 

“So how was your mission?”

 

“Well, it was kind of hard than originally we had expected but we managed to finish the deal…” Rimudo said. “Sorry, can't tell you more than that, secret mission and all…”

 

Akiko rolled her eyes. “I swear you really enjoyed being in the secret ops and all…”

 

“Of course I do…” Rimudo grinned. “You also like it here in 12th squad right?”

 

“Well, it is fun… Everyone is nice except fukutaicho…”

 

“Yeah, he kind of gives me a chill…”

 

“I know…but Urahara-taicho seem to be fond of him a lot…”

 

“From what I had heard, he also seem to be fond of you too…”

 

“Urahara-taicho is a good person. He treated his people kindly. Unlike your taicho…”

 

“Shihouin-taicho is a good person too. She just doesn't show her emotion much, you know being nobility and all…”

 

“She attacked her soldier…”

 

“She was just testing them. She holds great appreciation to strong people…”

 

“Just like to Soi Fong?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Are you jealous that Shihouin-taicho didn't choose you to be his guardian?”

 

“Should I be?”

 

“It doesn't hurt your pride as men?”

 

“Should it be? I admitted Soi Fong is stronger than me but I will eventually surpass her I'm sure…” Rimudo said with determination.

 

Akiko's eyes softened at his expression. She loves it when he is filled with determination. “I'm sure you will…”

 

“Well, I guess I should go back to my place. It has been a tiring day.” Rimudo said and stood up. “We talk again tomorrow…”

 

“Count on it.” Akiko said eagerly. “We could visit Tokiko-chan together…”

 

“Good idea.”

 

“Alright then, off you go… Get a good sleep…”

 

“Sure, you too…”

 

The two bids good night.

 

Akiko sighed as she watches Rimudo walk away. “I'm glad you're here, Rimudo…” she said softly.

 

 

A/N: Any expectation?