Hey guys! It's nice to be back! To everyone who reviewed my last chapter, thank you so much! So much has been going on in my other story, that I needed a bit of ByaSana, so here you are, I hope you enjoy! :D This chapter will be short. Heh, I usually say that and it turns out differently!
The Bed
Ichigo and Karin sat underneath a tree near his division's training grounds. They talked about a lot of things, their experience in the Rukongai, their experience in the Shinigami Academy, Yuzu, their dad, and life as a Shinigami. The broached every topic, both of them clearly happy that they found each other.
Ichigo was immensely relieved when he heard that Yuzu was a part of the Fourth Division; he really couldn't see Yuzu fighting. Ichigo glanced sideways at Karin; well, he couldn't see Karin fighting either, it was too weird. Then again, he shouldn't underestimate his little sister, but she was so young; she was way too young. Maybe he should test her, just to see if she could take care of herself.
"Hey Karin, how about we spar." Ichigo suddenly said, getting up. Karin looked up at him.
"Spar? Now?" She asked, getting up as well and following him to the middle of the grounds.
"Yeah, you do know the name of your Zanpakuto right?" He asked her. Karin frowned at him.
"Of course I know her name. Suko is still a little hard to control, but I'm getting there." Karin said, unsheathing her katana. Ichigo took hold of his Zanpakuto and pointed it at his sister, something he never thought he'd do. Ever.
"Alright then, how about we give it a go?" He asked, "I'll go easy on you."
He noticed that his words made Karin scowl. "Take it easy on me? I'm not weak you know…" She told him. Ichigo shrugged.
"I bet you're not that strong either." He told her.
Karin glared at her older brother. "We'll see, Ichigo." She said.
She initiated the fight first.
Ichigo was taken completely by surprise by her reiatsu flaring. Why hadn't he noticed it before? It's not like she was-
"Damn!" He shouted, holding up his Zanpakuto just in time to block her first attack. She got quicker too.
Karin smirked. "You're taking it easy on me, right? I bet you saw that one coming."
Actually, no he didn't, he had let his guard down; he wasn't going to admit that to his little sister. Ichigo tried to counter, but she intercepted his attack. "Karin, how in the hell did you get so strong so quickly?" Ichigo asked as he dodged one of her swings.
"You tell me, I've been trying to figure out where all of this reiatsu comes from." She told him, holding her brother off just in time for her to jump back.
Ichigo gave a smirk. "I have the same problem, but at least you control yours well. I really had no idea you had so much reiatsu hidden away."
"It's called practice, idiot." Karin rolled her eyes.
Renji looked up from the papers he was stacking back up on his desk. There was so much reiatsu coming from outside. A large part of it belonged to Ichigo, but who was the other one? "It seems Kurosaki's younger sibling has the same amount of power he has." Byakuya said in a cool tone, not looking up from his work.
"His little sister? No way." He said, stacking the last sheets of paper a little to crookedly before heading out of the office. He wasn't the only one felt it, when he reached the training grounds, a few squad members were already watching the sparring session between Ichigo and the young girl. Renji pushed passed the crowd and stood to watch.
Karin dodged away and jumped back again, this time, clutching her shoulder. He nicked her. Karin wiped the blood off her hands with her Shinigami robes before gripping Suko tightly. Well, at least he wasn't taking it easy on her anymore, because that had really pissed her off.
"You know, you may be strong, but I don't think you'll stand a chance." Ichigo called out to her. She glowered at him. "Call out Zanpakuto, release it."
Karin stared at her brother, then shook her head. "That's not a good idea, Ichigo. I already told you, Suko is still a little hard to control and," Karin took in her surroundings. "This really isn't a good place to release her."
"Why not? You'll get a chance to practice, come on." He then looked at her mockingly. "Unless you can't and you're just making excuses."
"You asshole." She told him, glaring. "Don't think you've won just yet."
He was taunting her, she knew it, and she was falling for it. "Che, I think I have." He finally said.
"You are so going to eat your words, Ichigo." Karin said.
"Then come at me." He told her.
"Burn these tainted lands!" Karin cried, raising her Zanpakuto. "Sukochibaipa!"
Ichigo watched the air around him began to grow thick and hot, the waves of heat emitting from Karin's Zanpakuto.
The spectators took several steps back, trying to get away from the sudden heat, but it was no use, it was too hot. Renji spotted the grass around Karin's feet and wilt and turn black as she glared at her brother. Her Zanpakuto turned red as flames suddenly engulfed it, with her hand and all, but she didn't look like she was in pain; instead, she looked like she was trying hard to concentrate.
Ichigo felt the sweat run down his face as the temperature rose. He watched as Karin raised her Zanpakuto and swung, sending a large fiery whip towards him. He jumped out of the way at the last minute, but the flames still singed a part of his robes, burning his arm slightly. "Not bad, Karin." Ichigo said.
"I'm not done yet." She grinned. "Don't underestimate your little sister, Ichigo."
"What-?" He stopped, however, when he felt immense heat approaching from behind him. Ichigo turned in time to face the fiery whip that had come back to attack him once more. However, it wasn't a whip that was coming after him.
It was a large snake made out of blazing fire.
…
Hisana took in a large breath, enjoying the cool, crisp air as she tended to her garden. She felt content, livelier even, ever since Byakuya had promised her that he'd look after Rukia. She was going to be safe, Hisana could relax. She looked up at the sky; the sun was setting, it'd be dinner soon. She stood up from the ground and wiped her dirty hands on her kimono, leaving ugly smudges. She stopped when felt eyes on her. She turned and froze when she saw a couple of maids looking at her nervously.
Standing next to them was Ginrei Kuchiki.
Hisana stood there rather awkwardly, completely covered in dirt, with grass stains on her kimono. Goodness, she didn't want to know how her face looked like. Hisana quickly gave a small bow. "M-My Lord, what a surprise."
"Is this your garden." He asked, approaching her. Hisana stared at him as he studied her work. If he was at all bothered by her appearance, he didn't show it.
"Yes, sir, it's a pass time." Hisana murmured, clutching her kimono tightly as avoided his gaze.
"No need to feel shame, Hisana." Ginrei suddenly told her, making her look up. He met her gaze, a dim light in his eyes. "My wife used to be the same."
Hisana blinked at the old Lord before smiling slightly. "Thank you, Lord Ginrei."
"I hope my sudden stay for dinner isn't much trouble." He said, taking Hisana by surprise.
"Dinner?"
"Has Byakuya not told you?" Ginrei asked. Just then, Tamiko dashed past the other maids and ran towards them. She bowed immediately, facing Ginrei.
"My Lord! You're back from your trip, let me set up a room for you, here in the main house." Tamiko said. Room? He was staying for a visit? The Kuchiki estate held several living quarters for the entire family, however, the main house was reserved for the current Kuchiki Head and his family; in this case, Byakuya and Hisana and a few of the maids and helpers.
Gave a small nod and Tamiko nodded, dashing off again. Ginrei turned back to Hisana. "I will be staying for a few days before leaving again, if it's an inconvenience-"
"It's not an inconvenience at all!" Hisana cut him off. If he returned from some business, why stay in the main house? It didn't make any sense. "You'll be joining us for dinner? Then I better go wash up quickly." She told him. Joining them for dinner? She hadn't shared a meal with Byakuya since they were married. Of course, she was too embarrassed to tell Ginrei any of that.
"I will await for my grandson to return in his study. If you'll excuse me." He said, leaving. When he left, Hisana wet to go bathe, getting help from the maids. When she had finished, Tamiko came in with a new kimono.
"Thank you, is Byakuya home yet?" Hisana asked as Tamiko helped her into her kimono.
"Yes, he arrived a few minutes ago." She told Hisana. "I guess that's why he's home only, since his grandfather arrived."
Hisana looked at herself in the mirror as Tamiko silently worked on her kimono. "There's really no choice, is there? I'll be forced to join them for dinner."
Tamiko looked up at Hisana in surprise. "Really? Why now all of a sudden, Lady Hisana?"
"I don't want to come off as rude, at least not to Lord Ginrei. He's one of Father's good friends, the least I can do is play the role of a proper wife." Hisana explained. "Only until he leaves, if the Kuchiki family would to find out about my current relationship with Byakuya-"
"They won't be too happy, yes, it makes sense." Tamiko said quietly. "They'll pressure the two of you into giving them an heir."
Hisana's face flushed. "Yes, and I don't want any trouble. This is for the best, at least for now."
When Tamiko finished, she looked up at Hisana and smiled. "There you go! You look beautiful!" She then smirked. "Enough to catch a certain lord's attention."
Instead of feeling embarrassed, Hisana countered. "Becoming rather bold, aren't we?"
"Eh? Right, pardon my rudeness!" Tamiko suddenly cried, bowing deeply. Hisana laughed at the girl.
"I kid." She told her. Tamiko looked up, frowning slightly.
"Not funny, I still don't know how to act around you, you know. I lived here and served the Kuchiki's since I was born, I've never made friends with one of them." Tamiko said. Hisana beamed at her.
"Why not start now?" She then ruffled Tamiko's hair.
"Hey!"
…
"Byakuya where is your wife?" Ginrei asked as they gathered around for dinner. Byakuya wondered if his grandfather would lecture him if he ever found about Hisana's attempts at distancing herself. What would his grandfather say if he found out they don't even sleep in the same room. He wouldn't hear the end of it, especial if the entire family ever knew.
Byakuya looked up has grandfather. "She's-"
"I'm here, pardon for the wait." Hisana suddenly appeared, with Tamiko right behind her. "It's my fault for rolling in the dirt in the first place." She caught Byakuya's eye before quickly turning to Ginrei.
Dinner was quiet, but when Hisana did converse, it was mostly with Ginrei. He asked about her family, and Hisana replied wholeheartedly. Byakuya merely kept to himself, speaking only when spoken to, but other than that, he was quiet. "Your sister, Hisana, how is she?" Ginrei asked. Hisana's hand faltered, hitting her plate slightly. Byakuya's eyes flickered toward her, but Hisana quickly covered herself up a smile.
"She's doing well, thank you for asking. Rukia came to the decision of becoming a Shinigami." She told him.
"Did she now? Has she applied for the entrance exam?" Ginrei asked.
Hisana nodded slowly. "She told me she was going to this morning. I have yet to find out if she was accepted."
Ginrei studied her before answering. "Would you be happy if she wasn't accepted into the academy?"
Hisana stared up at him, before looking downcast, smiling sadly. "Would you consider me selfish if I said yes?"
"I wouldn't."
Hisana looked up at Byakuya, who had spoken. He watched her, with his cold, emotionless eyes. The image of what happened in his office flashed into her mind so suddenly, it surprised, making her look away. She felt the heat run up her cheeks.
"T-Thank you." She said rather softly.
Again, nothing was said for a while, but Ginrei turned to Hisana once more. "Are you treated well, Hisana?" He asked. She knew what he was really asking.
Are you happy?
Hisana wasn't going to lie, she felt lonely. However, the past few days haven't been completely horrible. The maids and helpers of the main house were starting to warm up, and not to mention Tamiko, always keeping her company. She then thought about her garden, and the joy it brought her. Even Byakuya, her views towards him have become…less hateful and more, confusing.
She smiled at Ginrei. "Yes." She told him. "I'm treated exceptionally well."
When dinner was over, a maid approached them, bowing. "My Lord, a message came for you, and it awaits in your study." She told Byakuya.
"Very well." He said, giving a nod, dismissing her. "I won't be long, if you'll excuse me." He said, leaving them without another word. Hisana stood there suddenly until Ginrei addressed her.
"It's late, if you wish, I'll escort you to your room." He said.
Hisana smiled him. "Oh, yes, of course. Thank you." She said without thinking. It wasn't until they left the dining area that she began to secretly panic. Did he know? Did Ginrei know about their current sleeping arrangements? What if he didn't, will he be troubled at the fact that she isn't sharing a room with a her husband. Will he inform her father?
She couldn't take any chances.
They walked to Byakuya's room in silence. Her heart beating furiously the closer they got. What would Byakuya say if he found her there? Would he understand the situation? No, Hisana would make sure to sneak out when Ginrei retired to his own room. "Luckily my room is adjacent to yours, it'll save me a trip." He told her.
Plan A: Failed.
He would definitely hear her for sure; he was no fool.
When they reached the room, Hisana forced a smile. "Thank you for accompanying me, and please, make yourself at home."
"Thank you, and good night, Hisana." He said.
"Good night." She said, entering Byakuya's room and shutting the door behind her. Hisana's throat went dry when she stood in the darkened room. It was so alien for her. She had only been there once, and that was when she was recovering from her wound.
"Eat." He ordered once her food was brought. Hisana looked down at the plate of food. Tamiko and Rukia had left the room after receiving a piercing glare from the captain.
"Honest, I'm not hungry-"
"Eat." He said again, a little more firmly. He stood there, watching her, and would continue watching her until she ate all of her food. Hisana felt a little uneasy at being watched.
She ate in silence, averting his gaze and thinking about how he had saved her from that horrifying hollow. She really didn't think he'd go through the trouble of checking on her. Then again, he probably felt that it was his duty to take care of his wife. Hisana finished the last of her tea, and placed it back on the tray.
"Tamiko." Byakuya called, and almost immediately, Tamiko entered the room. She wordlessly took the tray, and gave Hisana a sympathetic look before leaving the room.
"Now, rest." He said.
Must he be so demanding?
"Byakuya, really, I feel-" She was suddenly cut off when Byakuya leaned forward, making her quickly lie down. She stared up at him as he carefully covered her with the sheets of his bed.
"Why is it that I always have to repeat myself with you? Rest." He told her again.
"Alright…"
Hisana placed a tentative hand on the bed. Then, she silently got on and placed her head on one of the pillows. She couldn't stay, she had to find a way to sneak out without being noticed. If she was quiet enough, she could sneak past Ginrei's room. Perhaps should she wait for Byakuya? Explain the situation to him first? Yes, she should wait for him.
She turned over and clutched the pillows tightly. Closing her eyes, she tried to take in the music of the night. She heard the gently passing of the wind, and the splashing of water. The birds sang their last song. She took in a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but it only made her nervous, making her aware of where exactly she was; his scent was everywhere.
…
Byakuya wordlessly stared down at the letter. It was from Hisana's father, informing him of the events that were about to pass.
Byakuya,
I apologize for burdening you with what I am about to tell you. However, I feel the need to bid you a favor. I have been given a few days before the illness takes my life, and I fear for the fate of my family. Soon, they will be left at your mercy and I hope you will take them in. My wife and Rukia will be at a loss, and I fear for Hisana as well, since she is closest to me; take care of them. I beg you, protect my family. It is a selfish request, but I'm an old man, and I have no one else to turn to in these times.
I await your reply,
Lord Miyoshi
…
Rangiku was about to shut the door to her division's barracks when she caught sight of someone. Karin darted through the doors, and Rangiku grabbed her robes, catching the young girl in surprise.
"Hey, I almost shut you out, where have you been?" Rangiku asked. Rangiku really couldn't help her asking, the girl intrigued her. She then saw that her hands were black and frowned as she turned back to the young Kurosaki girl. Karin was covered in black soot, her face held smudges, as well as dried blood. Her robes were singed, but she didn't have any burns. "What happened?"
"I was sparring with my brother, nothing to worry about." Karin shrugged, dusting herself off.
"It seems to me that it was more than that." Rangiku told her, taking in the state of her robes.
"Wait until the captain of the Sixth Division takes a look of his training grounds." Karin replied.
…
Byakuya made his way back to his room, and entered it. The second he stepped in, however, he caught sight of another form. Hisana was there, asleep on his bed. What on earth was the woman doing in his room? What had she been thinking? He noticed that she was acting rather strange throughout the day.
He turned away from her as he began to undress in order to get ready for bed.
Unless she was aware of the predicament they were in. If his grandfather ever found out about what was really going on, there would be a problem indeed. If that were the case, he really couldn't complain. He approached his bed and knew that it was going to be a problem. He never had anyone else sleep beside him, and it wasn't going to be easy getting accustomed to the fact. A stranger sleeping next to him. Then again, Hisana wasn't a stranger.
She was his wife.
As he gently pulled the covers away, he watched her for a few seconds. The soft scent of lavender reached him, and when he slipped under the covers, she shifted slightly. He immediately felt the heat of her body, and came across another problem as he tried to move as far from her as possible.
He moved a lot in his sleep.
…
Hisana's eyes flew open when she felt someone's hot breath touching the back of her neck. Her eyes widely took in her surroundings, and she remembered where she was. She was in Byakuya's room, but how long had she been asleep? The soft chirping of the birds told her that it was morning, but the sun hadn't risen yet. She felt his breath again, sending shivers down her spine. He was in bed with her, and he was unbearably close. It felt like her heart was about to burst from her chest.
She was in bed with a man.
Well, at least it was her husband, but still…
Ignoring the uncomfortable feeling of something digging into her side, her hands quietly came out from under the covers, and she proceeded to move them away. However, she froze when one of her hands came in contact with his. Yes, he was way too close…
If she moved too much, she would awaken him, and if that happened, she wouldn't be able to face him. She would be too humiliated. Perhaps it would be best if she kept still, he was an early riser, maybe it won't be long before he awoke? She slowly covered herself again, just as he moved again. She felt his forehead touch her head, his chest pressed against her back, and his hand moved away, luckily for her, but his other…? Hisana was now acutely away of his arm, which was underneath her.
How on earth did that happen!
Did she roll on it in her sleep? Sure enough, she could feel his hand protruding from underneath her, and if she attempted to roll over out of bed, well, his fingers would touching…
"Rolling over is out of the question…" Hisana whispered to herself, clutching her chest protectively. Why did she have to wake up first? Why?
Several minutes of torture passed before she felt him move again. Was he awake? He attempted to sit up, but stopped. She froze. He tried to move his arm away, but it seemed like he didn't want to wake her. Hisana was too nervous to let him know that she was already awake. She then felt Byakuya place a hand on her shoulder, and tried to roll her over, and she panicked. If he rolled her over, his hand…!
Byakuya stopped and released her, obviously noticing what would happen if he continued. Now she definitely wasn't going to let him know that she was awake. She felt him try to pull his arm from underneath her. That's when she felt his other arm wrap around her waist, lifting her slightly so he could move his arm away. When it was freed, he released her.
Hisana breathed a sigh of relief whenever he left the bed, hoping that the other nights wouldn't be as horrifying.
They were.
One thing she noticed about Byakuya, was that he moved everywhere when he slept. She would have preferred snoring instead of waking up with him being so close to her, touching her. She always awoke first, and she cursed herself for it.
…
It wasn't until a few days of sharing the same room that Byakuya noticed a change. It was his room, that screamed of her, even when she wasn't in at the moment. He noted that a few of her things made their way into his room each day that passed. His small tables, desk, and drawers held trinkets that belonged to her. Hairpins, brushes, some jewelry (that she never wore, why those in his room again?) and certain oils that gave her that lavender smell. Speaking of lavender, that scent was everywhere in his room now.
He was waking up later than usual as well. Before, Byakuya would be awake long before the sun peeked over the horizon, now? Now the sun flashed it's golden rays triumphantly as the young lord annoyingly made his way to his division, late.
Just how long was his grandfather going to stay there, anyway?
Byakuya was late again. Hisana entered the room and was mildly surprised to find him there. "I thought you left already."
"I can't seem to find my kenseikan." He reluctantly admitted, glaring at the small table located next to their-his bed.
"Maybe it's in one of your drawers?" She asked him.
"Nonsense, I specifically remember placing my kenseikan here on the table." He told her. Hisana frowned at him.
"I've seen you put it in your drawer before, you probably don't remember." She said.
Byakuya glared at her slightly. "I think I would know where I put my belongings."
"Byakuya, have you checked in your drawer at all, yet?" Hisana asked, crossing her arms.
"Woman, I don't need to check, I know my kenseikan isn't there." He told her. Hisana moved past him as she made her way to one of the drawers. After digging around for a bit, she held up his kenseikan in her hand.
"Listen to your wife next time." She told him. Byakuya wordlessly took it from her hand, ignoring her smug look.
"It was an honest mistake." He finally said, after placing on his kenseikan.
Hisana sat on their-his bed and watched him put on his haori. She clasped her hands together, and smiled slightly when he opened another drawer, and frowned. He looked like he was contemplating on something, until he turned to her. "Where's my-?"
"In the dresser." She replied, not needing to know what he was asking for. Byakuya went to the dresser and opened it, seeing his scarf neatly tugged away. He wrapped it around his neck, obviously annoyed about something.
"Byakuya, if you want, I can wake you so you won't be late." Hisana told him. "Again."
"I don't need you to awaken me, I'm capable of doing it myself." He said.
Hisana frowned. "You're so like Rukia, stubborn and proud." Byakuya didn't bother to answer as he left the room.
One good thing that came out of sharing a room with Byakuya, was that she learned a few things about him. He wasn't as intimidating, and she felt braver. He was just like any other man out there, easily angered, and easily flustered. Hisana stared at the wall and smiled to herself when she caught sight of something.
He had forgotten Senbonzakura.
Ahhh, I enjoyed writing that. So far, this chapter is my favorite! :D I hope you like it as much as I do! Writing about them already acting like husband and wife is very fun! I sort of wrote this in preparation for the next one, since it's going to be really sad. I bet you can guess what it's going to be about. I apologize for any mistakes! :D xD :) :P
