Catching Up With Neighbors...

When the onyx-shaded cat had finished with her casual compliments, she reoccupied her tongue with the insouciant brushing of her fur upon the petite limb that had previously risen to gesture towards the door. Generally as the woman would cater to herself in such a way, her eyes would close as though the ministration was a romantic kiss. However, on this fine occasion she would peek out with one eye just to catch the satisfactory blush the etched into Senna's cheeks. The cat grinned, though the feline's facial expressions were difficult to read in this form—there was hardly a difference. Amused with the woman's expected reaction to her words, she would close that eye in contentment to fully focus on the act of cleaning herself. She had done the other leg previously, and so she might have well finished off this one too. Only when she sensed the slightly pained movement of her visitor was the cat brought out of her labor, again popping her eyes open. Her hands wrapped around her stomach, holding it tenderly as if it were the most precious gift, and to her it probably was. Yoruichi's face softened with compassion, though it became slightly distant as she indulged within her thoughts. These things always afflicted the woman with morose temperament, a dejected feeling in the pit of her stomach. She had always desired freedom; it was the nature of a cat to roam unescorted, the concept of being anchored down something undesirable. She had believed this long ago without a doubt, but it was a funny thing to get what you wished for. She had attained her supposed dream, ridding herself of the obligations of her occupation, discarding the traditions of her nobility, becoming untroubled with the expectations of her peers... It was not what she had expected. She had felt empty.

But her choice had been made and Yoruichi had been forced to resolve, enduring it for decades upon decades. When the time of self-exile came to an end, she—more than anybody—was surprised by her decision to take up past responsibilities long ago abandoned. It was like gaining a lost sense back, bringing no small degree of complacency back into her life... and yet still something elluded her. She felt stupid, incapable of guessing the missing puzzle piece despite the presence of the others outlining the shape for her. It should have been painfully obvious lying there in front of her, and yet the woman's eyes could not see it out of a deep-seated refusal to acknowledge it; denial. Part of her knew, in reality, but she didn't want to, and buried it deep down within her. She was pretty good at that, given the nature of her upbringing within the Onmitsukido, but the scale of the matter was sporadically incapable of locking down the latch of her lockbox. Seeing and realizing this woman, Senna Clixx-Kimura, had such an enamored partner was a blow to her stomach, knocking the ill-begotten knowledge right into her throat. And she knew Ceon, had been around him listening to the sheer reverance he regarded his love with, both spoken aloud and not. Their child was a blatant testament to that passion. Yoruichi twinged, forcing herself out of her brood and back the reality of the world. Something had been said; she hadn't heard. She could only hope it was not something requiring a response, and so a deep hum rumbled in the cat's throat, hoping it would sate Senna as they moved on.

Again, the nondescript nature of a cat's expression assisted her once more, having not communicated the state of Yoruichi's mind nearly as well as her human face would have. She counted on the hope that Senna was not an experienced cat-whisperer, before refocusing on the scene unfolding before her. Golden eyes were on Senna's back as she made her way through the store's front entrance, making baby steps with her short legs while Yoruichi kept up quite easily. The door had chirred in protest, causing Yoruichi to wince when it first sounded. She made a comment under her breath about the state of disrepair Urahara's little store was in, and how he couldn't even be bothered to clean the grooves of the sliding Shoji doors. Internally, a bitter taste pervaded her tongue as she realized the dilapidated structure somewhat reflected her state. It looked fairly decent, but there was a degree of ruination hidden within. But as soon as the thought left her subconscious, she was scolding herself for being so melodramatic; she would attempt to ignore the slight mordancy while she was greeting the beloved of one of her better friends. She would not allow it to affect her mood today; she had done enough musing for the day already.

"W-Wow Yoruichi-chan, this place is actually quite interesting! Do you think Urahara-san would have anything to better the health of my baby?"

The cat had ambled onward into the room beyond, paws padding along simple wooden flooring. Senna seemed impressed by the pathetically puny building, causing Yoruichi to chuckle. She would guess that this woman never really travelled much through the living world cities, never having seen what the modern era had to offer. Karakura wasn't anything special compared to the rest of Earth, and the only reason it was particularly popular was due to the intense spiritual concentration in the area, making it a 'hot spot' of sorts. Still, to see the magnificent iridescent metal towers of the world's metropolises was a sight to behold. Human's may have lacked natural power but it was made up for. Compared to the architecture of the Soul Society, human craft far surpassed it. Urahara Shouten was nothing compared to those spires that touched the skies, gleaming brightly in the sun's light. Yoruichi would not bother with the subject though, figuring that Senna would be in much more of a surprise to see it for herself. "Pffft," the scratchy voice began as Senna's question was posed, "Nah, anything you pick up here would probably only worsen your child's health. I wouldn't recommend buying anything. Though, he does have some tasty human candy..." She shook her head, disbelief running through her at her admission of the man stocking anything of worth here. As they stopped moving, the black cat would sit upon her haunches and look up to the woman again, trying really hard to turn a blind eye to motherly air about her. "By the way, why did you expect Ceon to be here of all places?"