I own nothing.


The bonds of marriage are like silk pulled tight around the wrists at point. The cloth is so, so soft but it's knotted cruelly tight and won't give no matter how much it's tugged at.

And the thing is? It never lets go. No matter how long there has been only one to warm a cold bed and place their head against a forlorn pillow.

Fifty years on, Byakuya's tatami is still prepared for two. The sheets are still spread wide enough for two people to lie under; two pillows are still laid out and plumped for two heads. It's almost as if two people still venture into this room at night.

But soon, the image cracks. Only one side of the tatami looks used in the morning. One side is crumpled and warm, and the other is as cold and pristine as it always is. Untouched, as always.

Byakuya lays awake in the night, and puts his hand towards the other end of the tatami, only to remember it's empty. It's hard to believe that, when all he has to do is close his eyes and let his heart start to still to hear Hisana breathing next to him. He never knew what a sweet sound that was, until…

…Until now, really. And the revelation isn't a pleasant one.

Yes, Byakuya feels like his hands are bound behind his back. He can feel fingers raking against his wrists, knotting the bonds tighter. He can feel bones straining and some voice saying This is too much for anyone. But it will never be enough for you, will it?

No, it probably won't.

He just can't let go of her, even now.