"Tsuuuukiiiiko-chaaaaaan~~"
The red-haired woman closed her eyes and slumped her body when she heard the unmistakable voice ring out behind her. Tsukiko Amaterasu had just gotten off from work for the day and was on her way home, a short stack of paperwork cradled under one arm. Of course she had paperwork to do, seeing as Omeda has skipped out early. Sighing, she came to a stop to look behind her. The individual that had called out her name practically collided with her, pulling her into a hug and smushing her boobs against her.
"Good evening…Matsumoto…,"Tsukiko huffed as she attempted to pry herself from the woman's death-grip. The fuku-taichou of division ten chuckled and beamed down at the shorter woman, latching onto her free arm and pulling her off in another direction.
"Hey, where are ya goin? Come on, let's go have a drink tonight!"
"No thank you," the dark-skinned woman quickly responded; she had better things to do than sit around at some stinky, cheap bar and down shot after shot of low-grade sake. She grumbled when the strawberry-blonde woman began to lean against her.
"Oh come oooon~ Don't be such a stiff, you'll have a good time, I promise! What do you have there..oh..paperwork are you serious?. Do that later, come on! Izuru and Shuhei are coming too. Hey, it can be a date..a double date, you can have Izuru," Rangiku laughed. It sure seemed like the woman had dove into a bottle or two beforehand. Tsukiko groaned, finally managing to pry herself from the superior officer. She furrowed her brows, fixing her hair and mused haori of purple-dyed silk.
"Please, Matsumoto..I'm really not interested today. Maybe..some other time okay? I'm just really busy today," the dark-skinned girl huffed as she began to walk away. But before she could make it a few feet ahead she heard footsteps follow behind her.
"..you say that every time I ask you to come drink with me," Rangiku pouted, her arms crossing her chest.
"And you think you would have picked up on the hint by now..?," Tsukiko couldn't help but smirk a little. She sighed and looked up at the woman she did sort of consider a friend. '..I promise this time, okay? Just not today. I have something important I have to attend. Please give my apologies to Hisagi-fukutaichou and Kira-fukutaichou. Have a good evening, Rangiku…," Tsukiko took a few steps forward before vanishing via shunpo, on her way home. Rangiku sighed heavily and put her hands on her hips.
"..When are you going to start having a little fun? Man, I'm glad I'm not a noble..too much responsibility…Oh well!~ Off to the bar~," the woman chuckled and skipped off in the opposite direction. She'd go bother Tsukiko tomorrow night.
"Welcome home, Tsukiko-sama. Dinner will be ready in ten minutes. Do you require anything before then?"
"No. Thank you, I'm going to go change. Call me when it's ready, Midori."
The taller brown-haired girl bowed low at the waist as the young head of the Amaterasu Clan walked through the main gate. The girl that had greeted her was the family's servant, having served the noble family since the eldest son was born. The family property had grown since then, nowhere near as large as say the property from one of the Great Nobles, but there was enough space for the main living areas, a small training hall and a rather impressive cherry blossom orchard; there were also cherry blossom trees lining the outside of the perimeter wall. Also new to the grounds was a koi pond and a onsen, which Tsukiko was very much looking forward to after eating.
Letting out a relieved sigh, Tsukiko slid open the door to her personal quarters. Her arrival had been anticipated, seeing the lanterns lit and her change of evening clothes folded and laying on her futon. She lay her paperwork down on her small desk and began to slip out of her purple haori and uniform, glad to finally be able to relax for the rest of the day.
"Well, look who's home..little Miss Goody-Goody~" a taunting voice chuckled from outside her room. The dark-skinned woman sighed again, sliding the door open to look upon the form of her taller but one year younger brother Yamato. He hadn't changed out of his uniform, which was still missing a sleeve and his zanpakuto was still strapped to his side. Tsukiko stared balefully at him for a few moments, before pushing past him.
"You should really replace that shabby shihakushou, brother. It's unseemly…"
"Shut up. It looks cool! And quit talkin' like that..all high and mighty," Yamato caught up to her and grinned widely, showing his teeth, ',..it's freakin' annoying. What's say you and me have a sparring match after dinner. I'm meeting some of the guys later but I have plenty of time before then to kick your sorry ass." Tsukiko merely scoffed and lightly shoved her brother aside, turning a corner toward the dining hall.
"Yamato..you haven't been able to beat me in a sparring match since we first started going to the academy. Third seat..TENTH seat. Ban Kai..NO Ban Kai..please, you're wasting my time..," the woman replied with a smirk as she pointed to herself and then her brother in turn. This made him growl and grip the handle of his zanpakuto.
"Aaah, there's my favorite grand-daughter! Come, sit sit we have company for dinner this evening." Tsukiko's eyes widened as she stepped softly into the brightly-lit dining hall. It was large enough to fit twenty or so people comfortably, the surrounding sliding walls decorated with pastel colors and pictures of cherry blossoms. The pale tatami mats were clean and room smelled of citrus. She received a wide welcoming smile and wave from an old family friend, one she greatly respected and..had come to see as a second father.
"Hey, welcome home Tsuki-chan. You look tired, been busy all day?," the white-haired man greeted. The dark-skinned woman bowed lightly before entering, taking her seat at the head of the table. She smiled lightly to Jushiro and nodded her head.
"It wasn't too eventful..I spent most of the morning filling out paperwork. The graduation ceremony for the next group of recruits is in a month, so Soi Fon-taichou is going to let me go with her tomorrow to scope out the new talent," Tsukiko's eyes travelled down the table, bowing to her other guests. To her immediate left and right were of coarse her parents. Her mother, Chizuru..a beautiful woman with long dark brown hair and light green eyes, smiled proudly at her. And her father, Hatori..an intelligent man with strong features, short dark rust-colored hair and blue eyes. He had taken his glasses off, only really needing them to read.
Sitting next to Hatori was Jushiro Ukitake, wearing his best formal kimono, just opposite him was Shunsui Kyoraku already pouring himself a shot of sake and offering the same to Chizuru. Tsukiko's eyes quickly fell upon the next guest, gazing upon the form of Byakuya Kuchiki. He seemed disinterested in the ideal chit-chat, and gazed back at her as if waiting for something. His sister Rukia was here as well, giving Tsukiko a friendly smile. But the dark-skinned girl was most intrigued by the final guest that her brother Yamato had plopped himself next two.
"..S-Shihoin-sama..?" This wasn't the first time Tsukiko had been in company of the former commander of the Onmitsukidō. But this was the first time she had shown up at her dinner table. The raven-haired woman glared up the table, taking the small cup of sake away from her lips.
"Aaah, don't call me that..it's embarrassing. You're just like her, you know. Come on, can we eat now?" A deep belly laugh came from the eldest member of the Amaterasu family, Kozue who sat on the opposite end of the table facing his grand-daughter.
"Hahaha!~ Yes, yes let's dive right into this wonderfully prepared meal before it gets cold," the old man replied raising his own sake cup. "Hmm, yes..this would be..the anniversary of the passing of Keiko. This is for you, my dear. To Keiko!~
"..To Keiko.."
Tsukiko ate mostly in silence, conversing only when someone addressed her. She seemed a little distracted. Where was Seito..? Shunsui seemed to sense her disappointment and smiled lightly, filling her cup with warm sake.
"He didn't seem to want to come tonight, sorry about that. Seito sends his apologies.." The dark-skinned girl let out a soft sigh and took a small sip. Sake wasn't her favorite thing to drink, but at least it tasted good and she accepted it to be polite.
"It's not your fault, Kyoraku-taichou..no need to apologize. I know that..he still feels pain even after so long…" Tsukiko returned her attention to Yamato, frowning as she witnessed him trying his 'manly' charms on Yoruichi.
"You could have at least changed into your formal-wear before coming to the table, nii-chan. Could you at least try to act like you have noble blood?"
"Oh, give it a rest would ya? At least I showed up. Honestly, I would have preferred to go out drinking with Ikkaku and Renji. These formal dinners kinda bore me," Yamato grunted as he rubbed the back of his neck. Tsukiko finished her bowl of rice and wiped her mouth with the cloth spread across her lap.
"These dinners help to build relations and trust with the other noble families. Please don't ruin this..Understand how important this is to me."
"Fine, fine..sorry I'll dress better next time."
"And do something about that crazy hair.."
"Whaaat? There's nothing wrong with my hair. Heh, girls think it's sexy..right, Rukia-chan?," Yamato grinned at the small girl sitting on the other side of the table.
"Don't get me involved..no comment…"
The sky was very clear tonight, stars shone exceptionally bright and the moon was very full. The young head of the Amaterasu clan adjusted the long red obi sash that draped her shoulders and continued to literally stare into space. Nights like these were calming and she felt any stress that had built up throughout the day melt away. The scent of the blossoming cherry blossom tress relaxed her further, reaching her arms up to catch a few of the falling petals into her out-stretched hands. She liked spending time to herself in the orchard. The red-haired girl tilted her head when she felt a reiatsu coming up behind her. She knew who it was, not having to turn around.
"The moon..is especially beautiful tonight..," she spoke softly, glaring up at the round glowing sphere.
"..yes, I suppose it is." Tsukiko smiled lightly as the man stopped to stand beside her.
"What brings you out here, Kuchiki-sama? I..would have thought you'd have left already. It must seem boring here to you. And I apologize for my brother..he's not as refined as I am. I will talk to him about that later…"
"There is no need." The head of the Kuchiki clan replied, looking up at the moon himself. He reminded silent and still, the only movement betraying his presence was the billowing of his formal robes and long dark hair as a light breeze began to pick up. His gaze fellow upon the small woman in front of him, watching her as she collected blossoms in her hands. He blinked as she let out a light chuckle and turned her head to look him in the eyes.
"Unless, of course..you like being here? You know you are always welcome on my grounds for anything you wish. I'm sure sometimes you can't even get peace and quiet at your own home. No one will bother you here..unless you want them to," Tsukiko smiled softly and began to walk further into the orchard. Byakuya glared after her. Was she leaving? After a few moments hesitation, he followed a few feet behind her. He was going to go for a walk anyway.
"The trees..look fuller this year.."
The two had walked in silence for ten minutes, and Byakuya's attempt to begin conversation made Tsukiko look behind her, before nodding and looking up at the full branches of the cherry blossoms hanging over their heads.
"Jii-san has been tending to them ever since they were planted. They are his pride and joy..well, next to me he says. Ah..here, he asked me to give these to you," the red-haired woman pulled a small velvet pouch from one of the long sleeves of her furisode. "Carefully chosen seeds..for your own orchard." Tsukiko held the pouch out for Byakuya to take, but when he didn't make a motion to take them from her she stepped closer.
"Here..I insist..,"Tsukiko grinned up at him. "It's a gift..are you really going to refuse a gift, Kuchiki-sama?" The tall man closed his eyes and lightly nodded his head, stretching his arm out to accept the blossom seeds. She hesitated, surprised that he was allowing her to place them in his hand herself.
"I will give them to Rukia to plant outside her room," the tall man replied as he slid the small parcel inside his robes. Tsukiko smiled again and gave him a nod.
"I'm sure she will like that. Your own orchard is vast, surely you don't really need those yourself. Rukia has..a nice brother.."
"Tsukiko..have you thought about taking the taishu yet?" The dark-skinned woman's smile dropped from her face as she noted Byakuya trying to change the subject. She broke eye contact looking off into the distance as if she was looking for something.
The test one has to take to achieve the rank of taichou…Of course she had thought about it, on several occasions. But..
"I don't think..I am ready yet. I understand that the Gotei 13 is in a bit of a disadvantage because of the empty spots but…," Tsukiko slightly slumped her shoulders. She had been training herself, practically every day to become stronger and gain better control of her Ban Kai. Her Ban Kai..that was the most concerning. It was unrefined, and she hadn't fully mastered it. The last thing she wanted to do was become a burden to anyone because she wasn't strong enough.
"The Gotei 13 needs to fill those positions. You say you wish to contribute all that you can to the Soul Society. Full-fill your duty as a Shinigami..and take the exam. Worry about everything else later."
"Kuchiki-sama..," Tsukiko let out a sigh and ran her fingers through her bangs, jumping slightly as she felt Byakuya take hold of her chin, bringing her face back around so she was looking him in the face again.
"You are capable of handling the position, whether you think so or not. Are you..afraid?" Tsukiko furrowed her brows at that last remark, tensing her body and clenching her fists.
"Of course I'm not afraid! I fear nothing..!," she caught herself, taking a deep breath, '..I'm not afraid, Kuchiki-taichou." The tall man released his grip and began to walk past her, stopping when she wasn't following behind him.
"Come. We shall talk more about this."
Tsukiko stood frozen in place. Was this man actually showing confidence in her? That sure didn't seem like him at all. This had to have just been for the sake of the Soul Society. The empty gaps had to be filled, she knew that. But, was she really ready like he said? Gritting her teeth, she obeyed and followed Byakuya not sure where he was taking her.
The Seireitei was more or less quiet that night, aside from the occasional open bar and small group of friends milling around the allies. It was the beginning of spring, so the air was a bit chilled. Tsukiko wrapped her sash tighter around her shoulders as the breeze grew colder. The tall man she was still following didn't seem fazed at all, walking in silence and not looking back anymore to see if she was still behind him. She wondered why Byakuya really had her follow him, and where were they going? She decided not to ask too many questions, not wanting to bother him. She knew her way very well around the city and from the look of it, they were heading..to the Kuchiki Manor? Maybe he felt they could talk in piece here? Why? They could have continued to talk in length back on her property.
Of course Tsukiko wasn't exactly complaining. It was beautiful here. More so than her own place. She turned her attention to the vast koi pond, shimmering strongly from the light of the full moon. Beneath the water she knew where some of the largest most rarest golden koi. It was here that Byakuya came to a stop, gazing silently into the water. She took a step beside him, looking up with questioning eyes.
"U-Um..Kuchiki-sama.."
"Why do you wish to become taichou?," the tall man asked in length. He had not looked up, keeping his face expressionless. Tsukiko didn't take long to answer.
"Because..I feel it is my duty. I feel like I have a lot of offer. I've known I've wanted to become taichou since I was young..," the red-haired girl looked up at the moon, before returning her gaze to Byakuya, '..I train tirelessly for it. I will attain it. But..mastering ban kai is essential to me first. I do not want to become a burden..or dead-weight." She looked away this time, clenching her fists. "..I want my family..my grandfather..to be proud of me. For my friends and subordinates to know they can trust and rely on me if and whenever they need to."
Byakuya stared at the dark-skinned girl as she voiced her concerns. He really couldn't sympathize with everything she said. Usually he didn't care what others thought about him and he kept his own subordinates at a distance. But he did understand her wanting to protect what was important to her.
"..You can continue your training, but my suggestion to you is to consider taking the taishu soon. Your skills in combat are adequate and you have the leadership skills needed to be a successful taichou." The captain turned to face her, showing the slightest hint of a softer expression, '..as a favor, to me and everyone you care for. Consider it."
Tsukiko wasn't sure what to say. She wasn't sure what was more surprising, the fact that he had asked her to do this as a personal favor..or the fact it sounded like he had just complimented her skills. The red-haired girl averted her gaze, not being able to help the grin that spread across her face of the soft blush that crept itself onto her cheeks.
"A-Alright..I'll think about it. And I'll still train my hardest. Thank you..for your kind words, Kuchiki-sama. It means a lot, especially coming from you," the dark-skinned girl turned to walk away, assuming that Byakuya was finished talking to her, but he had fallen in step behind her and it made her stop.
"Is..there something else you wanted to talk to me about?" The tall man glared at her for a few moments, then turned away. Was he trying to tell her something?
"..no..it is nothing.." Tsukiko furrowed her brows and stepped closer, tilting her head to the side.
"Kuchiki-sama..you can tell me..if you want to. I'll listen to what you have to say. But only if you want to," the woman smiled and bowed lightly; maybe it was time for her to head back home and prepare herself for work tomorrow..and training if she had the spare time. Afterall, she would be going with Soi Fon to the academy to evaluate the pre-graduates. She had a feeling that would take a good portion of the day and she should be well rested for it. Tsukiko took two steps away, and felt a light weight on her left shoulder
"You..can stay for a while if you wish to.." the tall man replied in a soft whisper. He stared her in the eye for a few moments more, then turned to leave, leaving Tsukiko to her thoughts.
How bizarre. Tsukiko had noticed that in these last few months Byakuya's attitude had changed somewhat..at least toward her. It was like he didn't really seem to mind her being around; this was the fifth or so time she had been to the vast Kuchiki Manor, definitely the first time she had been here at night. She didn't really know what to think of it, but she accepted it. What was going on…? Tsukiko picked a comfortable grassy patch under a large tree and sat down, enjoying the cool feeling against her skin. So peaceful. The young heiress wondered what her family was doing now that she wasn't home; she knew her grandfather at least was probably enjoying some top-grade sake with Shunsui and Ukitake.
Tsukiko had lost track of how long she had been staying under the cherry blossom trees and before she had even realized it..she had fallen asleep.