Chapter 7: Loneliness
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(Thanks going out to Nyma (More treats are on the way!), Hisuiryuu (Yes, Byakuya is famous for thinking too much and being too reserved. He needs a little nudge. And well, he'll get a few.), PrivateCaller (These two are famous, or infamous for keeping a lid on their feelings, but they're going to have to deal with things pretty soon!), Picklez80, Aizenfan6969 and Jess0409 (Here you go, guys!), Featherfoot (I am already starting on the next chapter!), Adalie Delacroix (Happy New Year to you too! And not to worry, a certain person is going to add a little fire to the mix. And that isn't the only bombshell about to hit...), Lilbit1016 (Aww, thanks!), Girls-luv-manga (Yeah, he does that sometimes!), Yukino76 (Yup, and someone close to him has noticed.), TomyAllen (I am working extra hard this weekend to make sure there are some good posts on Bya's birthday!), Tiffany91 (And all of that sweet connection is going to make staying away from each other pretty darned difficult!), HoloObsession (Aww, well, here's more. And more will be along!), and Tmp3475 (Toshiro tries to be mature about things, but their connection will take both of them by surprise!) Enjoy the new chapter! Love, Spunky)
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Byakuya heard a soft footstep at the entry to his study and looked up as Tetsuya entered the chamber with Ichigo at his side. He looked up at the two curiously, noting the flush on his cousin's cheeks and throat and the fact that the two were holding hands.
"Please excuse us if we are disturbing you," Tetsuya apologized.
"You are welcome. Come in," he invited the two, continuing to work quietly at the paperwork in front of him as the two knelt on the other side of the low table, "What brings you?"
"W-well," Tetsuya stammered, his blush brightening, "it seems that…I mean…"
Byakuya looked up from his work.
"You look flustered," he commented, glancing over his shoulder at his attendant, "Torio, please bring tea."
"Hai," Torio said, bowing before respectfully before exiting the room.
"Has Ichigo been fully healed?" Byakuya asked, looking back at Tetsuya.
"Yes, Byakuya-sama," his cousin answered, "Michio healed the worst and I restored his reiatsu and…"
Tetsuya paused for a moment, biting at his lip gently.
"I…made sure that he rested comfortably," he finished.
A little smirk touched Ichigo's lips, but quickly disappeared at the look Byakuya gave him.
"I am aware," Byakuya replied in an even tone, "You seem very relaxed with each other."
"That's kinda why we're here," Ichigo said, smiling and squeezing Tetsuya's hand, "I know you've been told about my father being Shiba Isshin."
"Yes, I did hear that," Byakuya commented in a cool tone, "It…actually made sense of a few things."
"R-right," Ichigo chuckled, reaching up to scratch the back of his neck, "Dad told me he used to get on your nerves sometimes."
"On occasion."
"Then, you and I have something in common," Ichigo said, nodding, "He gets on my nerves too. Especially in taking so many years before ever telling me about my own mom. Just so you know, I was as surprised as everyone else."
"I am sure that is true," Byakuya sighed, setting down his brush and resting his chin on his palm, "I am also sure that you came here with more to do than to exchange pleasantries and talk about your father's…idiosyncracies."
"I came here because, you know, since it's official that I am a Shiba, the family is planning to make me the new heir."
"That is not surprising, considering your capability and the fact that you have repeatedly saved Soul Society. I was expecting such would happen. And, I assume that your visit here alongside my cousin has to do with that?"
Tetsuya's head bowed and his flush deepened. Noting his discomfort, Ichigo continued.
"Byakuya, Tetsuya and I have only just met…"
"I know. But for two people who have just met, you seem very…comfortable with each other."
"We are," Ichigo confirmed, "I think that your cousin is amazing. He's smart and kind to everyone, and my clan is pretty impressed with how he planned and carried out your family's evacuation and protection during the war."
"Yes, Tetsuya will be receiving our clan's highest decoration for that."
Byakuya gave Tetsuya a look of approval.
"It is well deserved."
"Thank you, Byakuya-sama."
"I know that you and Tetsuya are really close. He told me how you rescued him from the noble's prison, and how you mentored him to make him comfortable in the family and to grow his powers. Because of that, I think it's only respectful that I should come and ask you personally. I would like to court Tetsuya…officially."
Byakuya straightened, studying Ichigo's unusually calm demeanor and his cousin's hopeful expression.
"You wish to court Tetsuya?" Byakuya mused, "I suppose that it would be the proper thing to do, given that you were seen sleeping in Tetsuya's bed."
"Yeah," Ichigo said, smiling sheepishly, "Sorry about that. I overextended myself and he was just restoring my reiatsu. We got to talking about his past and about the living world. We just kinda drifted off. I hope you aren't mad. Tetsuya didn't do anything wrong."
"No. He is an adult, and, although it was improper, you were in a private area of the estate, where only attendants and close family and friends would have seen in the garden doors."
"Well, the thing is, I know that all of the clans are going to be pressuring members of child bearing age to get married."
"I was not sure they would have broached that subject with you yet, given that you have only just come of age and are being thrust into noble life very quickly."
"That's right," Ichigo agreed, "And because of that, I'm going to need someone to help me settle in, so that I uh, don't look awkward. It needs to be someone who I can get along with, and someone who understands what it's like to have this happen. After all, Tetsuya was young when he was brought into the family."
"He was. And your argument does make sense. I will also inform you that the elders have already had several requests for Tetsuya's hand."
Tetsuya's breath caught in surprise.
"You have?" he asked, paling slightly.
"You know that I would not allow anyone to force you into a marriage, not after what you suffered, some of it being at the hands of our own family members. But, Tetsuya, are you sure that this is what you want?" Byakuya asked, "You are aware that being betrothed to an heir, and to the savior of Soul Society is going to put you on public display. And while I am sure that you will handle such with proper poise, are sure that is all right with you?"
"I am a little nervous," Tetsuya admitted, glancing at Ichigo and smiling shyly, "but, I feel close to Ichigo already. He is kind and funny, and he can't wait to show me what he enjoys most about the living world."
"I want Tetsuya to come back with me to get to know my dad and my sisters. I'd like to show him around Karakura Town, where I grew up. I know he has responsibilities here, but it's been pretty quiet for the past few days, and with all of the taichos here, no one's going to mess with the estate, right?"
"I imagine not."
"Then," Ichigo prompted him, "it's…?"
"I will expect an official proposal, delivered from your elders to ours, making the announcement. As the Seireitei is still recovering, we may not be able to set a wedding date yet."
"We're okay with that," Ichigo chuckled, "We're not in that much of a hurry. We just met, so we want time to get to know everything about each other. Thanks, Byakuya."
He turned and kissed Tetsuya on the cheek.
"I'll go and tell my family now. I'll be back later."
He escaped out the door, leaving Tetsuya alone with Byakuya as the tea arrived. Torio looked around questioningly.
"W-weren't there three of you?" he inquired.
"Ichigo had business to attend to, but Tetsuya and I will take our tea together."
"Of course, Byakuya-sama," Torio said, moving to serve the tea.
"You look relieved," Byakuya commented, taking a sip of his tea, "You must have known that I would support your decision."
"I thought that you would," Tetsuya admitted, "but I know Ichigo annoys you sometimes. Still, he is a wonderful person. He is loyal and protective."
"Yes, he is a good friend, and that is where a proper relationship should begin. I am sure that you and Ichigo will be happy together. I am glad that you are interested in seeing someone again. It has been a long time for you."
"Yes," Tetsuya agreed, "but I feel like Ichigo is the right person for me."
He paused, gathering his thoughts for a moment.
"Now that we are alone," Tetsuya went on, "I will confess that I have been noticing that someone has had your attention too."
Byakuya stiffened slightly.
"It was an unusual situation," he said, frowning, "That has been resolved and I believe that will be the end of things."
"Will it?" Tetsuya asked, tilting his head and studying his more solemn cousin's face closely, "Byakuya-sama, I know it was a strange situation, but I have been noticing things, just little things, that make me think that you might not want that situation to end."
Byakuya cleared his throat softly. Tetsuya sensed he was about to object and hastened to stop him.
"Please, just hear me out," he said softly, "I, of all people, know that it would cause some trouble in the family."
"Even if it did not, given the awkward way it would seem after what just happened. I do not want to create waves in the family. You remember how some of the elders reacted when I married Hisana."
"But that was some time ago, and things have changed," Tetsuya insisted, "You know it wasn't long ago that I would not have been considered suitable to marry an heir, or to marry at all! This is the kind of change that you and I used to speak of when we would rest in the meadow together, after our training. Byakuya-sama, we have just been through a terrible conflict, and during that time, it stopped mattering so much who was a commoner and who was a noble. For that time, we were all just comrades, fighting together to protect our homes and loved ones. I think that if there is a time in which such a thing would be accepted, now is the time."
Byakuya considered silently for several moments, sipping at his tea, before answering.
"And, what if this is not what Toshiro wants?"
"Then, maybe you will just go on, being comrades and friends. But, if you are beginning to love him…"
"Tetsuya…"
"If you are," Tetsuya pressed on, laying a hand on his cousin's, "Byakuya-sama, you should say something to him. You should say something to him now."
"I do not think this is the time."
"Then, when will the right time be?" Tetsuya asked pointedly, "Will it be in the next few weeks, when our elders are trying to match you up with a new bride? You know that is exactly what they are going to do. All of us who are strong, respected and of child-bearing age are going to be arranged to marry. You confided in me that you thought being forced to marry someone you don't love would be a terrible burden, for you and for that partner. If you love this man, then you should tell him."
"And what makes you so sure that I am in love, or even falling in love with Toshiro?"
Tetsuya smiled sadly.
"The little signs are everywhere, watashi no itoko. It is in your eyes when you look at him. It is in your hands when you touch him. I have watched you taking care of him, and I am reminded of how you were with Hisana-sama. It is not an insult to her if you are falling in love again. Hisana-sama wanted you to be happy again. She…while she was ill, she asked me to look after, not just your physical well-being, but your heart. She said that she was sure there would come a time after she was gone that someone else would touch your heart, and she knew that losing her would make you afraid to love again. I told her it was true, that losing the one you love puts a great fear in your heart. I know. I have also lost someone who I loved. I also mourned for many years, and when Ichigo began to touch my heart, I was afraid. I still am afraid, but I know Naoki would be happy to know I found someone who loves me, and who I can love too. Please, just consider before you close this pathway."
Byakuya looked quietly at Tetsuuya and gave no answer for a moment. The two drank the last of their tea and Tetsuya stood to take his leave.
"I am to report to you that Hitsugaya taicho left this morning to return to his division to oversee repairs."
"Toshiro left?" Byakuya asked, "But, he was not cleared to go. He had several days more that he was supposed to rest."
"I was the one he told that he was going. Byakuya-sama, there was a sadness in his eyes."
"We were obligated to do something that we normally would not have, something that has caused him confusion. That is all."
"Are you sure?"
"I am sure that the situation will resolve itself," Byakuya said calmly, meeting Tetsuya's eyes meaningfully, "but perhaps it would be prudent to make sure that a healer goes to see him at his division to continue his care. Michio is busy here, but…"
"I will see to it personally," Tetsuya assured him.
"I thought you were going to Karakura Town."
"Oh, well Ichigo is going to take several days, at least, working out the details before we can leave. I will be happy to check in on Hitsugaya taicho and make sure he is kept well."
"And you will say nothing of our conversation," Byakuya added.
"Of course not," Tetsuya assured him.
Tetsuya turned to go, then paused and looked back over his shoulder as Byakuya spoke again.
"Thank you, Tetsuya…for your concern and for your assistance."
"I am grateful to you," Tetsuya answered, "and I would like to see you happy again."
"And someday, perhaps I will be."
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Rangiku scowled and covered her ears as she followed Toshiro through the front doors of the partially rebuilt tenth division headquarters.
"Ugh, why did we have to come back here now?" she complained over the sounds of sawing and hammering, "We had several more days before they were going to be done, and you weren't even given your medical clearance to come back to work! Where are we going to sleep?"
"The new barracks is done," Toshiro shouted back to her.
"The barracks? You want us to sleep in the barracks with everyone?" she objected, "But, Kuchiki taicho invited us all to stay at his retreat as long as we wanted! We could work here in the daytime and go there at night, at least, couldn't we?"
Toshiro huffed out a dismissive breath.
"You do what you want," he said shortly, "Just get your work here done before you go off and spend all night gossiping and enjoying Byakuya's wine cellar!"
"That's not nice, Taicho."
"I'm not trying to be nice to you!" Toshiro snapped, wincing as a twinge went through his belly and he felt a creeping nausea coming on, "There are reports to be written and we need to restart soldier training. When everyone else returns, we need to have our division up and running."
"But half our officers are still recovering."
"We're lucky that they are still alive," Toshiro sighed, "but we can't wait for them to return. The Seireitei needs at least one division to be mostly operational, and I want that division to be ours. So, don't argue. There are a couple of desks set up in the barracks. I'm going to get something to eat and then I will be in to help you."
Rangiku frowned.
"But, you just ate before we left, didn't you?"
"Yes," Toshiro admitted, "But I am healing from serious wounds and use of my bankai for an extended period. Maybe you should eat more also. You were pushed pretty hard when the debris started coming down from the royal realm at the end of the battle."
"Heineko and I are a little tired still," Rangiku said, "But I'm not hungry. I am a little thirsty."
"Don't start with me, Rangiku," Toshiro warned her.
"Hey, you're old enough to drink now."
"I've been old enough to drink for years!" Toshiro yelled, "I just don't, because, first, I have things to do and second, I don't know how you can drink that stuff. It is nasty and it makes you behave like an idiot!"
"At least I don't behave like a child having a tantrum every time we disagree."
"Would you shut up and get to work?
"I'm going, I'm going," Rangiku sighed, rolling her eyes, "But after work, I am going back to Sakura no Kaiyo to sleep. Kuchiki taicho's beds are so soft and everything smells so good there. If I were you, I'd want to stay there for every minute I could, not lie on cots in the barracks. I don't know what's gotten into you."
"I just think that we've inconvenienced Byakuya enough," Toshiro said wearily, "If we are well enough, we should stop depending on him."
"Do you know what I think?" Rangiku asked, giving him a look that made him feel suddenly transparent.
"No, but I'm sure I'll hear it anyway," he said saucily.
"I think that Kuchiki Byakuya made an impression on you," Rangiku said accusingly, "They may have tried to keep things quiet…"
"But you found out anyway, didn't you?" Toshiro said, scowling, "It's not your business, so don't say any more about it!"
"But it was so sweet how he was injured, trying to help you."
"Who told you that? Did that bastard, Kenpachi…?"
"And it's so crazy that the only way to keep him from freezing to death was to…"
"Stop!" Toshiro yelled, covering his ears, "I can't believe someone told you this. You are the last person I would want to know. Now, the three worlds will know! You won't stop until it's in all of the papers and on the evening news! Well, I'm telling you right now, I don't want you to say another word about it. It's no one's business about the healing we had to do."
"The healing…" Rangiku said, crossing her arms.
"That's all it was," Toshiro said firmly, "He was injured by my bankai and we made sure that it didn't kill him."
"And you think that, after your first time, you can walk away and not feel anything?"
"Rangiku, so help me…"
"Okay, you win," Rangiku said, putting up her hands defensively, "I won't say another word…except…You two would be adorable together!"
"RANGIKU!"