All You Need
AN: I'm kind of surprised how many reviews I got, just for the first chapter. This is exciting! Thank you for reviewing, and I hope you like!
Byakuya had slept in this fine Saturday morning, which was a sign of how pensive he was being. He never slept in, even on holidays. It was almost 8:00 for crying out loud!
He chewed his breakfast, sleepily, making a mental note to have the maids wake Rukia soon. On weekends she slept until ten. But she was a young girl, and they needed rest.
"Good morning brother!" Rukia, having awakened on her own. She took a seat at the table, and helped herself to breakfast.
"Good morning." He greeted. She was still in her pajamas, which was a little odd. She had always been a little unrefined, but he had grown accustomed, even fond of her unladylike tendencies.
"I hear you're being forced to marry." Rukia murmured, through a mouthful of eggs. He resisted scolding her.
"I have not produced an heir, and as head if the family, that is one of my main duties."
"I could produce an heir." She offered. He shook his head. Rukia was far too young and delicate to do such labor as childbirth.
Besides, he doubted the Kurosaki boy was noble material. And he hoped for the sake of Kurosaki's life that he knew better than to accept such an offer. Seeing them kiss and bicker whenever the boy was in town was bad enough.
"Who will you pick? Who are your choices?"
"Kukaku, Suì-Fēng and a woman I can not remember the name of currently."
"Kukaku's nice, but she's a little intense sometimes. She gave me a nosebleed once, because I was apologizing too much. Suì-Fēng seems a little uptight." Rukia buttered herself a piece of toast. She ate quite well for someone as small as she was. It was amusing.
"I'm going out. See you later, brother!" She left for her bedroom, no doubt to dress into real clothes. She was probably going to see Renji, or maybe to send a message to Kurosaki. He was in the Human World currently. They had made a long distance relationship work, which was admirable.
He'd never tell anyone, but he was alright with their relationship. He was a fool, but he made Rukia happy. And he had strong powers, and relatively good morals.
Byakuya finished his breakfast, and he walked outside. He wanted to visit Hisana's grave. He had always intended on waiting to see her again, and marrying again, even out of duty, felt like a betrayal to her. Love was permanent, and it shouldn't allow for distractions.
Although to his horror, he almost liked the idea of being married again. Women were lovely creatures. Sleeping next to them, conversing with them and dining with them was very pleasant. He hated his weakness, but he missed a women's company dearly.
The walk to the grave site was pleasant, with the sun warming the earth and a breeze blowing gently. It was always nice to visit her in spring. Her grave looked to be in good condition. He visited her often, and brought her flowers. He took pride in taking care of her, even in her afterlife.
He didn't speak aloud; he didn't feel comfortable doing so. He explained silently in his head. He wanted her opinion on whether he could enjoy his new marriage. After he was done, he felt a calm peace and serenity. He knew he had his answer. His sweet Hisana, as always, wanted him to be happy.
Suì-Fēng wiped sweat off of her brow, finished with her training session. She liked starting a morning with sparing. It made the day feel more important. She also had a lot on her mind, and fighting focused that nervous energy.
She didn't feel completely opposed to marrying him. He had a sense of duty to fulfill, and she would help him if he chose her. He was a handsome man, and he seemed to have a good head on his shoulders. Although she was a hard core feminist, she wasn't offended by the thought of having children. They were loud and whiny, but she liked their stubborn and affectionate manners. They were almost charming, which was not something she would ever admit aloud. Still, she found the idea of being forced into something as intimate of marriage highly repulsive. And what about her career?
After he visited Hisana's grave it was nearly lunchtime. He was to meet with Kukaku Shiba for lunch. He knew little about her. He knew she made fireworks, that she had a brother that was deceased and one that she liked to hit. He knew she had helped with Rukia's rescue, even though she blamed her for Keien's death, and that she had a prosthetic arm. But if she truly had come across to Rukia as harsh, then she was out of the question. Rukia's comfort with his chosen wife was of great importance. Still, he had to give her a chance.
"Miss Kukaku."
"Byakuya. How goes it?"
"I am well. I hope you are well also."
"Uh huh. How's your division?"
"My division is the same as it always is. How is your family?"
"Ganju's still an idiot. The business is fine. People don't buy fireworks very much in spring."
"I see." He stared at his plate. Lunch wasn't even ready yet and they had run out of things to talk about.
"What's for lunch?" She examined her nails. He noted with some distaste how low her top was. She didn't seem to have dressed up at all.
"I'm not certain. The food will be ready soon enough." He explained calmly. Inwardly he felt like sighing. She was a solid no. Their married life would be tortuous.
Outside the dining room, Rukia sat suppressing her reitsu and openly listening in. She felt dearly for her poor brother. He deserved a good women, and one that he felt a connection to. She doubted that any of his choices fit these qualities. Kukaku was a good woman, but she and her brother had nothing to talk about.
She could only hope he found someone he wouldn't be miserable with.
AN: R/R. Have a good day everyone!