"Cherry Blossoms"
Byakuya x Orihime
By Eowynd
Disclaimers: those of always well known by all
(*) Spoilers: appear the Zanpakutous in his true form, so those who have not seen the episodes 230 to 240, i.e. the "Zanpakutous arc" would not understand the details
Everything appearing in italics is thoughts or dialogues between the Zanpakutous and carriers
And if there is any mistake it's because I'm not an English native and don't have a beta. The Original version is in Spanish and it's called "Cerezos en Flor"
O * O * O * O
- Captain Ukitake, ¿May I come in? –asked Rukia at the other side of the door
- Please come in Rukia, ¿what's the matter?
- Well, you have a visitor Ukitake-taicho
- Oh, really? ¿Who is it?
- It's my niisama Byakuya and one of his servants
- A servant? ¿Why he's so formal? Please take them to the backyard and bring us some tea please.
- Yes Ukitake taicho –said closing the door, at the same time that Ukitake began to walk to the backyard, till reach a little table next to the pond. He makes himself comfortable and not to much after, Byakuya was entering with the first servant of the Kuchiki's family
- It's a lovely afternoon to be in the garden –said Byakuya
- Indeed, please do sit down –said pointing the other side of the table, where Byakuya sit while the servant were a little behind his master- what a lovely surprise, for you to come to visit me, but you do remember that I know you since childhood and that don't need to be so formal with me, ¿right?
- I'm aware of that Juushiro-san, but the motive behind my visit it's more formal than a friendly visit
- Eh? Really? I must say that I very intrigued and that I can't imagine why you are here Byakuya –in that moment Kiyone came with the tea and some sweets, made a reverence and left in silence
- Rukia, has done a very good work with your subordinates, by what I can see –said Byakuya when he saw the quiet reaction of the young female squad member
- Yes, I'm very happy that she was promoted to my lieutenant … -said with a kind smile. Byakuya said nothing in respond
- I hope that it doesn't sound selfish of me, but if Rukia get promoted to captain, I hope there will be another Kuchiki, so he or she could be my new lieutenant –said Ukitake
- If everything goes well, maybe there will be –said suddenly while taking the cup to his lips
- Eh? ¿What are…? –and in that moment a fragment of his talk with the eight squad captain came to his mind
- But, Do you think there may be something more going on Juu-kun?
- Something more? Shunsui, you really have some big imagination.
- Why not? I think that all the thing it's very suspicious
- Juushiro-san, the reason why I'm here today, it's because I want to formally ask permission to court your cousin Orihime –said Byakuya almost causing a heart attack on the poor captain Ukitake. This was the reason for him to come with his servant. He has to follow the protocol precisely, so everything came just fine
- To tell you the truth, I'm very impressed by your request Byakuya, I'll never imagine… I mean, the Ukitake family has always been loyal to the Kuchiki family for centuries, and I was given the honour, thanks to your grandfather Ginrei, of being your kendo sensei, and then I have the luck of having you as my lieutenant, for what I have a big esteem and love for you. I think you are a great person, and I'll put my life in your hands without question any given moment. Anyway, what I'm trying to say it's that makes my very happy that you want to be so serious with my little cousin Orihime, I know that I couldn't ask anything better for her, and that you will take care of her, and always put everything, including you life, behind her. So I'm very happy to give you the permission that you asked for with the most of happiness
- Do you think, Juushiro-san, that she will accept me? –asked before drink more of his tea
- Of course she will, I have no doubt that her feeling matches yours –said Ukitake taicho- and if not, I'm sure it will took you no time to win her heart.
Byakuya smiled slightly with Ukitake's words while he put the empty cup over the table. He then said to his servant to bring the gifts that were brought for Ukitake as a proof of good will. It was a beautiful set of silver made hairpins for Orihime's hair and for him, a gorgeous haori in dark blue. Then, he ordered his servant to withdraw a little to have some privacy in their talk.
- You didn't need to do all these Byakuya –said Ukitake- this is really beautiful, ¿more tea? –asked while lifting the small pot
- Thank you –said lifting the cup- I have to do it, its protocol
- And now you are going to tell me, that you have all this planed, ¿right?
- not exactly Juushiro-san, if I have to said something, it will be to acknowledge that made everybody believe that she was your family was the easy part of the plan, thanks to how big the Ukitake clan is –the captain nod. After all he has 4 brothers and 4 sisters, and many lot cousins – but, I didn't planed develop feelings for the little human, that just... happened
- Well, I'm very happy that was the case Byakuya, if you asked me, you look so much better, with more colour, you could said, and even like you have gained some weight too
- Funny thing, Unohana taicho said the very same to me during my last check up after the pneumonia
- Really? Good that is not only me then. Anyway, I want to be the first in wishing you the best of lucks Byakuya, you really deserved it
- Thanks Juushiro-san –said while having another sip from his cup of tea
O * O * O * O
- I don't need money, I have more than enough money, I have health, a family and besides –in that moment he turns so he can look at her before say – if everything it's going well, this will be the last year that I spend alone –Orihime's heart almost stop in her chest every time she remembered those words said by Byakuya
- Don't Orihime, don't think on that. It's impossible that it is you who he was referring about…it must be one of the beautiful princess in the new year's party at the Asamura's–that's what the red haired girl was thinking while she walk her way to the fourth squad, where captain Unohana was still helping her to regain control over her reiatsu
- ¡Hiiii! –Yachiru greeted her, coming out of nowhere
- Hi Yachiru! ¿What are you doing here?
- I came to congratulated you
- Eh? ¿About what?
- About what? ¡Because Byakushi it's going to marry you! –Orihime could feel how her blood fall to her feet when she heard that, she was on the verge on a heart attack right there
- Yachiru… I think that you got it all wrong...
- ¡That's not true! ¡It's all over the Sereitei! Byakushi went with his personal servant to ask for an interview to one of the nobles houses to ask for an official courtship.
- Really?
- Yes, but nobody knows with exactitude what family Byakushi went to visit, but I know that he was asking for your hand Orihime
- But Yachiru, that doesn't make sense, I'm not a noble woman.
- ¡aich! But you are Juu-kun's cousin and he is a noble men, just like all of his family –Orihime have, almost, forgot that lie, but even that doesn't meaning that it was her, there were a lot of noble houses in the Sereitei
- And have you tell this to anyone else Yachiru?
- ¡Of course not! I don't want to lose the bet
- What bet?
- The female shinigami association it's running a bet, to try to guess who is the person that seems it's going to end the bachelor life of Byakushi, but I didn't tell anyone, because there's a lot of money in the pot
- I see. Then let's do something, promise me that you will not tell anybody what you are telling me, ¿all right?
- And what is in there for me in exchange for that? –asked the little pink haired girl
- Hummm..., How about if I let you be the girl with the flowers in the wedding? –said Orihime, thinking that will keep her quiet.
- Seriously? ¡Yay! Outrageous!
- But only if you keep the secret, ¿All right Yachiru-chan? Not even to Zaraki taicho
- All right
- Little Pinkie promise? –said Orihime putting her little finger for Yachiru to grab it
- ¡Yes! ¡Little Pinkie promise! – said the little one grabbing Orihime's finger with her own - ¿where are you going Orihime?
- I'm going to the fourth squad to see Unohana taicho
- And why are you going to see Unohana taicho? ¿Are you still sick? –asked Yachiru
- not exactly, but I still need to work on my reiatsu, so in the meanwhile I'm helping in what I can with Unohana taisho's patients –said Orihime, who was very happy to do something useful while she was on Sereitei, after all, she was starting to feel like a parasite inside the Kuchiki mansion.
- Ey Orihime, if you marry Byakushi that will mean that you will have to live here in the Sereitei, ¿right?
- I guess so
- Umm, ¿And then could you play with me and eat candies once in a while?
- But of course!
- Yay! ¡I'm happy! The eleventh squad is so boring some times, that's why I go visit the others squads, when I'm bored, but if you are here, you'll be like Yachiru big sister – Orihime felt a little sad for the little girl in that moment, after all, she was a little kid, and girls these age, really need it a female figure or a maternal figure, to help them with her doubts and questions, so they could grow up in a wealthy way, but she doubted that in a place with so much testosterone as the eleventh squad she was going to find something like that, so she only smiled at her and said:
- Of course Yachiru, and even if I don't marry Byakuya-sama; you can always count with me ¿all rigth?
- Okay, but don't say that Orihime-chan, if you don't get married with Byakushi, ¿How is he going to leave his loneliness? –Yachiru said suddenly, while they reach the fourth squad doors
- What are you saying Yachiru?
- since Kenchan brought me to Sereitei, and we meet all this people, the first thing I noted was how lonely Byakushi was, and that is why I always go visit him to his office and make him drawings, so that he doesn't feel so lonely, because it cause me to feel very sad for people to be so lonely and sad like he is all the time – Orihime must admit that she was very impressed to realize that the little pink Sereitei's hurricane have such a mature and watchful side, probably nobody has ever suspected that Yachiru's constant rambling through the squads have such a deep motive. Orihime just realize that there was so much still to discover about the Sereitei and his inhabitants.
- Ah, good morning Orihime-chan –Hanataro greeted her
- Good morning Yamada-san, ¿Is the captain in?
- Yes, and she is waiting for you at the backyard
- Thank you –while they walk through the halls, some of the patients look towards Orihime and give her they thank yours while she return the friendly words and asked them how they were.
- Who are those people Orihime-chan?
- It's people I have helped to get better –said the red haired woman
- Then, when you officially become a part of the gotei 13, you will be part of the fourth squad? –she said with a finger over her lips- ¿Couldn't you not go to the eleventh squad? That way, you could play with me more often
- Yachiru, it's still to soon to said that, I'm not even sure, if I could be a member of any squad
- ¡aich! ¡that's silliness! You, Ichigo-kun and Chado-kun are all on the short list to become a part of the gotei 13. It's well known by all the captains and lieutenants
- Seriously? I have no idea –Yachiru put a finger over her lips, as a signal of secrecy, while she said in Orihime's ear while she bend a little to be at the proper distance of the little girl – it's supposed to be a secret, but Ichigo-kun it's on the short list to become a captain
- Truly?
- Yes, ¿Why do you think that Byakushi send him to the shinigami's school?
- For Rukia-san?
- well, yes, that too, but the thing is, that to be able to became captain, Ichigo-Kun must show a lot of abilities, like a minimum level of Kidou, perfect reiatsu control and some other stuff
- I see, Byakuya-sama it's always thinking of everything –and for some reason she felt her heart grow full of warm while thinking in the stoic captain. They reach the back door leading to the backyard and find Unohana taicho talking with Kotetsu
- Welcome Orihime-chan, Yachiru-chan, come and sit, we are having tea, and Isane was telling me something of the most utmost importance
- Really? –said Yachiru
- Apparently, our most wanted bachelor, Captain Kuchiki Byakuya, has serious intentions to put an end to that –said Unohana taicho, which made Yachiru laugh, but she covered her mouth with her hands
- Oh, it's seems that Yachiru has something to tell us –said the female captain. All colour abandoned Orihime's face when the captain said that, after all, she almost never let something slip away from her
- I know with who it's Byakushi going to get married
- Seriously? ¿To whom? –asked Isane
- With me of course –said the pink haired girl, making Orihime sigh with relieve
- Really? Then you are going to be a very pretty bride Yachiru –said Unohana smiling, probably thinking that was another of Yachiru's games – ¿Can I be the bride's maid?
- No, that's going to be Orihime – and then conversation topics move along and stayed a long time in the garden
- Master –said Senbonzakura while they were walking back to the sixth squad - ¿What's going to happen now?
- Now it's when the courtship start, Sen
- And what are we going to do?
- We? Are you offering for something, Sen?
- As you know master, while she is under your protection, is also under my protection too, and besides if she is going to become your new wife, that's only make all of my promises of protection even more serious, it's what corresponds in the actual scenario–Byakuya sigh, this was the bad side of having a sword as regal and pride as himself.
- Sen, if I recognize your words as truthful words, and that I hope you keep…
- Who do are you thinking that is I, Master? ¿Zabimaru? ¡The Nerve!
- Must I remember you, that I have been married and that I know something about women's?
- It is not necessary that you talk to me like that master, you know that I respected Hisana-sama a lot, but I also remember your first attempts to get close to her –Byakuya almost laugh when does memories hit him. He was so young and immature when he was trying to approach his first wife, it was a truly miracle that she take him seriously, instead of laughing of him
- Anyway, experience help correct those mistakes Sen. Now, ¿where was the flower store?
- "Each petal a sigh you stole from me… each flower a thought I gave to you" –Orihime feel her face as hot and red as a burning building after read aloud the little note, while standing next to Rukia and Ichigo, and the servants continued bring in more and more flower, in the mansion's room and that were for her.
There were a lot of flower and from different types, like Azahar, Lilies, White and red rosebuds, and carnations also red and white, Clematis, gypsum, Lilas, among another's (*)
- Niisama is so romantic –said Rukia before elbowing Ichigo- Why is that you never give me flowers or send me notes Ichigo?
- Say what? I couldn't write something like that even if I was standing over my head, it's not, well, me.
- Well then, star to practice, because I want a note just as pretty as that, for me
- Blasted Byakuya –murmur- ¿And why so many flower? ¿Why not just red roses like everyone else?
- Because every flower and every colour have a different meaning –said Orihime- Byakuya-sama it's trying to tell me how he feel about me o how he thinks about me with these flowers –said while smelling the Lilas, and kept the note to the heart.
- Eh? Seriously, flowers mean something? –said Ichigo scratching his head
- Yes, from envy to love, flowers go through all the emotion's stairs –ended- and you have to be careful with the colours too, because they also have a meaning.
- Seriously? I have never known about that. Well, I have to go now, I have strategies lesson, I'll see you in the afternoon midget –said given her a kiss I her forehead before getting out
- ¡And don't forget my note! –Screamed Rukia- I'm dreaming, that asshole will never write a note like that to me. ¡Orihime, you are so lucky! You'll be the envy of all the Sereitei's womans, and a very few men too.
- I can't believe it, your brother really likes me –she said almost for herself that Rukia
- I told you so, Orihime, niisama never does things he doesn't intent and when he put his mind into something, he doesn't stop till have it –in that moment a servant came and said
- Miss Kuchiki, captain Ukitake is asking for you and Orihime-san, ¿May he come in?
- Of course, bring him to the guest room and go to the kitchen for tea and pastries
-Yes, Miss Kuchiki –he made a bow and left the room
- Are you coming Orihime? This is getting interesting –said Rukia
- I'm coming.
- Welcome captain Ukitake –Rukia greeted him- It's an honour having you here
- Thank you very much Rukia, good afternoon Orihime –greeted back- I came for a very important business
- It's about Byakuya-sama? –asked suddenly Orihime
- Well, yes. Byakuya went to ask me, as your cousin and responsible for your person, for a formal petition to courtship you –both girls could feel their cheeks getting red- and besides he bring some gifts to prove his intentions –said giving Orihime the box with the beautiful set of silver made hairpins. When she opened, she lost her speech and she found another little note, which she put next to the other
- this is the most beautiful that I ever seen –said Rukia to her- niisama has such a good taste and is always so elegant, and with Orihime's gorgeous hair, it will be an amazing combination
- Anyway, what I want to talk with Orihime was that since now Byakuya it's courting you, it would not be proper, that you keep living in the Kuchiki mansion. It could led to bad rumours and believes me when I said that you don't want that
- Eh? Then what are we going to do? –asked Orihime
- well, you are here as a guest at the mansion, and every visit must come to an end and you must get back home, so the most logic thing to do, it's that you go back to my home – Orihime didn't like much that idea, because she was very much a friend of everybody here, and she was very used to be always with Rukia, Ichigo and specially Byakuya.
- I guess it's the most logic, even if I don't want go.
- Worry not, Orihime, at my place, you are going to need nothing and you could still seeing everyone –said Ukitake- besides, it don't have to be right now, you could take a day or two, to prepare yourself and get ready everything you need.
- Thank you for all the troubles Ukitake taicho, I promise to not cause trouble –said Orihime.
- There is no need to be so formal between us Orihime; Juushiro-san will be more than enough. Ah, before I forget, I bring you some candies –said while passing her a little bag that he made appear from his haori
- Thank you –said Orihime take it
- I hope that everything goes well between you two –said Ukitake taicho- I really like the idea of you two together, I think is wonderful
- I think the same Ukitake taicho –said Rukia- they look very well together
- Well then, I'll be leaving now to prepare everything in my house –said while getting up- I'll be waiting for you Orihime
- Thank you so much for everything Ukitake taicho –said Orihime
- I'll see you tomorrow Rukia –said before leaving the guest room.
- What do you say if we used for the first time these hairpins Orihime? I think it should be a nice surprise for niisama, if you were wearing them when he sees you tonight ¿What do you think?
- I think it's a great idea –said Orihime- I'll wait for you in my room, ¿Ok?
- All right, I'll go for the hair combs –said leaving the room, while Orihime opened the second note that Byakuya managed to send her (*)
Only you can make this world seem right
(Sólo tú haces que este mundo este bien)
Only you can make the Darkness bright
(Sólo tú haces que brille la oscuridad)
Only you and you alone can thrill me like you do
(Solo tú y solamente tú puedes hacerme sentir como lo haces)
And fill my heart with love for only you
(Y llenar mi corazón con amor solo para ti)
Only you can make this change in me
(Sólo tú puedes provocar este cambio en mí)
For its true, you are my destiny
(Por que es verdad, tú eres mí destino)
When you hold my hand I understand the magic that you do
(Cuando Sostienes mí mano, logro entender la magia que haces)
You're my dream come true, my one and only you
(Eres mí sueño hecho realidad, la única y solo tú)
Only you can make this change in me
(Sólo tú puedes provocar este cambio en mí)
For its true, you are my destiny
(Por que es verdad, tú eres mí destino)
When you hold my hand I understand the magic that you do
(Cuando Sostienes mí mano, logro entender la magia que haces)
You're my dream come true, my one and only you
(Eres mí sueño hecho realidad, la única y solo tú)
One and only you
(La única y sólo tú)
With these, Orihime forget all her doubts and finally could admit to herself that she was deeply in love with the sixth squad captain Kuchiki Byakuya
O * O * O * O
End of chapter VI
(*) Clarifications
About the meaning of the flowers that Byakuya purchase for Orihime, here you have a little list, with the original names in Spanish, ('cause I could not find them all of them in English). Google have more definitions too.
Azahar: Symbol of purity and antiquity
Azucena: Heart and innocent spirit, modesty and delicacy
Capullo blanco de Rosa: Innocent in love
Capullo rojo de Rosa: Purity
Clavel blanco: naive, innocence.
Clavel rojo: Hope in love, in love
Clemátide: Beauty of soul
Gipsofilas: Tenderness, childhood, transparency of the soul
Lila: first love, innocence, youth.
Lirio blanco: purity
Lunaria: Sincerity
Nenúfar: Purity of the heart
About the second note, it's the lyrics from a very old song named "Only you", and the original group performing this song was "The Platters". The song's video it's available in YouTube like always
See you next chapter ;)