I'm going to go ahead and post this chapter of Memoirs even though I recieved virually no reviews on the last chapter. this one in my opinion is much more on track to where I'm going, while delving a little into relationships that Byakuya has come to acknowledge. By the way, a little surprise toward the end for ByakuyaxHisana fans... ;)
I do not own Bleach.
Personal Associations
Next stop: The classroom. Byakuya was fairly interested to see how the rest of the class faired after their exercises, as well as the condition of Ukitake Taicho. During his visit, the white haired shinigami did not look well at all.
Upon entering the class, the bright cheery face of Ichimaru Gin was the first he encountered. Apparently Gin had noticed him as well, the noble hearing a lighthearted 'Kuchiki-kun!' over the murmur of the class. Sitting next to him was a less than enthusiastic Hitoshi, the aura of the silver haired boy obviously effecting his mood. Upon glancing up to Byakuya, his face brightened and he elicited a small nod in his direction. A quick observation of the other students indicated that though there were cuts and bruises, no one had suffered any serious injury.
"Thank you all for coming today." Byakuya released an internal sigh of relief upon seeing the pale complexion of Ukitake stationed in front of the class. His appearance seemed to have improved since their last meeting.
"Kuchiki-san, it is wonderful to see that you are well." Came an unexpected welcome from the captain. Byakuya bowed slightly at the comment before seating.
"I would like to apologize to those involved with the hollow exercise yesterday. An error in judgment was made, and I shall see to it that situation does not occur again. Class with also be let out early so that you all may have more time to recover."
Small whispers were heard in the class. Ukitake continued.
"Following my earlier teaching guidelines, I will continue having guest speakers from various divisions come in to talk with you. Our next guest is a good friend of mine."
An exaggerated cough issued from the man sitting next to him.
"He will also head the class when I take ill." He worded, the man issuing a satisfied nod as he spoke the phrase.
"Thank you, Jushiro-kun." He man smiled.
"Students, this is Kyoraku Taicho." though the flamboyant captain did not need an introduction.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all." His hearty voice filled the room. "My Jushiro-kun has high regard for this class, and he's told me much about you." He tipped his large straw hat to the class, expressing his appreciation. "You keep him busy; I hear it's because you're a good group."
"If you have any questions for Kyoraku-san, please do not hesitate." Ukitake concluded.
"Yes, speak up. I could be entertaining other things right now – like a bottle of -!" he stopped suddenly as Ukitake's elbow poked him in the side.
"Sorry." He shrugged, smile on his face. He gave Jushiro an affectionate look as Ukitake ignored him.
"Kyoraku-san is Captain of Eighth Division. As you notice, he is the only captain that ordinarily has two zanpakuto." Jushiro mentioned, keeping the lesson going.
The class gazed at the pair resting easily in his belt. One could feel the reiatsu emanating from the blades.
"Why do you have two?" a student asked.
"Because I'm special." That produced another nudge from Ukitake.
Smiling wider, the captain reiterated. "My lineage comes from an ancient era. During my time among the living it was not uncommon for people to carry daisho. When I came to Soul Society, a part of that past was imprinted on my soul: Hence I keep these blades with me." Quite pleased at his response, he sat back in his chair and leaned.
"Are your swords in shikai? Is that why they are dual blades?"
"No, they are sealed. My zanpakuto is not like Jushiro-kun's. They are actually two separate blades, quite different from each other."
The class asked a few other zanpakuto related questions, then Ukitake dismissed class. Byakuya turned to leave before he heard his name called.
"Hai. Taicho."
A hand clasped his shoulder. "I am glad that you are unharmed by Aizen-san's rash actions."
Byakuya nodded silently.
"I am also proud that you were able to shikai in such dire circumstances."
"Arigato, Taicho."
"Please keep training diligently; I would like to see how your zanpakuto progresses."
"Hai. Taicho."
Ukitake's brown eyes expressed emotions that he could only guess; the multitude of feelings dispensed from the man was more than he ever received in one setting. Happiness, sadness, determination, concern, relief: Somehow it seemed too open – feelings like these should remain restricted, he thought; did people normally express this much freedom of emotion? Ukitake was indeed an enigma, but somehow, Byakuya knew that the man was a positive force in his life, asserting himself as someone who would watch out for his well being.
Thinking on his own life, he never remembered having a relationship with anyone like that before. His connection to the man felt a little deeper every time he came in contact with him.
"Come on, Jushiro-kun." A voice prodded over Ukitake's shoulder. "You need to rest."
A final glance at Byakuya and the captain departed with help from the pink outfitted man. Such a friendship was a rare thing to witness, indeed.
As Byakuya entered the hallway, Hitoshi jumped up from a bench just outside the classroom. Matching his steps, the student walked quickly with the Kuchiki noble.
"Byakuya, it is good to see that you are well today."
"Arigato, Hitoshi." Byakuya acknowledged.
"Now that class is over, what are you doing?"
"I must study with Kuchiki Taicho."
"Really?" The auburn hair fell into his face in thick strands as he brushed them away, running a hand from the front to the back of his head. "Are you going to do that right now?"
Byakuya's pace broke. Did he really have to go immediately to his father's lessons, since class ended rather early? The brisk stride stopped he turned toward the fellow classmate.
"What did you have in mind?"
"Well," the boy stammered, suddenly caught off guard by the direct attention. "I thought that maybe we could train."
"It seems feasible." Byakuya stated, not implicating his disinterest toward meeting with his father again so soon. "To the hall, then?"
"Arigato, Kuchiki-san!" he breathed a sigh of relief. Byakuya wondered how this boy was deemed a trouble-maker to Ukitake; he seemed far too easily swayed by stoic demeanor. Usually troublemakers are a bit more brash.
"Bye, bye, Kuchiki-kun!" a man in the distance waved, casually gesturing his departure. His silver hair shone in the light, the ever present fox grin on his face.
Like that one.
"Confidence in the face of adversity is not an easy task." Byakuya continued, recounting his own formal teachings. "To maintain level headedness and quick judgment is an essential skill as a good leader."
"So, how do you do that?"
"Everyone has their own way."
"What's yours?"
Byakuya thought for a moment. He tried to recall the exact time that he was able to think with clarity on the battlefield – it had been so long ago that he had almost forgotten how he learned.
"I think of a battle as a series of moves, much like a tactical game, if you will. My capabilities are important for the side I am on to win. Naturally I want my side to win; therefore I give all I have into the equation."
"Oh. When you put it that way, I can see why it works for you. You're not afraid, because that emotion isn't relevant to the cause."
Byakuya nodded; he couldn't have said it better himself.
"Arigato, Byakuya. Just talking with you helps." Indeed, Byakuya noticed a slight change in the boy's reiatsu; confidence was steadily growing as they talked. "If it wouldn't trouble you, do you think we could spar? Fighting is a skill I would like to improve on, and the way you handled yourself during the hollow exercise was inspiring to me."
Glancing at the time, it indicated that they would have enough for one round. "Hai," Byakuya nodded.
Normally the Kuchiki noble detested the sweat and dirt of fighting; however playing host to the classmate actually felt fulfilling in some way. The boy didn't know it, but the distraction was giving him satisfaction as well, so sparring seemed less of a tribulation then initially speculated. Going a round was fair exchange.
After the two prepared, they faced off against each other in the large hall. The chamber doubled as a lecture room and as a fighting arena. After a few minutes of fighting, Byakuya was able to distinguish the student's weaknesses.
Standing erect and unmoving, Byakuya's battle stance consisted of a statuesque pose seemingly open and defenseless. To an attacker it was rightfully so, until a strike was attempted. Suddenly the opponent was gone, and a blade could be felt pressed against one's back, precisely laying against one of two vital areas of a shinigami.
This maneuver was used against Hitoshi; to his dismay, he didn't see it coming.
"Wha-!" he exclaimed, whipping around to see the raven haired noble calmly standing, blade held outright where his back once was.
"You are too slow." Byakuya announced flatly.
"How did…!?" the student trailed, deftly straightening his pose and defending himself against Byakuya.
"Shunpo. Steps can be used in both defense and offense."
"I never thought about that." Hitoshi's hand ran through his hair as he thought of the implications. "But it was so fast!"
"Practice can atone for your deficiency. Try your attack again." He stated, not moving from his position.
Hitoshi struck again, winding up in a similar predicament.
A grunt of frustration sounded from the student.
Byakuya lowered his katana. "Do not attempt to strike, unless it is the best you have to offer."
Hitoshi gritted his teeth, showing a determination previously missing in the duel. Suddenly he was gone, a whooshing sound accruing over Byakuya's left shoulder.
"Better." The noble commented, noting the increased speed and accuracy.
The match stopped with Byakuya's blade tip under Hitoshi's chin. The counterpart was breathing heavily, brown locks splayed in his face.
"You should tie your hair back if you insist keeping it that length." Byakuya politely pointed out, drawing the locks back with his zanpakuto. Blue eyes blazed under the strands, locked carefully on the Kuchiki's next move.
A bout of shunpo ensued; Hitoshi to Byakuya's back, Byakuya twisting deftly to deflect the blow, flash stepping behind Hitoshi while initiating his own attack. Hitoshi turned, barely repelling the blade, and flashed behind Byakuya. Katana clashed, and Byakuya's mouth turned up at a corner.
"Acceptable."
Hitoshi smiled, his chest still heaving. "Arigato, Byakuya."
Sheathing his zanpakuto, the noble student assumed his straightened posture. With proper training, Hitoshi was proving to be rather promising shinigami.
A loud rip caught Byakuya's attention. Hitoshi had tore part of the hidden inner lining of his academy uniform and was currently tying it around his hair to keep the stubborn locks contained. "How do I look?" the student pointed.
The Kuchiki had trouble finding something proper to say. "You are most…resourceful."
Hitoshi laughed outright, recognizing the sincere effort for a positive response. "You're too kind, Byakuya. My hair feels like its sticking straight up!" Hitoshi's smile was honest and cheery; the boy's infectious spirit was starting to take its toll on the Kuchiki noble's normally stoic attitude, replacing it with that of a peaceful and almost happy look.
Indeed, the boy's hair poked upward from the tie – almost endearing, despite the impromptu wrap that held the strands together. Another stab at a positive comment, Byakuya added "It is…fitting on you."
Noticing the honest critique, Hitoshi nodded. "Arigato, Byakuya. Thank you for assisting me."
During the next few intense weeks, Byakuya could hardly do anything but train. Eating wasn't even a factor in his schedule anymore; he only consumed food necessary to fulfill the obligation to his body. Meetings with his father were varied in nature; sometimes he would spar with him for hours, other times it would be a lecture on the inner workings of captain duties. Paperwork procedures, procedure on maintaining a healthy work environment, how to interact with trainees and division members… Byakuya was exhausted.
Zanpakuto training wasn't even working out to his advantage. Senbonzakura after its initial release refused to shikai again, leaving only the sealed katana whenever he tried to coax the blade out. Somehow he thought that once the barrier to shikai was broken, the training would become easier. Now it seemed futility daunted his endeavor, the empty feeling locking itself in the pit of his stomach.
Hitoshi would often train with him during class, although he too had not achieved shikai release yet. Physical prowess with the blade exponentially increased during their meetings, and though neither could call out zanpakuto, their swordsmanship did not deficit. Byakuya enjoyed their time together, finding the boy's attitude refreshing against stale Kuchiki elder drabbling.
Needless to say after a few weeks, the fatigue caught up with him. Silently he collided with his bed, his body refusing to move.
Outwardly he didn't look tired, but obviously that was an ability that Byakuya had; his nonchalance even in a sleep deprived state was something only he could accomplish.
Hisana. It felt like forever since he seen her. Ever since this whole fiasco with his father started, he barely had time to do anything else but train. Now, in the still of his bedroom, he thought of her; dark locks of hair, her lighthearted laugh, deep blue eyes that seen with all clarity…he missed her.
Byakuya was proud of the fact that despite his work load he was able to write letters to inform her of his progress. Even after her discharge from fourth squad, he saw to it that notes made it to her home in Rukongai. It was the least he could do.
Despite the lack of sleep, he could not close his eyes and rest. He realized he was in full attire; he was too tired to remove it. Byakuya noticed that he still thought of Hisana; an impulse to see her overwhelmed his senses and stirred his limbs, effectively preventing any sleep from coming.
He glanced at the time. It was late.
Before he realized what he was doing, he had shunpo from the window of his room, headed toward Rukongai district.
Amazingly the tea house was still open; he wondered if it ever closed. The ethereal tree still branched in front of the exterior, its pink leaves glistening against the dark sky.
Byakuya's idea was simple. He would visit for a few moments, then return to his quarters to sleep. At least he would have a chance to see her.
Not many patrons had stayed until this late. Empty tables had their chairs turned upside down on the tabletop. Murmurs escaped from corners people still occupied.
Then he saw her.
Hisana had not changed since the first moment he first laid eyes on her; the girl's radiance emanated from the bar as though a being not of this world.
She was beautiful.
A breath caught in his throat as she looked at him. Her gaze was captifying.
"Byakuya-san!" she said, running to him and colliding with his larger frame. Obviously her strength returned after being treated at fourth, her sheer force almost toppling him in her wake.
He could only reciprocate the hug, her warmth encircling his body in the embrace.
"I got your letters! Thank you for writing to me." She smiled, and it felt like his heart soared. He felt a smile that hadn't dared cross his face in the last weeks without her.
"I…missed you." He admitted. Pulling teeth would have been easier than producing that statement.
Hisana blushed, and returned the comment. "I missed you too."
"I have been busy."
"I know." she circled his hand with her own.
"Soon I will be appointed captain of sixth squad."
Her eyes dropped, a look of sadness crossed her face. "I guess you won't be coming around that much, then."
A look flashed across her face, as if remembering something important. Anger played a part in her expression as she spoke. "How come you never told me?"
"What?" Byakuya asked, a bit more than perplexed.
"That you were a Kuchiki!"
Byakuya blinked. "I told you my father was Kuchiki Taicho."
"That's not the same thing! I figured that maybe you were adopted, many of the noble houses do that, you know." She still looked agitated. "Kuchiki Byakuya, future captain of sixth division. I never put two and two together; news doesn't travel well to these parts of Rukongai."
Byakuya still failed to understand her anger. "Why does that matter?"
"Because you are a noble!" she practically clenched her teeth, hissing the statement. "I can't be with you. I can't…care about you. You're on a completely different level than me – I'm just a girl from Rukongai."
Byakuya glared at the statement it all its idiocy. Until now, he had the same doubts in his mind about their current relationship; coming from Hisana's lips, it sounded like the most ridiculous reason that ever existed. His hand reflexively went to Hisana's chin raising her eyes to meet his own. The pools forming made this gut wrench.
"I…care about you, regardless of what station you hold." There. He said it.
Their lips crushed together, Hisana pushing against him with reckless abandon, weeks of pent up frustration releasing itself on Byakuya's lips.
The Kuchiki noble returned the fervor, logic standing aside from his already armor clad resolve. Nothing would prevent him from holding her like this, the surge of warmth on his lips enough to detain him.
Cautiously, she led him to a room upstairs from the bar. Throwing a casual comment to the other barmaid to watch the tables, she continued the trek until she came to a room that contained a cot and other dormitory things. Closing the door behind them and locking it, she slid toward Byakuya slowly and hesitantly, enclosing his arms around her.
Byakuya panicked. He had never been in a situation like this. Mentally going over formal lessons in his mind, he discovered that he was yet again completely unprepared for what would evidently take place.
Silently his robes were undone, displaying the very tone and developed upper half to the welcoming fingers of Hisana. Lips roamed over his chest, stopping at the nipple jutting out from his porcelain skin. Shocking chills sent racing across his spine at her touch, the cold room wreaking havoc with the wet trails across bare flesh.
He closed his eyes to get a grip on the explosion of feelings consuming him, his hands brushed over the thin straps of her dress and across her neck. His fingers snagged the cloth, the material falling away to reveal her exposed body.
Leaning into a kiss, they edged toward the mattress, their legs getting caught up with one another and sprawling out on the surface. Hisana giggled, incurring a exhale in his own chest.
Looking up at him in surprise, she breathed. "Did you just laugh?"
Stopping short, he checked his mental registry. "It seems so." The corners of his mouth turned up at the ends.
The hakama was shrugged away, revealing the rest of his pale torso, quickly searched over by Hisana. Her delicate touch made him shiver, her small hands drawing thin lines along defined back muscles.
Lips came together again, Byakuya propping himself over the beautiful woman. Roaming across her neck and collarbone, he noticed a scar on her chest along the breastbone, deep red mark scarring otherwise light pink skin.
"What is this?" he asked, trailing a finger over the rough patch. Reflexively Hisana's hand came up to his.
"N-Nothing."
"Where did it come from?"
"During the hollow intrusion. Some shrapnel, Unohana Taicho said."
"I see." A pang of anger resonated in his stomach. Perfect skin like this should never be marred by the likes of any creature.
"Its okay, Unohana Taicho said that it would eventually disappear over time." She ghost traced the old wound. "Besides, it is a reminder of how you saved me."
Kisses brushed each other's lips again, Byakuya stopping to admire her beauty.
He would have died for her then – he would never let anything happen to her.
Nothing would change that.
Slowly he slid in between her legs, settling his weight evenly on his knees.
Consciously staving the indecency of the act, his mind fought to control logic tendencies preventing him from taking her then. All of her was spread out before him, willing to accept his passion, lust – everything. Why was he hesitating?
Suddenly he knew. Byakuya didn't want this to be frivolous and unplanned. He truly cared about her, and he wanted to prove his loyalty.
"Marry me." The words escaped before he could give a second thought.
Hisana's eyes went wide as an audible gasp was heard. "What? But how? We can't…"
"I will find a way. Your station does not matter to me."
Tears welled in her eyes. "Yes Byakuya…I will."
With the bond spoken, Byakuya enclosed their lips, sealing their union.
Gently he pressed into her, and she breathed in.
Never had the noble Kuchiki ever felt such an exotic heat immerse him; he was hot and cold at the same time, shaking with the uncontrollable emotions that flooded him. Knowing that this was wrong but feeling the exact opposite plagued his senses. The beast inside clawed for a way out, creating a lust induced fervor as he glided in and out of the tight space.
Hisana pulled on his kenseikan, the clip promptly falling out of place and unfurling the tightly wound hair from its prison. The locks fell, covering half lidded eyes in silken raven colored strands.
Muscles rolled, honed through weeks of battle training. Though fatigue still plagued him, the heat of passion drew him on, his well defined tone shifting through needed motions.
Byakuya couldn't think, the voice of reason curled inside while lust spurred his consciousness. He needed to taste Hisana, smell her, feel her – more than he could bear. Kisses roamed her body, the small frame driving his insatiable desire further as she leaned into him, her dark eyes gazing into his own.
Compassion between the two lovers lasted throughout; even as their spent bodies lay close to each other sharing warmth, they embraced, pulling closer together.
Silence claimed the room, steady breathing the only sound disturbing the darkness. Both feared if they spoke, the spell would be broken and they would be sent to their menial separate existences, withdrawing from the binding force keeping them together.
Byakuya wanted to speak, but disturbing the soundless barrier scared him. Accumulation of breaking noble rules would surely crush him the moment his logic kicked back in, as soon as he was gone from her. Here things felt right; as soon as the real world struck however, he would have to deal with the consequences of his actions. Everything that he said up until now was impulsive, miscalculated, and altogether unfathomable to a noble of his stature. All of this was a huge mistake according to the laws he was taught to uphold.
That moment he realized that he didn't care.
It came as a surprise to Byakuya; his first rebellion in the whole of his existence in Soul Society. It felt good and wrong at the same time; his insides were screaming that his actions meant something while his mind logically informed him that he couldn't have done something more idiotic. One was heavily outweighing the other the scales tipping solely to that of the woman lying next to him.
As if reflexively, she snuggled deeper into his strong arms. They tightened around her as she lightly dozed, her breathing slow and peaceful.
He would defy the rules of Seireitei for her. Hisana meant more to him than anything else.
Better? Worse? Still good? I'd love to have feedback. :)
