A Heart Grown Cold

Chapter Four:

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Buon anno! First off, I'm not giving away any possible pairings in this story. Sorry, but you're just going to have to read! Knowing ahead of time is a little like cheating, huh?

She reached me quickly enough, pausing for a slight bow before greeting me. I could hear the curiosity in her tone. I hoped she had made no good expectations for my news, for I could give her nothing pleasant. I only inclined my head toward her, briefly, choosing to dispense with pleasantries. The sense of dread had begun to knot itself within in my stomach.

We entered the mansion in silence and proceeded directly for the same sitting room in which this entire nightmare was birthed. Tea was once again served. I was briefly reminded of Rin's triumphant face as she had nearly gloated before me. Thankfully, the face before mine today, was far more pleasant.

Suddenly I felt an interest in Rukia's daily activities which had never possessed me before. It dawned on me just how little I actually knew for certain about my adopted sister. We had lived together for fifty years, shared the majority of our meals in companionable silence, and lived through unspeakable horrors. Yet, I barely knew anything more about Rukia than her appearance, choice in companions, and love for small, plush rabbits. How ironic it seemed that this new development bothered me so. I had never cared in the past. I suppose many things were changed by the Sokyoku incident.

Even with Rukia sitting safely in front of me, memories of the near miss sent a cold shiver down my spine.

"Nii-sama?"

Rukia's soft voice roused me from my reveries.

I turned my gaze toward her, noticing how she nervously sipped her tea. Her hair clung stubbornly to her face and a section fell stubbornly between her eyes. Rukia replaced her cup in its saucer and, in a fruitless avail, brushed at her hair with the back of her hand. Did I still make her so nervous?

I decided against questioning her on the day's events. A direct approach was best, I reminded myself. Best to be patient and have this ordeal finished as quickly as possible.

"Rukia," I began, watching her all the while as her unsettling violet eyes locked on mine. "I thought it best to inform you that the clan elders expect prompt marriages for the both of us."

Her eyes widened, but I knew the complete truth of my words had yet to reveal itself to Rukia.

"I have fought the clan elders on the matter of my refusal to remarry for a number of years now. Recently, I have given in to their whims, as I have acknowledged my duty to the Kuchiki clan. I must provide a legitimate heir. I must eventually remarry."

I paused, gathering my thoughts. I had not expected Rukia to interrupt me with her own thoughts. I at least knew her well enough to know that she would speak only when I was finished, if at all.

"I had believed that the elders would be satisfied and soon busy themselves in forming a match for me. However, last night, I was also informed of the council's wish for you to marry promptly as well. They wish for your marriage to take place before my own."

I absolutely abhorred carrying the weight of this conversation. As much as I appreciated the lack of interruption, I longed for her to say something, anything.

Rukia only stared up at me. I noticed that her hand trembled slightly as it rested on the table.

"Do you know what that would mean, Rukia?"

It took her a moment to answer me. I waited patiently enough. I could almost see understanding flash before her mind. She cast her eyes quickly toward the tea cup beside her hand, then to the table, and finally, back to me.

"Yes."

She answered simply, succinctly.

I suppose I had expected her to say more.

"You understand, then, that I will support you no matter what your decision."

Again, Rukia nodded curtly, before answering me with a most assured, "Yes".

I wondered why I could not illicit more of a response from her. I was certainly irate at the elders prying and assumptive nature. It irked me to no end to see the clan elders shun my sister for nearly half a century before finally acknowledging her assistance, only to suit their own whims to use her as a pawn for an alliance with another household, or perhaps for heirs, if I failed to give them. It created a spark of anger, even in me. Why then, did it not infuriate the normally feisty woman before me? How could she sit so calmly?

Rukia's lack of reaction was beginning to stir me to anger once more.

"Do you have anything more to say or ask of me," I prompted in hopes that she would allow me to what little I could to help her. She could simply back out of whatever the elders were scheming. I would not begrudge her that.

"Not at the moment."

I noticed that her eyes were once more downcast. Perhaps she was only deep in thought. Perhaps she was weighing her options even now. I knew I should be gentle with her. This was certainly a great deal to take in.

I inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly as I observed her. Yes, surely that was her approach. Rukia rarely bothered me more than she needed and sometimes not even then. She would not speak with me about this until she had some semblance of her thoughts on the matter. She would not drag me through endless suppositions. I supposed that I should appreciate that.

"Very well then," I spoke at length. "My great aunt, Rin, and her consort, Hisoka, will return tomorrow night to inform you once again of what the clan elders desire. Although I find them the most amiable of the elders, you will find they do not fail to drive a hard bargain. You have until then to weigh your options."

She only nodded slightly, staring now perhaps at some unforeseeable future… Or perhaps only the designs on her cup.

I rose slowly, deliberately taking my time. When she made no move to delay me, I informed her that I would take my leave.

I stood nearly at the door way when the soft call of "Nii-sama?" begged me turn around.

Rukia was standing now, her shoulders held back in a familiar gesture of self assurance. "Thank you, brother." Her voice was no more than a quiet whisper.

"You have nothing to thank me for, Rukia," I informed her as I turned toward the hallway once more. "Know that I am at your disposal to help you in any manner you may need."

"No, brother," she quietly exclaimed before correcting her outburst. "What I mean to say, brother, is thank you for thinking of me in a time when you should be thinking of yourself and of the changes to come in your own life."

I could think of no reply.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Smile-san: Thank you! I do hope to show a little of how hard Byakuya does work. I will have to throw in a quip about his "cheap" outfit sometime. It'll be my little homage to you for being such a faithful reviewer. :D

NeverWillBe: I will certainly check that out when I have the time! May I suggest "Sunset" to you. That is a Byakuya/Hisana fic. Rukia is involved too, but you can take what you want or don't want from that.

DRUON: Thank you for continuing to review so faithfully! I'll try to keep updating as quickly as possible.

Karling08: You aren't the only one with that question! I can't let you cheat by knowing the answer though. Hopefully you won't hold it against me!

Bookman87: That completely slipped my mind! I will fix that first thing tomorrow! Thank you for pretty much beta reading this chapter. I know I bother you with this a lot, but it means a great deal to me.