Perfect Imperfection (Mayuri Kurotsuchi)

More Interference

I came back to my senses, realizing that Mayuri wasn't to be seen. His spiritual pressure was running wild and I could tell that despite leaving me behind, he was headed for the tea house where we were going to have lunch.

I touched my hands lightly to my curling lips as I looked in the direction of the gate that led out to the First District. My feelings swirled around as I started to follow him. Mayuri actually kissed... he kissed ME. MY first kiss... and he ran away after.

Even without seeing it, I knew my cheeks had to be flushed red from the intimate moment we had shared. As I walked passed the guards at the gate, I could feel a giggle ripple through my throat as I replayed the moment over and over in my head.

"My, you are smiling like I do, Shihōin-hime, what could be the cause I wonder?" The amused male voice stopped me dead in my tracks.

Even though I hadn't heard it in over a hundred years, it was still bone chilling. I made no move to turn around at the voice that called out to me, as I stayed within the guards sights. The events before turning into a phoenix flashed into my mind and I saw the white haired boy, grinning wide.

The smile fell from my face as my senses told me I could be in danger. "Awfully quiet for someone who was smiling as big as the moon."

My lips remained shut as I looked ahead at the path that Mayuri had taken not moments before, his spiritual pressure fading as he got further away. Gin wouldn't dare to hurt me with the guards here... right?

"Though you have nothing to say, I wanted to welcome you back to the Soul Society. Maybe we could take a walk?" Gin's pale white face greeted me as he made his way around to stand in front of me.

I forced my best noble smile upon my lips. "What unfortunate timing, as I have prior engagements I am en route to. Maybe another day, when I have had more time to settle in."

"Naturally, I couldn't let a lady go un-escorted, I shall accompany you." He offered his arm to me.

My blood ran cold at the sudden offer. After having been so well guarded for years, it was clear that he had been keeping an eye on me - just to find a moment when I was unattended. "It may seem that I am un-escorted, but I assure you that I am well accompanied."

"Truly, Shihōin-hime, my feelings will be hurt if you refuse me so adamantly." The slits of his eyes opened, showing the icy blue eyes that stunned my very thoughts.

I resisted swallowing the lump that had formed in my throat. Though I had gained better control of my spiritual pressure, it had been raising slowly as Gin approached me. He held out his arm that I was aggrieved to take. 

I prayed that anyone could come save me. I wanted to bid my time." Is it not something you can talk to me here or later about Ichimaru-sama?"

"It is something that should be discussed at length. A nice stroll around should suffice." The curves of his smile seemed more sinister.

I took a deep breath as I stared at him and then it dawned on me. I wasn't the same little girl that was hiding or running away. I was the princess of the Shihōin Noble Family. No military personnel could force me to do anything that I didn't want to. I swallowed another deep breath as the sentences formed into my head. I could only thank Byakuya for his adamant wish to train me of the Noble family duties.

"You are being extremely pushy, Gin-sama." Though it wasn't the smile I'd had with Mayuri, I had formed one. "Unless you are accusing me of something sinister, I'm sure it can wait when I don't have my own business to handle."

"My, you have grown, Shihōin-hime." Gin dropped the arm he held to offer me. "I have never been refuted so adamantly."

"Which is fine, as she is the Hime of the Shihōin Family, Gin-san." A strained voice spoke from behind us. "You should never be so pushy with women, they will think you are creepy."