The Vice Captains return(Rangiku/Rose)

Rose mused as Rangiku outlined a little more of her thought process, his fingers mentally dancing across keys that only he could see. She had presented him with quite a conundrum in that this was a problem that no one else could truly solve but her. Her strengths and weaknesses were things that they could work on together, certainly, but what remained to be seen was if it would give her some satisfaction.

"It is only natural that people struggle with casting high-level kido spells. Some might view it as a muscle, where every time you stretch it the process becomes a little easier until it goes from difficult to challenging to trivial, but I believe that to be a little too optimistic." His hands moved when he spoke, emphasising his comment by appearing to slowly stretch something out until finally it snapped apart. “Those that can make such comments are often the ones blessed with a natural inclination for it. But, even with the finest instruction and the greatest determination, there can be no fire without a spark. That is to say, find your spark, Vice Captain, and hold on to it dearly.”

He supposed that was not exactly an easy thing to just go out and do, but he also had faith that Rangiku would understand. She had said it herself, the power lay within her and it was simply a matter of stirring it awake.

“Speed is impressive, and certainly useful, but if you’re a wall of bricks then no matter how hard something crashes into you then it’ll break just like anything else. Nobody is invincible after all, it’s about finding a way to break their rhythm.”

“Ah, naturally. It is the duty of the seniors to watch over the juniors, to protect them until they are strong enough that our efforts are no longer needed. I’m often reminded of that thing the old head captain used to say, ‘There ain’t no greater protection as long as I’m here.’ or something like that.”

Rose puffed out his chest a little as he did that imitation, giving Yamamoto a country accent that he most certainly did not have, but perhaps it was how he best remembered him. Like one of those old timey rockstars that could never quite manage to get off the bandwagon after all those years.

“So keep your chin up, we’ve already had plenty of success and we’re only just getting started.” The captain smirked, shifting his position and making to loosen a collar that was already unfastened. “But that’s enough serious business out of me for one day, you’ll need more treats or I dare say to ply me with something a little stronger.”

Rose was far less concerned with the distribution of paperwork than his subordinate, but that had been a running theme ever since his return to captaincy. It wasn’t that he didn’t do any, or even been slacking all that much on his share, but he simply refused to let himself get bogged down by it. A surprising conviction for a serial slacker, but perhaps a sign of the change that he wanted to bring across the Gotei United.

“It might be good to get you and Miss Noharu in the same room, just to understand some things, but inviting Mr Gekiretsu too? I admit he wouldn’t have been my first choice, but I’ll never say no to more company. Someone you’ve got your eye on?”

There was an amused twang to his voice as he picked again at the selection of bread before settling a little deeper into his chair. His lips curling into a cheekier smile than he had worn in a little while. Certainly, Rangiku had played this as quite an innocuous suggestion but it stood out all the same.

Rose couldn't help but chuckle at how quickly Rangiku jumped to her own defense against a matter he had not expected. He knew that she had once possessed a certain proclivity for such things, but even her own division members? Perhaps this was what he had been missing all along, the secret she had decided to share with him. Still, it would do little good to dwell upon it any longer and better to bring it up when he met the man in question.

"He's the one? Bold words, boldly spoken. If you believe he is up to the grade enough to vouch for him so evocatively then I will trust your decision, I had no qualms with it before when the recommendation fell upon my desk and I have none now. I'll let you break the good news and the invitation."

With little fanfare, the Captain pushed himself up from his chair and offered his vice-captain a telling nod. He had quite enjoyed their little chat, he could only hope that she had gotten something out of it in turn.

"Now, unless you have anything else pressing to discuss, I'm due some free time for band practice."

“There are plenty of seats to fill, but if you want to press me for a number then thirteen would do fine. A step up, and a significant one, with enough room still to grow and find one’s feet.”

With a flourish, the Captain turned away and reached to pick up a guitar that rested against the wall behind him, but his gaze darted back at that final question. Even at the death, Rangiku found a way to surprise him still. Rose could not deny the boon that her presence would be to attendance at his Division performances, but her interest in such things might well be fleeting. Still, his hand grabbed the neck of his instrument of choice, pulling it close as he turned again.

“My, my, I’d be honoured. Had you an instrument in mind, or were you planning to find that out further down the line? It’s never too late to find your rhythm, after all.”

With a smug grin, he threw the sling over his shoulder and let the guitar hang against his hip for a moment before pulling it around to point directly at his vice captain. A challenge as much as an encouragement, waiting for her response as he made ready to strum a resonant chord.