"Have you been searching for her again?"
Hisana winces internally. She can hear the disappointment in Byakuya's voice, and it breaks her heart to hear it. His voice is more weary than upset, though. She knows why. After all, does he not stay up for her every night, despite his duties? Despite her protests? She knows he has work to do – important work – but he just shakes his head, and she can see the promise in his eyes.
"I... I apologize, Byakuya-sama," Hisana says, her voice tired and starting to sound raspy. Byakuya's eyes soften – subtly, but still there. In the dead of the night, when she thinks he doesn't hear her, he listens to her coughing.
Not much can frighten Kuchiki Byakuya. But...
Hisana twists her hands together. It's a sign of her nervousness. Carefully, Byakuya reaches out and touches her cheek, her hair. Slowly, Hisana relaxes and she allows her eyes to slip shut.
Within seconds, she's asleep. And Kuchiki Byakuya watches over her.