To Understand Without Speaking [open]

[Kyouya Morinozuka]

It was a lovely day out as the trees swayed gently in the breeze. It was fair out, temperature wise, and so the day called for some tea out on the porch of a nearby tea shop. Kyouya sipped quietly at his own cup of tea and just enjoyed the moment. No duties, as far as he knew, were needed of him today and he decided to take advantage of that as quickly as possible since fate seemed to favor him badly when it came to quiet moments to himself like these. A grin spread on his face as he remembered some past instances where he was interrupted by another Captain or one of his subordinates. The server came out again and asked if he would like more tea and sweets. Kyouya nodded his head and returned back to his peaceful moment. His reddish brown hair had rustled as the wind picked up again. It was tied behind him in a ponytail going down his back. His green eyes seemed to dance as he took delight in the wind and the coolness it gave.

He expected a visit by Kaoru today since usually on his days off she would spend at least a few hours with him doing whatever they thought of. Kyouya chuckled at the thought of the girl he came to see as so precious to him. He loved his little sister and took care of her every chance he could get. Though, every so often he would have to be strict with her about her attitude. As much as he hated to be cross with her, she seemed to take his lectures and punishments well when given. Suiro No Kami seemed to be enjoying the peace as well since in Kyouya's minds eye he saw his zanpakto lounging upon the deck of the villages houses that was on the edge of a large ocean. His zanpakto was in the form of a man, probably around the age of 20 with long white hair tied in a ponytail that goes down his back. His body has bandages as well as a dragon tattoo that goes on his chest and around his body. A blindfold is over Suiro No Kami's eyes so that his eyes cannot be seen. All the zanpakto was wearing was the bottoms to a blue shihakusho with white wave patterns on the bottom hems. Kyouya sighed and then opened his eyes.

His pure white Captain's haori shone in the sunlight. He set down his empty tea cup and stretched. He gave a big yawn as his eyes squeezed shut for a moment before opening again half-lidded. Everything was so peaceful for Kyouya that he just closed his eyes for a moment and he was asleep. His body slumped down and he layed on his side with his head propped up with his right hand as his other one layed near his chest flat on the ground. In that moment he was asleep and in his inner world in no time.

The waves lapped at the edges of the shore softly as Kyouya made his way along the beach toward the vast village that was just up the way. The sky was blue and bright as the sound of the ocean filled the air. Kyouya smiled at the peaceful scene as he made it finally to the edge of the village. He spotted his zanpakto instantly and immediately moved to where he was using shunpo. Suiro No Kami didn't even make a move. "Did you fall asleep again at the tea shop?" Suiro No Kami said with annoyance at his master's habit of falling asleep in the most inconvenient of places. Kyouya could only laugh as he leaned against the railing on the porch. "I find it to be relaxing, you know," Kyouya said as he laughed out loud.

Suiro No Kami grunted in annoyance as she moved to a sitting position, looking up at Kyouya. "It inconveniences the workers when you do that," Suiro No Kami said in his 'i'm-going-to-lecture-you-for-being-an-idiot' voice as she pressed his hand to cover his face. Sometimes he couldn't comprehend what his master was thinking at times. Kyouya laughed harder at this and sat down across from Suiro No Kami and pulled off his haori and set it on the railing. "I'll wake up when I wake up and then get going back to the barracks soon. Besides, i'm expecting a visitor today as well, so I can't delay," Kyouya grinned as he scratched his chin. Suiro No Kami sighed as he stretched out again.

"How is that child?" Suiro No Kami asked with a gentle tone. He knew alot about Kaoru from Kyouya and often listened as his master talked for hours on end about one thing or another that she did or had him feel pride over. He didn't mind, since he enjoyed his master's mood when he talked about his adoptive little sister. It made the weather in this world better than ever and more peaceful. He also knew that that child was more dangerous than Kyouya let on and knew that she was better now that she was under his wing. Kyouya had an uncharacteristically troubled face on as he answered. "She is doing fine, as far as I can tell from her vice-captain, but when I see her she seems to be holding off from what she really wants to say. I asked her once if she would like to strike up our training sessions again for old times sake and she looked troubled. I might have imagined it, but I still can't help but worry." Kyouya sighed as the wind picked up.

"Give her time, she'll come around," Suiro No Kami said sagely. "Young ones like her take time to come around when it comes to what they are feeling. Besides, she has that habit of hiding behind her mask, you know," Suiro No Kami looked up to stare straight at his master, though Kyouya could never see his eyes. "I know, Suiro No Kami, I know that painfully well," Kyouya said as he opened his eyes again.

He was back at the tea shop. He straightened himself out and sat up again. He looked to the right at what he thought would be his empty cup of tea, but instead was a full steaming cup of tea with a plate of sweet dango with a note that read: This is on the house, Captain Morinozuka. It had a heart on the note as well. Kyouya grinned as he took a bite out of the dango as well as a sip of the tea. He wondered who he might run into today.

[Chono]

"look, we just don't think you have the heart to take a full shift yet and, either way you've barely the stamina to make it through the half shift we give you."

These words echoed inside Kayo's head as she struggled to come up with a solution. When it dawned on her. She could solve both of her problems with one exercise. Running! I mean they say it's good for the heart and, if it's good for the heart it must be good for other things too!

So with her plan in place Kayo sat out for a long hard run.

After a few hours. Kayo came to the stunning conclusion that maybe they were right. Running was proving to be way more exhausting then she had initially expected but, she would not waiver. Well at least not till she made it a couple more blocks. After all there's a great little tea shop there.

Rounding the last corner and catching a glimpse of her goal. Inspired one last burst of speed. Tired and thirsty Kayo dropped down into the first empty seat she saw. After a couple of seconds which seemed to never end. Kayo spotted a glass of tea sitting at her table. Coming to the woefully incorrect conclusion that she must have already ordered. She took a big swing of the still hot tea and, promptly spit it out and attempting to nurse her burned tongue.

Looking for the source her misfortune Kayo stared vexingly at Kyouya. "Why didn't you tell Kayo your drink was hot!" She placed the cup back on the table. "OH NO!" Kayo shot up out of her seat and began panicking. "You don't think Kayo damaged Kayo's tongue do you?" she paused. "What if ice cream tastes different now?"

[Kyouya Morinozuka]

Kyouya happened to look up in time to see a small girl speed up to him and proceed to take a large and what looked like to be painfully gulp of his tea. He took it all in stride, though, as is his easy going nature and waited for the girl to settle back down. However, this was easily not going to happen as the girl then accused him of not telling her his tea was hot and panicked and wondered if she had burnt her tongue. Kyouya couldn't help himself as he laughed out loud at the girls actions. He then smiled at her kindly before asking the server for another two glasses of tea and a plate of sweet dango as well. The server nodded and hurried on to get the order. Kyouya turned his attention back to the girl. Her attire told him that she was was in the 4th division.

He took back the now empty tea glass and set it aside as he turned his smile upon the girl and bowed his head politely to her. "Sorry about that, I was caught off guard," Kyouya said as he grinned while scratching the back of his head. He liked this girls energy and spirit. He decided to assure the girl of her troubles. "Your tongue is probably fine, and ice cream tastes good no matter what happens," Kyouya chuckled as he again smiled at the girl. The server then brought back the tea and sweet dango. Kyouya motioned for the girl to sit with him and the tea in front of her. "How about introductions? My name is Kyouya Morinozuka, Captain of the 13th division. By the way, the tea is a bit hot," Kyouya grinned at the girl before waiting for her reply.

[Chono]

Kayo was panicking and doing her best to come up with all of the ways she knew how to mend and heal her tongue. When what Kyouya was saying finally crept its way into her head. "Your tongue is probably fine, and ice cream tastes good no matter what happens,"

He was right of course, and now that Kayo thought about it. Maybe ice cream would taste even better. Satisfied and the source of her panic resolved. She took a seat at the table and was about to carefully take a drink of her new cup of tea when he dropped a bomb onto the conversation. "How about introductions? My name is Kyouya Morinozuka, Captain of the 13th division. By the way, the tea is a bit hot,"

This statement drew the obvious to Kayo’s attention. Namely she had just inadvertently stolen a Captain’s drink. Which she quickly forgot, after all who has time to brood on things like that when introductions need to be made? “Well Captain Mummya Kayo’s name is Kayo Anzai, unseated member of the 4th squad.” As she finished introducing herself she bowed as much as her seat would allow. Taking a careful sip from her cup of tea Kayo continued talking. “So, Mummya why are you out here waiting to ambush runners with hot cups of tea?” She looked at the captain with a sly smile on her face.

[Kyouya Morinozuka]

Kyouya smiled at the young girl again before taking a drink of his own tea. This tea shop was his favorite out of the ones within the seireitei, and would often come here to get away from his captain's duties as well as to just relax after a long training session. The staff in the shop know his drink order to the letter and oftentimes he'll find his tea and dango already waiting for him at the table before he even gets to sit down. Kyouya, since he is the way he is, is very polite and kind to those around him no matter who they are. He always gives them the benefit of the doubt. He watched as the girl bowed and introduced herself to him as Kayo Anzai, unseated of the 4th division. Kyouya chuckled as he thought that he was not wrong about her division. Kyouya was known to be observant, as Kaoru begrudgingly would agree, and can pick up little things from a person before even knowing them.

What threw him off, though, was the girl's use of his name. She gave him the nickname 'Mummya', and he wasn't sure why. Though, Kyouya just shrugged it off and went with it. He didn't care what anyone called him as long as it was met with some degree of respect. This is so since he gives respect, he expects some in return. Kyouya smiled once more at the girl and then bowed in response to the girl's bow."It is nice to meet you, Kayo-chan," Kyouya said as he straightened back up and reached for his tea again. The girl then asked what he was doing here and then gave him a sly smile. He chuckled and put down his tea cup. "I am here on my day off, actually. I was hoping to see my little sister, but I think she might be busy today." Kyouya took another sip of his tea before continuing. "So now I am content enough to just sit and enjoy the day. I was fortunate today to make a new friend, though," Kyouya nodded his head towards Kayo. "What about you, Kayo-chan? What brings you here today?" Kyouya smiled once more at the girl before taking another sip of his tea.

[Chono]

Kayo listened to Kyouya. Eating a couple dango balls as she did. “…. I was fortunate today to make a new friend, though," briefly a confused look was on Kayo’s face. Then Kyouya nodded towards her and it was replaced by a smile. "What about you, Kayo-chan? What brings you here today?" Kyouya said flashing a smile and sipping his tea.

Kayo stood up quickly a fire consuming her spirit. “Kayo is out training her heart!” She paused and looked up to Kyouya. “Kayo is doing Kayo’s best to show everyone what Kayo can do.” She paused again slumping back down into her chair. “But Kayo knows that at the moment Kayo’s best isn’t that good.” Taking a sip of her tea Kayo felt her spirits rise back up. “But Kayo knows it’ll just take time and effort. After all Kayo can’t expect to be as good as you after only being out of the academy for a short while. So everyday Kayo does what she can with all of Kayo’s heart.” She looked back at Kyouya and smiled “So like Kayo said Kayo is training her heart.” She took a drink of her tea

“Wait Mummya!” she looked around quickly. “What if your little sister is just now showing up? Kayo doesn’t want to ruin your family time!” She finished continuing to look around nervously.

[Deleted]

Much to Ukitake`s delight he had finished his last book, he had decided to celebrate it, however he decided to do it outside of his family mansion since otherwise it would be less of an celebration, he would only guess what guests he should have brought but decided that perhaps he could pick someone up along the way.

He took long walks but no one seemed to turn up, either that or they where too busy to join him, Ukitake sighed If only Kyoraku was here... When he approached the tea shop, Ukitake was in a rather foul mood, he noticed two people sitting at a table outside the tea shop. His foul mood had dissapeared in flash as a rather gentle smile rose upon his lips, he recogniced kyoya on the spot he wondered who he was talking with, he certainly assumed it was someone from his Division but he could not be quite sure, he was standing some fifty feet apart. Kyoya-kun he said to himself, quite suprised to see the captain out here.

Ukitake had his hair in a ponytail on this occasion, and a long pony tail it was, it had even a couple of braids made by rin, she really liked his hair for some reason... Other than that Ukitake was wearing the standard shinigami uniform together with the central 46 on top. Which recembled the captain haori quite a bit. He could not have hoped for better company at this point in time, anything would do really and Kyoya was among the best kind, altrough it reminded him of his former liutenant shiba kaien. He would have to remind himself not to point that out since it brought up some painful memories and he had not planned on delving deeper in those at least not today, today was the day of celebration.

As Ukitake approached the tea shop he could smell the potential of this shop, he was literally itching for the cake. Once he got close enough he saw the little girl next to Kyoya, they seemed to have a civil conversation, he waved his arm towards Kyoya and smiled gently. Kyoya-kun what brings you here? His emerald orbs peered at the young girl, he liked her childish features, as any child Ukitake liked to converse with. Her voice was so cute and innocent he was tempted to simply hug the girl, but he was certain to properly ask for her name as well.Greetings young one, Im Jushiro Ukitake but you can call me shiro if you like.... and you are? He asked while standing next to the table he had pulled his arms inside his sleeve while looking for a seat.

His gracing gaze noted the girls uniform, 4th division huh? or so he assumed, the belt across the chest was a dead giveaway. Besides children should never be fighting especially not in a war, so healing people would suit better to someone who was so young.

[Kyouya Morinozuka]

Kyouya listened with a smile as Kayo told him about why she was out and about. The girl had a spirit that he found wonderful. He loved when people got fired up over their goals and dreams. Kyouya found himself bringing out his older-brother mentality as he chuckled. She seemed like a good-natured and strong spirited girl. He was glad to have met a new friend today, so today wasn't a waste at all. His nerves spiked up as he sensed an all too familiar spiritual pressure walking towards them. Kyouya smiled to himself when he realized it was Jushiro Ukitake that was coming along. Kyouya was pleased to see the former Captain out and about and not ill. Though, judging by his spiritual pressure, Ukitake seemed a bit down. Kyouya frowned at this since he didn't want his friend to be under any stress.

Kyouya turned his attention back to Kayo when she looked worried and stated that Kaoru might show up soon and that she didn't want to ruin his family time. Kyouya set to ease the girls worries right away. "It's quite alright, Kayo-chan, Kaoru doesn't seem to be showing up today," Kyouya said without a worried expression. Kaoru, if he hasn't heard from her in a day or so, would always show up at the last minute the next day and try to make up for it. She really was a kind girl at heart. "And even if she did, you would not be ruining it in the slightest," Kyouya never wanted anyone to worry, so in his usual kind expression lit his face. He turned his head and saw Ukitake walk up to the table and Kyouya bowed his head in greeting to the man.

Ukitake had said hello and asked what brought Kyouya here. Kyouya grinned at the man and motioned towards the seat across from him. "Hello, Ukitake-san, I hope you are well today. Would you care to join us?" Kyouya said as he flashed a bit of concern. Ukitake was Kyouya's former Captain and always wished for his good health. Lately, though, it seemed like Ukitake was a bit lonely nowadays. "Today I had some time off and decided to spend it relaxing. Though, I was hoping to see my little sister today. I think you met her recently, right? Her name is Kaoru Takahata," Kyouya smiled at the memory of his sister's excited face when she told Kyouya that she had met Jushiro Ukitake the other day. Kyouya took another sip of tea before setting it gently down on the table again.

[Chono]

"It's quite alright, Kayo-chan, Kaoru doesn't seem to be showing up today," Kayo let out a sigh of relief, and settled back into her chair. "And even if she did, you would not be ruining it in the slightest," A big grin slowly spread across Kayo’s face as an idea occurred to her.

“Mummya!” Kayo said jumping back up out of her seat “Kayo thinks Kayo’d much like to meet this sister of yours someday.” She paused taking a sip of her tea, and sitting back down. “After all if Mummya is this nice. Then his sister can only be nicer!”

Kayo paused in her conversation as Kyouya’s attention was drawn elsewhere. Looking to see what it was she quickly scrambled to her feet as Jushiro approached and began speaking. “Greetings young one, Im Jushiro Ukitake but you c…..” Kayo cared not what he had to say. As far as she was concerned one in shape such as his shouldn’t be out and about needlessly. Then again Kayo wasn’t too sure what was actually wrong with him. Just that he was a regular patient. However just as she was about to begin berating him Kyouya invited him to join them. Suspecting that Kyouya knew something she didn’t Kayo decided to follow suit. Thinking she’d at the very least be able to keep tabs on him.

It was then that Kayo realized that she had neglected to introduce herself. “Well Illshiro-sensei Kayo, is Kayo Anzai unseated member of the 4th division.” She gave him a quick bow before gesturing towards the same chairs as Kyouya. "And Kayo would never call you something so silly Illshiro-sensei" She paused an flashed a weary glance towards Ukitake. “Are you sure your feeling well enough to be out and about Illshiro?”

[Deleted]

Im quite all right, i haven`t felt better in month`s He wanted to ease their minds, regarding his disease anyway, since at least Kyoya knew about his condition, and he expected Kayo to know of this as well since she was from the 4th Division and it was not exactly a secret either. I would love to join! In fact i wanted to celebrate my last book that came out today...

He pulled out a chair from a nearby table and placed it between Kayo and Kyoya, taking a seat he unpacked something on the table that looked like a machine from the human world. On the side it said with big letters. "MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM"

Ukitake could not help but smile at Kayo and her lyrical speech, he off course also payed equal note to Kyoya as he unpacked the machine. You can`t belive what you can find in the human world these days, you can even make your own ice cream, all you need is a few ingridients and Voila! And you have real vanilla ice cream, is it not amazing? Ukitake liked ice cream, and it was a real pity that it was impossible to come by here in Soul society.

Ah yes Kaoru, i got her name, but the brief time she had time to talk was short, and i belive it did not quite put her in the proper light, im hoping to meet her again soon, she seemed to be in a rush, no doubt because of Murano-Taicho, so Kaoru briefed you on the happenings on that meeting yes? He then turned to answer Kayo proper. I-i see... well im guessing your training hard then? He did not really care what other people called him at the very least some cute kid, onwards to more important matters the ice cream seemed to be ready, and in proper cold conditions too.

This calls for celabration! He flashed a smile at his friends around the table, he quickly went to pick up some plates and started handing out delicious Ice cream to the fair people around this round table. A proper spoon was handed out to each one of them, he would not take no for an answer, it would be a terrible waste if this ice cream melted. Enjoy... He ordered a a cup of green tea, it would go well with the cold ice cream. He took a big spoon of ice cream into his mouth and shruddered when it started to melt in his mouth. So cold... He murmured.

[Kyouya Morinozuka]

Kyouya grinned at the man as he took another sip of his tea. He couldn't help himself when he chuckled out loud at the ice cream machine that Jushiro had brought out as he sat down. He was reminded of the good times he had within the 13th squad as a seated member long ago and wondered if time could go back for a while so he could relive his memories. Of course, he shook off this thought and promptly examined the machine. Kyouya, whenever he went to the world of the living, he would take time to look about the shops and stores that were there. He had seen these machines there as well, but never bothered to get one. Kyouya watched with delight at Jushiro's good mood as the man made ice cream with the machine.

Kyouya accepted the plate of ice cream and began to eat it. It was delicious and brought another grin to his face. When Jushiro had said he did meet her, but it was rushed, Kyouya frowned. That was part of the story that he hadn't heard the rest of. When Kaoru had mentioned it to him, she skipped over parts here and there wherever it concerned Hirato Murano. Kyouya wasn't super overprotective, but both Kaoru and Kyouya had enough of a history together as adoptive brother and sister to warrant his overprotective thoughts and actions. He wondered what it was that Hirato had said to make kaoru ruffled. It took a great deal, Kyouya knew, to make Kaoru act rushed and panicky. Of course, the one topic that Kyouya knew that would instantly prickle Kaoru's attitude would be the topic of her 'mask'. He wasn't a big fan about it, but she had her reasons for keeping it on.

"She did brief me on the meeting that night. I was just about to go to bed for the night when she came bursting into my quarters. Nearly gave the nightwatchmen a heart attack." Kyouya frowned slightly as he remembered the panicked face of the nightwatchmen as some of them came by later to ask what the matter was. Kyouya put them at ease and told them that it was just Kaoru. Of course, most of those in his division were used to Kaoru walking about the barracks with Kyouya and even without as she would often just come to his quarters for some peace and quiet away from her own division and people in general. "She was rather upset about something, and I think it had to do with Hirato-san. She kept some things to herself, but most of what she told me was that she was faced with so many Captains and the Head Captain, even, that she didn't know what to do. Generally, Kaoru's only interactions with captains and vice-captains have been with myself and her vice-captain, so it wasn't a surprise that the meeting had her on edge. If you see her again, Ukitake-san, i'm sure she'll be in a better mindset. I hope you both have a good conversation soon, she really is a good kid, ya know." Kyouya had took another sip of his tea and found it to be empty. One of the servers had noticed and soon began to fill it for him. He gave her one of his patented Kyouya smiles and it caused the girl to blush a bright red before turning quickly away.

Kyouya turned his attention back to those at his table and began to take another bite of his ice cream. i'll have to ask Hirato-san what he said to her, though. Kyouya thought as he took another bite. In an instant, his worried mood vanished and was replaced by a happy grin. "Anyway, in brighter news, your book is finished? That's wonderful, Ukitake-san," Kyouya grinned at the man. Whenever his former Captain was happy, as with everyone from the 13th division, it made Kyouya happy just to see him smiling. Even though he may not be their Captain anymore, everyone from the 13th division still cared for the man and wished for his happiness and good health. "Thank you for the ice cream, as well. It is delicious." Kyouya turned his grinning face towards Kayo.

"As for you meeting Kaoru, Kayo-chan, that is a wonderful idea. As her big brother I want her to meet as many new people as possible. I hope your good spirit and mood will rub off on her," Kyouya said as he thought for a moment about her recent unstable mood as she struggled to keep her mask on and hide herself away. "And yes, I think Kaoru is a good girl, though I may be a bit biased with being her big brother, though." Kyouya laughed heartily as his smile still stayed on his face. Kyouya was always in a good mood and stayed calm and collected no matter the situation. He guessed this was part of the reason that he was readily accepted as a captain by his squad, the 13th division. He was capable of being serious and stern, but preferred to keep everything light and happy for those around him.

[Chono]

Kayo was enthralled by this magical machine Jushiro had produced. Not only did he claim it could make ice cream, but it did as well! And there’s no way they could both be wrong right?

RIGHT! It was doing it. Somehow this glorious machine was generating enough of the milky dessert for the three of them to enjoy with their tea, but it doesn’t stop there. Jushiro said he could add things to make any kind of ice cream. Any kind! The implications were limitless.

Right then and there Kayo’s dreams of climbing up the ranks of the 4th squad, making friends, and developing new kinds of healing bakudo, came to a screeching halt, as a new more important dream filled their spots. Get one of these magical machines!

Kyouya and Jushiro were talking about some book and a meeting or something, but Kayo was too busy eating her ice cream and observing this strange machine. She needed to learn its secrets, or at the very least what it was called. Then she noticed the conversation had moved its way back to her side of the table.

“...well im guessing your training…”

“Yeah, Yeah training and all that.” She paused turning her gaze to Jushiro. “This machine. Where can Kayo get one?” She ate a spoonful of ice cream, and stared Jushiro down a look of extreme seriousness on her face. “Don’t you hold out on me Jushiro.” She said in an almost threatening tone.


"As for you meeting Kaoru, Kayo-chan, that is a wonderful idea….” Kyouya’s words drew Kayo’s attention away from Jushiro. This was good to hear; as it’d be a shame if all the ideas she’d already come up with for them to do went to waste. “…I hope your good spirit and mood will rub off on her," He paused here something seemingly on his mind before continuing. "And yes, I think Kaoru is a good girl,…”

“Mummya Kayo can’t wait till Kayo gets a chance to meet her.” She stopped and quickly looked around the café. Her gaze lingering on Jushiro to make sure he was still there. Confirming that their waitress wasn’t nearby Kayo leaned over the table, and quietly whispered. “Mummya Kayo thinks our waitress has a crush on you.” She leaned back into her seat and suppressed a giggle.

[Deleted]

Ukitake had to hold his breath and cover his mouth so as not to laugh out loud in front of everyone, he found this little child, kayo to be extremley funny in many aspects, as this ice cream loving urchin, whom also possessed a very intrigue and unique piece of fleeting mind, nothing that would make him more happier was having his former vice-captain there with him enjoing their sweet past time.

With ice cream, only one thing missing now is some strawberries to go with it he thought as he smiled. He heard Kyoya`s reply which he could only smile lightly as he explained how Kaoru bursted into his quarters in the middle of the night. Oh dear, i hope she did not keep you awake all night? He replied with a hint of worry in his voice.

That girl, he would like to meet her again sometime, in fact it was quite unfortunate that they had not met before, and should he say suprising concidering that Kyoya had been his vice captain at least 50 years, and now had been a replacement captain who had been ready to take the responcibility for quite a while, he had started slow learning him the ropes of captainship, adding more and more serious matters for the man to attent to, only two years ago had Kyoya gained full captainship when Ukitake had fallen ill for a couple of weeks, he had decided that he could attend his first captain meeting. He was doing a great job at it too he was sure. The server brought him his tea, Ukitake gave one his most affectionate kind of smile, which made the server blush and bow and leave in a quick sucsession, Ukitake took a quick sip of green tea to warm his mouth, delicious he thought.

For Kaoru to have left them so suddenly Ukitake figured already that night that she must have felt cornered with so many captains about, and Murano-taicho did not help on the issue either. He also figured that the girl was carrying a great burden. Having some sort of issues with her relationship to others. All she need`s is a few good friends, who`s friendship will last a lifetime... Perhaps she can truly come to understand how lucky she is to be alive and healthy there it was the sincere former captain of Division 13. He truly was happy for the girl and wished the best of luck in the future.

Oh i remember that feeling quite well, like the first time i attended a captain`s meeting hehe... it is quite memorable, even to an old man like myself He laughed lightly at himself before he crossed his arms over his chest. Listening to the others, and noting the blush on the server`s face when Kyoya flashed his Kyoya smile`s. Hehe i see your smile still has the same effect as always he had to remind himself that that was about the same thing that his vice-captain before Kyoya used to say to him as well, Ukitake liked to think that he and Kyoya where quite alike.

As you may know the book is intended for children, and it appears to be quite popular, i have had Rukia read some of them in the past and she thinks they have had potential at least... speaking of Rukia how is she handling the vice-captain position these days? better than you i hope Ukitake flashed a playful teasing grin at Kyoya, followed by a kind heartful laughter.

Ukitake smiled at the man and his worries seemed to be blown to the wind, he always seemed to lift his mood, which is but one reason why he had picked him as his vice-captain. The girls multitude of replies had not escaped him. Ukitake murmured You love ice cream, don`t you? kayo-chan how about we make a deal? you can have this ice cream machine, i can always buy a new one, in turn i expect you to make lots of good ice cream... he licked his spoon, as he then digged his spoon into the ice-cream on his plate for another round. He smiled that Kyoya enjoyed ice-cream to be honest, Ukitake was not sure if he would, but he supposed at the same time he would have been suprised had he disliked it.

You want more Ice cream Kayo? He asked gently while smiling.

[Kyouya Morinozuka]

Kyouya smiled slightly at the white-haired man and scratched the back of his head as he laughed with amusement. Though he did note his former captain's worry in his voice. "I am so used to Kaoru bursting into my quarters suddenly that it really doesn't faze me anymore. She didn't keep me up, though, she quickly returned to her own barracks when I finally got her to calm down." He had nodded to Ukitake when he had said that all Kaoru needed was some good friends and then she'll see that everything is alright. He knew the mans words to be true and smiled at him in response. kyouya knew in the back of his head, though, that she would need more than a couple good friends to keep her head clear. However, he didn't say such a thing out loud. Kyouya was indeed so used to Kaoru bursting in on him he stopped reacting to her when she did. He merely waited till she calmed down enough to voice aloud her thoughts and began to talk on her own. He was used to Kaoru's moods, so it wasn't anything he hasn't experienced before. "Yes, I sincerely hope that she does find some close friends instead of an old man like me for a brother," Kyouya laughed with amusement as he crossed his fingers together. He grinned as his former captain had expressed his own feelings when confronted with a group of Captains kinda like how Kaoru was. Kyouya laughed heartily as he remembered his own experiences as well. "I remember my own first time meeting so many captains at once, so I imagine it could be quite the same." He chuckled as he reached for his tea.

Kyouya sipped his tea again as he had gotten a refill from one of the servers and smiled up at her. She blushed and had quickly run back towards her other tables as Kyouya continued to smile. Kyouya didn't pay much attention to the results of his actions and ended up turning to listen when Ukitake had said that Kyouya's smile still has the same effect as always. Kyouya grinned at the man and had scratched the side of his face in his slight embarrassment. He also heard Kayo when she had said that the waitress had a crush on him. Kyouya ducked his head as his hands returned to his sleeves. His smile of amusement never fading. "It would seem that you have rubbed off on me, Ukitake-san." Kyouya chuckled again as he then turned his smile to Kayo who seemed to be enthralled with the ice cream machine in front of her. "I don't think it's a crush, Kayo-chan. I'm not a ladies man at all," This of course was a lie since all the woman around Kyouya seemed to regard him as handsome and such a kind man. Kyouya's reflections on himself are merely the consequences of his obliviousness towards the opposite sex. He was kind to everybody, but never noticed when someone wanted his attention in such a way. Most of this thoughts were concentrated on his Captain's duties and his little sister lately, so he hasn't found a girlfriend to share his other time with at all.

Kyouya listened as Ukitake had talked about his book and how Rukia had read some and thought they were good. He smiled at the mention of Rukia, his vice-captain, and soon laughed when he had asked how Rukia was doing and if she was handling it better than Kyouya had. Kyouya didn't know how he would have told this man that he still hated the paper work. "Rukia-chan is doing great these days, and she is handling the position quite well," Kyouya sipped his tea again as he chuckled. "Though i'm sure it's hard work on her part to put up with a Captain like me. I still don't like the paperwork," Kyouya flashed a smile again and laughed with Ukitake as he laughed heartily. Memories of past nights and days where Rukia, with the help of Kaoru, had finally managed to force Kyouya to sit down and finish his paperwork. Rukia at his front, handing him papers and helping him fill them in, and Kaoru at his back, keeping him from running away and putting off his paperwork...again. He had remembered off-hand that he had a fresh stack of papers waiting for him on his desk. No doubt he wouldn't be able to leave once he got back and his vice-captain would be ready to stand watch over him while he worked reluctantly. Kyouya never did like the paperwork part of being a captain, even when he was a vice-captain and helped Ukitake with it.

Kyouya had eaten a bit more of his ice cream and soon listened as Ukitake had started to talk to Kayo. He had given the girl the ice cream machine and chuckled as she was enthralled with the machine. Kyouya was loving that everyone around him was having such a good time. He often liked to just sit and enjoy the laughter and smiles as he sipped tea. Just being around his former captain and this young girl seemed to life Kyouya's spirits so that he was laughing and smiling along with them. He ate a bit more ice cream and listened as Kayo had said that she would like to meet Kaoru sometime. Kyouya grinned in response and soon had to add his own thoughts upon the ice cream machine. "Perhaps we can get together again and have ice cream, hm?" Kyouya chuckled as he took another sip of his tea.