Forbidden Boundaries: A Dance with Danger

Kisuke sat by Soifon's bedside, waiting for Rukia to return with Orihime while Tessi tended to her wounds. He dismissed the thoughts of others, but he couldn't shake his concern for the second squad captain.

Despite their recent camaraderie, Kisuke realized that others were unaware of the close bond they had formed in just a day. It wasn't unusual, considering he had known Soifon for many years. They had belonged to the same squad until his promotion to captain of the 12th division.

"Kisuke." Kisuke looked up to see Yoruichi standing in the doorway. "I need to sit with her." Kisuke turned away from his childhood friend.

"I wasn't asking you to leave." Yoruichi spoke softly, approaching him. "But I wonder what's going on between you two."

Kisuke frowned and looked at Yoruichi. "I may have an idea," Yoruichi said. "Perhaps you have feelings for my former student?" Kisuke's eyes widened in surprise. "How could you know?" he asked.

"I've known you both for years." The dark-skinned beauty laughed. "Come on, I knew you had feelings for Soifon long ago, even before we fled the Soul Society."

Kisuke opened his mouth. He acknowledged his past teasing of Soifon, but claimed it was merely to provoke her.

"And I always teased her about liking you," Yoruichi said with a smirk. "She would follow you around, trying to prove you weren't worthy of being a captain." Kisuke chuckled.

Kisuke shook his head. "No, back then I think Soifon despised me," he said, glancing at the younger woman in the bed who was shifting in pain. "But she's been kind to me since she arrived. Which is nice."

Yoruichi nodded as she watched her former student attempt to get comfortable while Tessi tended to her wounds. "But you know what they say in the real world," she smirked.

"They say opposites attract," Yoruichi remarked, eliciting laughter from Kisuke. "Maybe, but I'm honestly unsure. I'm hopeful all will go well with Soifon's vacation here," Kisuke responded.

"I wanted to ensure her stay was comfortable and enjoyable. When Soifon is relaxed, she's surprisingly sweet and playful," Kisuke said with a grin. "I hoped it would remain that way, but an Espada ruined it."

Kisuke was furious with Grimmjow, not only for injuring Soifon but also for flirting with her.

"Nothing is ruined," Yoruichi said. "One setback won't harm. Soifon will be here for two weeks, giving you plenty of time to enjoy yourselves. It will begin once Orihime arrives and heals Soifon."

Kisuke nodded. "I suppose you're right, but what if he returns?" he asked. Yoruichi shook her head. "Don't worry about it"

"Let Ichigo and I handle the attacks while Soifon and you sit back," Yoruichi announced. She stood up as Rukia and Orihime entered the room. "Sorry for the delay," Rukia said, asking Orihime to tend to the female captain.

Kisuke nodded as Tessai stepped aside for Orihime to take his place. "I'll heal Captain Soifon soon, Urahara-san," Orihime said confidently.

Yoruichi placed a hand on Kisuke's shoulder. "Let's give Orihime space to heal Soifon," she suggested, coaxing the blonde to rise despite his desire to remain at Soifon's bedside.

"Go," Soifon's soft voice prompted Kisuke to glance towards the bed, where she was staring at him. "I'll be okay. Besides, having you hovering nearby is distracting," she added with a hint of annoyance.

Kisuke grinned as Soifon regained her composure in the presence of others. "I suppose you're correct, Captain. I doubt I'd be much help anyway, and I value my life." With a chuckle, he exited the room alongside Rukia, Yoruichi, and Tessi.

Awakened by the commotion, Soifon listened intently to the conversations. A sense of guilt washed over her for initiating the fight and sustaining injuries. However, she recalled the Head Captain's permission to engage in combat against a formidable opponent, which the Espada undoubtedly was.

As an orange light enveloped her body, Soifon closed her eyes and reflected on the battle. The Espada's attacks had matched her own, and he had ultimately defeated her with Ace.

"I'll heal you shortly, Captain," Orihime chirped in her usual cheerful tone. Soifon flinched at the volume. "Must you be so loud?" she snapped, glaring at the young girl.

Soifon shook her head, regretting her sharp words to the woman helping her. "Sorry," she muttered, closing her eyes to sleep as Orihime healed her.

"It's alright, Captain," Orihime said gently, sitting on the floor as her Soten Kisshun healed the smaller woman. "I'm sorry for being loud."

Soifon opened her eyes and nodded. "Don't apologize. My head just hurts."

"I'll heal you enough, but it will take time for your energy to return," Orihime explained.

"Thank you," Soifon said, closing her eyes again. She allowed Orihime to heal her in silence, her mind racing with Grimmjow's words and the thought of telling Kisuke about the Espada's intentions.

But her pride kept her from seeking Kisuke's help. She believed she could handle it herself and didn't want him to get hurt.

Authors Note:

Let me know if you have any ideas how should Kisuke and Soifon get closer while Soifon heals? And what does Grimmjow want with Soifon?